Latin American ombudsman-state relations face threats

Significance

The institition emerged, often at the recommendation of multilateral organisations, out of moves to strengthen nascent democracies by building mechanisms to link the state with the public and protect human rights. Although ombudsmen enjoy high degrees of autonomy and are usually protected constitutionally, they have often fallen victim to political influence.

Impacts

• Post-pandemic socioeconomic problems will increase risks of protest and repression region-wide, underlining a need for effective ombudsmen.
• Where ombudsmen vigorously defend human rights, they are liable to clash with governments on issues such as the policing of dissent.
• Political fragmentation will make consensual appointments difficult.