Ombudsman Offices shouldn’t get off-side with the Government

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 06 SEPTEMBER 2022:  The New Zealand’s Ombudsman who is also the Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Misa Peter Boshier has a simple message for Ombudsman offices in the Pacific and that is “not to get off-side with the Government.”

Misa was asked about potential political interference with the independence of the Ombudsman’s work and he agreed that sometimes that happened.

“In the Pacific, the Ombudsman treads a fine line between doing the right thing by the people and not getting offside with the Government. There is an issue of balance and making sure that you retain your credibility with the Government and that you stay on line,” said Misa.

He also said there are times in the Pacific that the Ombudsman’s work proved critical and cited a case in Vanuatu 10 years ago where several Government officials were sent to prison following the Ombudsman’s investigation on corrupt practices.

“There is a time when the Ombudsman shines a light on practices which are not acceptable,” said Misa.

Difficult dealings with Government agencies
Misa pointed out the challenges faced by people in dealing with Government bureaucracy.

“It took some time trying to get an answer to a question, a decision, and trying to get fairness from the Government agencies can be really difficult, so the Ombudsman is there to help navigate so the people can get answers when they have problems,” said Misa.

“When there is a decision that is not the right one, the Ombudsman can help investigate it further,” he said.

Misa is visiting with a delegation of five and is conducting training with the staff of Samoa’s Ombudsman office and he referred to the strong relationship between the Samoa and New Zealand office.

NZ Ombudsman Misa Peter Boshier, his delegation and Samoa’s Ombudsman Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu and staff after the Ava ceremony to welcome the visitors.

He believes the reason why the Samoan office is so effective is because of the respect of the people and Government and of the Ombudsman office respecting the Government, and such a relationship is very important.

A major part of the training session is on human rights and will include a visit to the Tanumalala prison.

“It is really important that the prisoners, although they are in prison, have rights,” he said.

“We will be using our skills and knowledge to help the office to work even better and more effectively and give all the support that we can,” he said.

There will also be an event with United Nations offices in Samoa where they will discuss where the UN may fit in with that.

Human Rights and Culture
Misa agrees that there is always a challenge there.

He referred to the survey conducted in Samoa 5 years ago on domestic violence which highlighted a lot of issues stemming from cultural factors.

He said the survey highlighted that a lot of women need assistance and the issues involved are not only sensitive but hurtful to talk about.

He said such issues and challenges are part of the session set down for their weeklong training.

Misa has been in Samoa before where he was bestowed the Misa title in 2000 at Falelatai and he is happy to be back in Samoa for two reasons.

One is to introduce and welcome Samoa’s new Ombudsman, Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu and to be part of the 60^th independence celebrations.

He said it is important for the public to know about the Ombudsman and the assistance the Ombudsman’s office can provide the people.