The ombudsman can advise you of your rights and responsibilities, but cannot provide legal advice. The ombudsman does not advocate for any side in a conflict and may not participate in any formal investigation, hearing, or process.
The word ‘ ombudsman ’ dates back to 1809when the Swedish Parliament created a new official known as the Justitie-Ombudsman, referring to public officials appointed to investigate citizens’ complaints against governmental agencies. Ombudsman loosely translates as ‘ citizen’s defender ’ or ‘ representative of thepeople ’. In Swedish the word – ‘ ombudsman’ is without gender and can indicate a person of either sex. However, it is becoming common to use the term ombudsperson in lieu of ombudsman.
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