A/HRC/7/69 page 34 • Ombudsman institutions should engage in exchanging information on approaches, experiences and best practices with international and regional networks and international partners which have a specific mandate in this respect. • It was recognized that ombudsman institutions in the region operate within a variety of mandates and resource limitations. The following recommendations are intended to present aspirations in the work of these institutions. A. Cooperation between ombudsman institutions and the public administration 1. To ensure the proper functioning of a democratic society, the public administration should have an effective working relationship with ombudsman institutions and operate in the service of its citizens. The administration should also be given sufficient space to clarify a situation brought to its attention by the ombudsman institution. 2. Ombudsman institutions should play an important role in addressing maladministration, which is often due to legislative gaps. 3. Ombudsman institutions should address maladministration through proposals for legislative amendments or capacity building initiatives to improve the quality of the work output of public administration staff. 4. Ombudsman institutions should play a role in improving the quality of public administration through individual complaints-handling, the issuing of special reports, training of administrators and personal contact with administrators. 5. The public administration should establish a level of cooperation with the ombudsman institution that is timely, adequate and responsive to the recommendations submitted to it by the ombudsman institution. The public administration is also obliged to cooperate with the ombudsman institution by providing it with information and facilitating its investigations. 6. Ombudsman institutions should ensure engagement with persons whose rights have been violated, through ongoing outreach and awareness-raising activities. 7. In the case of a public administration’s non-compliance with the ombudsman institution’s recommendations, the latter should, where appropriate and after careful consideration, explore additional avenues - including the media - to ensure compliance. B. The role of parliament as a partner to the ombudsman institution 8. Parliaments should establish an appropriate legislative framework for the establishment of an ombudsman institution, in accordance with the Paris Principles. 9. Parliaments should ensure the highest standards regarding the election process and nomination of the ombudsman. 10. Ombudsman institutions should engage in awareness-raising activities for parliamentarians on international human rights, as well as the mandate and work of the ombudsman institution.