A/HRC/7/69 page 35 11. Parliaments and ombudsman institutions should develop an effective working relationship with the goal of promoting and protecting human rights. 12. Parliament should ensure that adequate resources and facilities are provided to the ombudsman institution to enable it to perform its functions effectively. 13. The ombudsman institution should be under a statutory obligation to submit annual reports to Parliament, as well as special reports in cases where a human rights issue requires urgent attention. 14. The annual and special reports of an ombudsman institution should be sent to Parliament and other State entities promptly, so as to increase transparency and awareness. 15. The annual and special reports should be debated in Parliament promptly, and the Government’s response to the reports should be tabled in Parliament promptly. 16. Parliamentarians should invite the ombudsman to meet with them regularly to discuss issues of interest and concern. 17. Parliamentarians should ensure that their constituents, or the public at large, are made aware of the work of the ombudsman institution. 18. Parliamentarians should ensure that part of the mandate of the ombudsman institution is to advise Parliament on the conformity or otherwise of any legislation that may affect the enjoyment of human rights, and to address cases of maladministration. 19. When its mandate allows, an ombudsman institution should advise Parliament on the human rights implications of proposed legislation, constitutional amendments as well as existing laws, and recommend any necessary legislative amendments. 20. Parliamentarians should ensure that recommendations of the ombudsman institution are followed-up. C. The role of the ombudsman institution in post-conflict situations or transition 21. Ombudsman institutions should be endowed with sufficient powers to play an important role in the reform and strengthening of law enforcement institutions - including the police and prison administrations - and in monitoring the application of standards of good governance. 22. Ombudsman institutions should ensure that the administration of justice conforms to human rights standards and provides effective remedies, particularly to minorities and the most vulnerable groups in society. 23. Ombudsman institutions are crucial in developing transitional justice strategies that can ensure accountability for past crimes, and in facilitating the creation of effective mechanisms for reconciliation. 24. Ombudsman institutions play a key role in fighting impunity and addressing critical human rights issues such as torture and arbitrary detention.

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