The Waka Tangata APOR E-News includes news and views from integrity organisations in the Pacific and Australasian Region. Issue 8 of the Waka Tangata APOR E-news is now available online.

Dr Hayden Thomas, an Honorary Life Member of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), first Ombudsman of Antigua and Barbuda, first President of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association (CAROA) and former Vice-President and Board Director of IOI was recently conferred with the Knight Grand Cross of the most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KGCN), a national honour of Antigua and Barbuda.

New South Wales (NSW) Ombudsman Paul Miller has called for greater visibility of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other machine technology by NSW Government agencies. In a report tabled in Parliament, the Ombudsman has cautioned agencies that using machine technology in ways that do not accord with standards of lawfulness, transparency, fairness and accountability, could lead to findings of maladministration or potentially unlawful conduct.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, commemorated on 25 November, the Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina emphasised that any violence against women and girls is unacceptable and constitutes a serious violation of human rights.

Ambas instituciones impulsarán políticas públicas para combatir la discriminación, xenofobia y el racismo. El acuerdo fue rubricado por el defensor Jorge Henn y la titular del organismo nacional, Victoria Donda.

The African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) – the research and training arm of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) – cordially invites you to a facilitated Zoom discussion on “Ethical, Transparent and Accountable Leadership”, which will take place on 14 December 2021 from 10.00 – 11.30 am SA (GMT+2).

On 30 November 2021, the workshop «Gender y prisons» will take place, organised by the Spanish NPM and the Illustrious College of Lawyers of Alcalá de Henares. After a previous presentation of the main aspects identified in the NPM's «prisons and gender» project, there will be a Zoom discussion with the members of the Bar Association.

La protectrice du citoyen du Québec, Mme Marie Rinfret, vient d’être élue présidente de l’Association des Ombudsmans et Médiateurs de la Francophonie (AOMF) à l’issue de l’assemblée générale virtuelle du jeudi 25 novembre 2021 où ont été élus un nouveau Bureau, Conseil d’administration et Comité des adhésions. Leur mandat sera d’une durée de trois ans.