As part of a project which has been running since his entering upon duties, Ombudsman Máté Szabó will explore the issue of children’s right to a healthy environment in 2013

Ombudsperson Raymonde Saint-Germain called for greater transparency and equity from public managers given the many gaps between the commitments written into policies, programs and action plans and what citizens really experience. "Due to the lack of sufficient resources to meet public needs, the services truly offered often are less accessible than what is touted in programs. The result is delays, disparities, interrupted services and poor performance," said Raymonde Saint-Germain. The annual report contains numerous examples of the gaps between the slate of services supposed to be provided and what exists in the real world.

The Victorian Ombudsman George Brouwer recently expressed strong concern regarding the Integrity and Accountability Amendment Bill 2012 and the Protected Disclosure Bill 2012, having significant impact on the operation of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Peter Shoyer started his new function as Ombudsman for the Northern Territory in Australia on 20 November 2012.

Patrick Anthony (Tony) McCourt was recently appointed as the new Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The Ombudsman was selected following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.

According to the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights Elmira Suleymanova, the members of Guba Regional Office of NPM established in accordance with Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment conducted visit to temporary detention place of Gusar District Police Office Detainees were interviewed; their rights were explained to them.

The IOI held a very successful World Conference in Wellington, New Zealand from 12 to 16 November 2012. As a forum for Ombudsman Institutions, the IOI World Conference once again enabled colleagues from around the world to meet and to share their experience and expertise.

At its Wellington meeting held on 15 November 2012, the IOI Board of Directors held elections to the Executive Committee of the IOI.