The work of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman oversees the legality of actions taken by the authorities mainly by investigating complaints received.
In addition, the Office of the Ombudsman receives large numbers of enquiries and written communications that are not classed as complaints. In these members of the public are served and advised by on-duty legal experts at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Investigations and inspections In his work the Ombudsman concentrates on promoting fundamental and human rights. Also when he makes presentations, issues statements or writes articles, he emphasises the importance of these rights in the performance of public tasks and legislative drafting. The Ombudsman actively provides the public with information about his activities. Ombudsmen in different countries cooperate on a regular basis. In Finland, the Ombudsman maintains contacts with major nongovernmental organisations.
Illegalities or shortcomings can come to the Ombudsman's attention also through other channels. In such cases he can take matters under investigation on his own initiative.
The Ombudsman also conducts on-site investigations in public offices and institutions. He has a special duty to make regular inspection visits to prisons and other institutions, such as psychiatric hospitals, in which persons can be confined against their will. Other places visited are units of the Defence Forces and Border Guard.
The instruments of communication used are, in addition to public service and advice, press releases about decisions by the Ombudsman, brochures and the annual report submitted to the Eduskunta. These publications are also available in electronic form.
