THE ROLE OF THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS WITH A FOCUS ON NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

The ombudsman institution is a vital and crucial mechanism in modern democratic states, established to safeguard citizen’s rights, ensure public administration accountability, and prevent violations of fundamental rights. It serves as a mediator between citizens and public institutions, resolving complaints and enhancing public service quality. In the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ombudsman operates within a legal and constitutional framework, tasked with protecting constitutional rights, ensuring compliance with the law, and addressing grievances effectively. The institution investigates violations by state bodies and public service providers, advocating for citizen’s rights and preventing discrimination. This study evaluates the structure, functioning, and effectiveness of the Ombudsman institution in North Macedonia, addressing its historical development, theoretical foundations, and practical implementation through a comparative approach. It also highlights the challenges faced by the institution and provides recommendations for enhancing its efficiency. A detailed analysis of the Ombudsman institution’s structural and functional characteristics is essential to strengthening justice, transparency, and trust in state-citizen relations. The study emphasizes the importance of these improvements for reinforcing the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights in North Macedonia.