Public Protector Caroline Sokoni led a three-member Zambian delegation to the 16th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for Armed Forces, which took place in Berlin, Germany from 30th September to 2nd October 2024.
Mrs. Sokoni said the conference aimed to raise awareness and facilitate exchange of knowledge and best practices adding that it also supported the articulation of future policy responses among Ombuds institutions to address the challenges arising from increasing demands in the armed forces today.
The conference drew upon lessons from previous meetings and fostered a dynamic environment that is conducive to new insights and ideas. Good practices shared during the conference were expected to be endorsed by participants in a non-binding conference statement at the close of the conference.
The conference was held under the theme: “The Armed Forces under Pressure, Ombuds Institutions and Duty of Care to Service Members.” The other two Zambian delegation members were Director General Army Legal Services Colonel Mwizukanji Namwawa and the Chief Investigations Officer in the office of the Public Protector Mr. Victor Siulanda. The senior Military representative was included in order to propel consideration of an institutional ombudsman in the Zambian Defence Forces.
The delegation earlier paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Winnie Natala Chibesakunda for a briefing before embarking on the conference engagements.