What is the Ombudsman?

The Greek Ombudsman is by law an Independent Authority, set up in 1997, to protect citizens' rights. It is accountable to the Greek Parliament, and its services are free.

One of the departments within the office of the Greek Ombudsman has the role of the Children's Rights Ombudsman in Greece. It was set up in 2003, and its mission is to defend the rights of all the children and young people under 18.

The Ombudsman:

• Looks into specific cases where the rights of individual children are not being respected -these cases are called complaints- by institutions or individuals and proposes ways of protection
• Makes en effort to help everyone to get to know the rights of children, first of all the children themselves
• Makes sure that children and young people participate and that their voices are heard in matters that concern them
• Checks to see if the laws concerning children are being respected, and makes proposals to the government to improve the law for children
• Meets with children and young people in schools, institutions and youth clubs, discusses with them about their rights, their problems and the issues that affect them, and listens to their views and ideas

The Ombudsman does not play...

• The role of other child protection services or agencies, e.g. Public Prosecutor or social services. However, the Ombudsman works together with these services whenever necessary.
• The miracle-worker! You need to know your rights, and use the help of people you trust!

You are also responsible and have a say in protecting your rights!

Legislation

Constitution 2001

Law No. 3094/2003

Presidential Decree No. 273