Section 6: Functions of Ombudsperson for Children

6. Functions of Ombudsperson for Children In carrying out the duties of his office, the Ombudsperson for Children shall— (a) make proposals to the Minister on legislation, policies and practices regarding services to, or the rights of, children; [Issue 1] O5 – 2 (b) advise the Minister on public and private residential placement facilities and shelters established for the benefit of children; (c) advise public bodies and other institutions responsible for providing care and other services to children on the protection of the rights of children; (d) take such steps as he may deem necessary to ensure that children under the care of, or supervision of, a public body are treated fairly, properly and adequately; (e) propose measures to ensure that the legal rights of children in care are protected and that the placement facilities promote the safety of children and conform with such norms as the Ombudsperson for Children may, from time to time, recommend; (f) initiate an investigation whenever the Ombudsperson for Children considers that there is, has been or is likely to be a violation of the rights of a child; (g) investigate cases relating to the situation of children in the family, in schools and in all other institutions, including private or public bodies, as well as cases of abandoned children or street children; (h) investigate any suspected or reported case of child labour; (i) investigate any case concerning a child who is a citizen of Mauritius and who may be abroad at the time of the investigation, or a child who is not a citizen of Mauritius but who is residing in Mauritius; (j) investigate complaints made by a child, or any other person, in relation to the rights of any child; (k) advise the Minister on the establishment of mechanisms to afford children the ability to express themselves freely, according to their age and maturity, especially on all matters concerning their individual or collective rights; (l) advise the Minister on the creation of partnerships with parents, teachers, non-governmental as well as governmental organisations, local authorities and any other stakeholders committed to the promotion of children’s rights.