19th January 2023 Tongans are now benefitting from a new digital solution for more efficient public access to information and public reporting through the renewed website of the Office of the Ombudsman. A new digital function, the online complaint system that has been added to the website enables any one to lodge complaints online regarding any government services that fall within the jurisdiction of the Tongan Ombudsman’s Office. The digital advancement is supported through the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC) funded by New Zealand Government and implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
The complaints lodgment through the Ombudsman’s Office used to be made only through a printed hard copy of the form that needs to be submitted to the Office in person or by mail. The new digital system, which makes it easier for the public to make complaints online, also allows for better recording and analysis of complaints lodged and official responses, and improved public reporting of the Tonga Ombudsman Office.
The new digital complaints system adds a more efficient way for the Office to provide an impartial and effective complaints resolution service while promoting access to Information. It will enable the Office to promote best practices in public administration through integrity, good governance, transparency and accountability.
Access official information as a critical tool to improve government transparency and accountability and reduce corruption. The Right to Information is also specifically referred to in the UN Convention against Corruption, the only legally binding multilateral international anti-corruption treaty, to which Tonga is a party since February 2020 among other 188 state parties (as of 18 November 2021).
Technically upgraded with user-centred design, the website also provides higher accessibility: complying with Tonga’s official Disability Policy; designed for low-bandwidth users; with cutting-edge World Wide Web (WWW) standards; secure; and has Tongan translation (the primary language is English).
We thank UNPRAC, UNDP and the New Zealand government for your generous support behind this initiative.
More information about the Office of the Ombudsman Tonga and the online complaints lodgement is accessible on https://ombudsman.to/. The technical services for the website upgrade were provided by Solutions Studio Fiji.
Media contact: Nanise Fifita, Communication & Media Officer, Office of the Ombudsman Tonga | Email: info@ombudsman.to | Phone +676740145 Issued on Wednesday, 18 January 2023.