Ankara, Türkiye: Chief Ombudsman of Türkiye and President of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), Mr. Mehmet Akarca, received a delegation from the Ankara City Council led by its President, Mr. Halil İbrahim Yılmaz, during a visit to the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye.
The meeting was attended by Public Ombudsmen Mr. Abdullah Cengiz Makas and Mr. Özcan Yıldız, alongside members of the Ankara City Council Board and representatives from the business community.
During the meeting, Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca provided an overview of the mandate, activities, and achievements of the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye, highlighting its role in promoting citizens’ rights and strengthening access to justice through effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Mr. Akarca emphasized that the Ombudsman Institution serves as a rights-based platform that facilitates constructive dialogue between citizens and public administration. He underscored the importance of effective use of legal and administrative remedies in strengthening the rule of law, enhancing public trust, and promoting principles of good governance.
The Chief Ombudsman also highlighted the institution’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of rights awareness and encourage citizens to actively utilize available mechanisms for the protection of their rights and interests.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Ankara City Council President Mr. Halil İbrahim Yılmaz praised the work of the Ombudsman Institution and acknowledged its significant contribution to strengthening democratic culture and citizen participation.
He noted that the institution’s citizen-centered approach and publications are closely followed and appreciated, particularly for their role in raising public awareness regarding citizens’ rights and accountability mechanisms.
The discussions further highlighted the importance of cooperation between public institutions, local governance bodies, and civil society organizations in promoting democratic values, transparency, and citizen engagement.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Chief Ombudsman Mehmet Akarca presented the Ombudsman Institution’s Annual Report to Ankara City Council President Mr. Halil İbrahim Yılmaz as a symbol of continued dialogue and institutional cooperation.
The visit reflects the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening public awareness, promoting good governance, and fostering collaborative approaches that enhance the protection of citizens’ rights and democratic participation.
