Mozambique Justice Ombudsman Praises Community Dialogue for Improved Service Delivery

During a session in Parliament

Mozambique’s Justice Ombudsman, Isac Chande, has commended community dialogues between citizens and public service providers as a vital mechanism for improving service delivery at the grassroots level. These dialogues, he said, foster constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving.

Chande made the remarks while addressing the Assembly of the Republic during his annual report session, as mandated by law. The Ombudsman is required to present the state of justice in the country to the parliament once every year, around his office's major accomplishments and challenges.

“As part of our partnership with World Vision Mozambique, we led several activities in Gaza Province, including promoting dialogues between public service providers and communities in the districts of Chibuto, Mabalane, Chókwè, Guijá, and Xai-Xai,” said Chande.

During the session, members of parliament and invited guests learned about the Ombudsman’s engagement with the Children’s Parliament.

"The meeting, attended by a representative of the Provincial Governor and directors of various services, provided a platform for children to raise concerns, which were addressed by members of the Provincial Executive Service."

Key challenges highlighted include the need for improved learning conditions in education and universal access to healthcare services.

The Ombudsman also emphasized efforts to combat violence against women and girls. Under the “Every Girl is Capable” program, implemented in Nampula province, Murrupula district, where the Ombudsman’s office disseminated information on its mandate to resolve cases of gender-based violence and address barriers to education for girls.

To strengthen these initiatives, the Justice Ombudsman and World Vision Mozambique signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate with other partners in improving service delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.