The International Ombudsman Institute provides support to Ombudsman institutions, including when they are NHRIs. 

The IOI is the only global organization representing more than 200 independent national, regional and local Ombudsman institutions from more than 100 countries worldwide. The IOI is committed to promoting the Ombudsman concept through a variety of ways: It raises awareness and encourages the creation of Ombudsman institutions where they do not exist. It promotes information exchange and helps members build capacity by way of shared learning and training. The IOI funds research and projects that are of importance to its members and supports Ombudsman institutions that have come under threat or that operate under difficult circumstances. In its ongoing cooperation with international partner organizations, the IOI considers policy areas that are of importance to its members.

The IOI’s support is limited to Ombudsman institutions only. These include Ombudsman institutions with an NHRI mandate. 

Action to support the member institution: 

• Internal letter from IOI to government / parliament etc. (to ensure accelerated and more discreet action)  
• Open letter addressing the matter to the body in question 
• Open statement to express IOI concern (for attention of broader public, e.g. publication on website etc.) 
• Cooperation and coordination of action with relevant national or regional stakeholders (e.g. regional Ombudsman associations and networks, including ENNHRI)  
• Involvement of international partners (e.g. UN, OHCHR, World Bank etc.) 
• Establish a Commission of Enquiry to take evidence, in the country concerned if necessary, and report to the Executive Committee  
• Sending an IOI delegation to study the problem on the field  
• Delivering a press release  
• Preparing and publishing a report on the situation with IOI recommendations 
• Funding and other direct support in line with the IOI’s Crisis Fund Guideline. 

For more detailed information, please consult chapter 4 in the IOI Guidelines on the support to colleagues under threat.