News and Press Releases

Port Vila, 6 February 2025 – The Office of the Ombudsman has announced a temporary relocation of its operations from Ombudsman Haus on Rue Pasteur to the Govan Building, opposite Vila East School, effective 3rd February 2025. This move is intended to ensure continued access to its services while the Port Vila City Centre undergoes clearance for public accessibility. Once the area is deemed safe, the Ombudsman’s Office will resume its operations at its original location.

The Ombudsman's Office of Vanuatu is delighted to announce the forthcoming visit of New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier, scheduled from August 9th to August 12th, 2023. With a distinguished career as a Judge, Chief Ombudsman Boshier assumed his role in December 2015, bringing to the position a wealth of experience and commitment to justice.

The Ombudsman Office of Vanuatu has completed an extensive enquiry into the appointment of Wade Evans as the Acting Principal of the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) and the subsequent suspension of Charley Mandava and Johnny Garae, members of the VIT staff. A public report summarizing the findings of the enquiry has been issued, highlighting several key points.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hamlison Bulu today Sunday 13th of March 2022 reminded all persons classified as Leaders pursuant to Article 67 of the Constitution, section 5 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP.240], and other appointing authorities that tomorrow Monday 14th of March 2022 is the last day of all Leaders who have not filed their 2021 Annual Returns by 1 March 2022 to file at the Ombudsman Office before close of business tomorrow Monday 14th of March 2022.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr HamlisonBulu has called on all persons who are classified as Leaders according to Article 67 of the Constitution, section 5 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP.240], and other appointing authorities to file their annual returns in order to avoid legal action to be taken on non-filers of annual returns.

On the 17th of December 2017, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu issued a Public Report on the conduct of Bruno Leingkone, the Honourable Minister of Climate Change, Jay Ngwele, the Honourable Minister for Public Utilities and Mr. Martin Mahe, the former Chairman of the Public Services Commission.

More Articles …

  1. First 11 ever Leaders to Appear before the Supreme Court for plea on the charge of Failure to File Annual Returns
  2. Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu Publishes Public Report On the Establishment and Management of the Members Education Support Scheme (MESS) by VNPF Board and the Ministry of Education and Training.
  3. Ombudsman Commences Prosecution of Leaders who failed to File Annual Returns
  4. Ombudsman Conducts Leadership Code Awareness to Senior Executive Officers of Government Ministries and New Directors of Government Departments
  5. Ombudsman Office Engages Final Year Students from the Vanuatu National University on Placement Program
  6. Ombudsman Endorses New Office Staff Manual
  7. Vanuatu Police Force Runs Intelligence Training with Ombudsman Investigators
  8. Vanuatu National Council of Chiefs Request Ombudsman Presentation on Leadership Code and Annual Returns
  9. Public Prosecutor Deliberate with the Ombudsman and Staff on the Proposed Anti-Corruption Council of Minister’s Paper
  10. Ombudsman warns against use of public assets in Provincial elections
  11. Capacity Building and Networking with Other Law Enforcement Agencies Essential to Keep Corruption at Its Lowest Levels
  12. Ombudsman Office Continues to Strengthen its Capacity with the Assistance of the New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Office
  13. Ombudsman Office Strengthens Working Relationship with Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
  14. Ombudsman Takes Part in VBTC Content Consultation
  15. Final Call to File Annual Return
  16. Vanuatu Tourism Office Calls to The Ombudsman Office
  17. Ombudsman Reminded Leaders on 13 Days Period left to Submit Annual Returns
  18. Ombudsman Office Completes 3 days in House Planning Meeting
  19. Ombudsman Participates in Malvatumauri’s Secretariat Stakeholders Meeting
  20. Ombudsman Participates in Parliament Retreat
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