The Ombudsman of Vanuatu reminds every person defined as a Leader under the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu and the Leadership Code Act [Cap.240] to file their Annual Returns for 2025 with the Office of the Ombudsman no later than 1st March 2026.
The Office of the Ombudsman recently participated in an awareness outreach initiative held on Malekula Island. The program was jointly supported by Vanuatu Transparency International (TIV), in collaboration with the Right to Information (RTI) Unit and the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO).
The Office of the Ombudsman has formally enlisted the support of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) in an active investigation concerning the alleged submission of annual returns false filers. This collaboration is facilitated under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Ombudsman Office and the VPF in 2021.
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr. Hamlison Bulu, accompanied by two officers from his Office, Mr. Joshua Allanson from the Annual return Team and Ms. Melissa Thompson from the Legal Team had the opportunity to meet with the Institutional Affairs Committee of Parliament. This special committee comprises with Members of Parliament representing both the Government and the Opposition, working collaboratively to address matters of institutional significance.
On 2nd October 2025 at around 1:00 am, Investigator Mr. Richard Michael experienced a tragic house fire that resulted in the complete loss of his home.
On 10 August 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman conducted its inaugural sports activity at the Korman Sport Complex as part of its year-round wellness program. This initiative aims to promote staff wellbeing and support Officers efforts to reduce the non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Following the recent provincial elections, all newly elected councilors are reminded of their legal obligation under Section 31(2)(a) of the Leadership Code [Cap.240], which states: “A leader must file an Annual Return with the appropriate authority within two (2) months after becoming a leader”.
The Office of the Ombudsman recently held an induction program for the newly elected councilors of Shefa Province. The event took place on 21 August 2025 and was designed to help the councilors better understand their important roles as leaders. The program aimed to build their capacity to serve their constituents effectively and responsibly.
The Office of the Ombudsman would like to inform all members of the public and Government agencies that our temporary Office at the Korvan Community Health Centre located at the Independence Park (opposite Vila East School) is officially close for service.
The Office is now relocated to the main head office in town opposite former Ministry of Finance.
On 25th to 26th June 2025, a two days’ workshop was conducted by representatives of Chief Ombudsman namely Mrs. Megan Robins (the Acting Manager, International Development and Engagement), Mrs. Grace Taylor (Senior Advisor, International Development and Engagement), Mr. Stuart McGilvray (Legal Advisor) and Ms. Renee Vaioleti (Investigator, International Development and Engagement).
