The term "ombudsman" refers to a person who is appointed to investigate complaints made by individuals against an organization or institution, especially government agencies. This person acts as a mediator who helps resolve disputes, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their grievances addressed fairly. Essentially, an ombudsman serves to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability within various institutions.
The word "ombudsman" has its origins in Swedish, where "ombud" means "representative" or "agent." The suffix "-sman" signifies a person associated with a particular role or occupation. The term was first used in the early 20th century, and over time, it has been adopted in various countries to designate this important role of supervision and advocacy.