Ombudsman
Ombudsman is a term given to someone who is in charge of neutrally handling and replying to all the complaints about a particular organization.
ICANN Ombudsman
Responsibilities of ICANN ombudsman include dispute resolution, filing complaints and taking actions about ICANN staff, board or supporting organization decisions.[1] ICANN claims to have a fair and impartial ombudsman.[2] Despite being required to do so, ICANN did not fill the position of ombudsman until late 2004.[3][4] ICANN says its ombudsman is impartial, yet it is under the control of ICANN board to hire and fire the ombudsman at their will.[5]
Responsibilities
ICANN ombudsman has the powers to access all the documents and files. He can take action if there is seen an unfair behavior by ICANN board members, staff or policies to anyone who files a complaint against them. He is required to submit an annual report to the board of ICANN. ICANN ombudsman adheres to the standard rules of The Ombudsman Association.[6]
First Ombudsman
Frank Fowlie was selected to be the first ombudsman of ICANN in November 2004. Frank is a native Canafian. He has over 20 years of experience as an ombudsman and conflict resolution officer for different companies in Canad and USA.[7] After 6 years of service Frank Fowlie resigned from his post in early 2011. He said that he was tired of traveling all the time.[8]
Second Ombudsman
On 28 July, 2011 ICANN appointed Chris LaHatte as its new ombudsman. Chris is a senior mediator and lawyer. He obtained his graduate degree in law from University of Auckland. Further he studied dispute resolution from Massey University. He lives in New Zealand where he practices law. He is a Fellow of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand and a mediator for the New Zealand Law Society. He is also a construction law adjudicator.[9]
External Links
- Reports and publications of Ombudsman Office.
- ICANN ombudsman blog.
- ICANN ombudman speeches.