Department of investigation of complaints (DIC)

Duties and responsibilities of the Department on Investigation of Complaints are as follows:

 

1.1. Investigation of alleged human rights violations whether to respond to complaint lodged or on own initiative (ex officio), when there is a grounded suspicion that rights and freedoms set forth in Constitution, laws and other acts as well as international instruments on human rights have been violated by authorities.

 

1.2. Preparation and drafting of recommendations on drawing the attention on cases when the authorities violate human rights, with the proposal to stop with such cases.

 

1.3. Expression of thoughts and preparation of opinions on stands and reactions of relevant authorities concerning the cases when human rights are violated by authorities.

 

1.4. Undertake all necessary measures and actions to review complaints filed, including direct intervention to the competent authorities, asking for timely or hastily response, if the serious harm continues as a result of a complaint filed.

 

1.5. Preparation of draft notification – decision for initiation of an investigation, which through Deputy Ombudsperson is forwarded to the Ombudsperson for approval, to the complainant for information and to the authority against whom the complaint is filed.

 

1.6. Asking additional information from the authorities against whom the complaint was filed and determination of deadlines within which the body should submit all required information.

 

1.7. Proposal of recommendation and forward it to the Ombudsperson for approval, that the competent authority suspend execution of the appealed decision until the end of investigation, if during the investigation, it finds that the execution of any administrative decision may have irreversible consequences for natural or legal person.

 

1.8. Proposal for proceeding the issue to highest competent authority, and / or submission of the Special Report to the Assembly aiming remedying the right breached, when responses or measures taken by the body are considered insufficient.

 

1.9. Preparation to issue a decision, with respective conclusions and recommendations after the accomplishment of investigation, which is forwarded to the Ombudsperson for approval through the Deputy Ombudsperson, as well as its submission to the complainant and responsible public authorities.

 

1.10. Monitoring and supervision of implementation of recommendations, requests or proposals for undertaking concrete actions, including disciplinary measures of the Ombudsperson targeting authorities for action and response, within legally prescribed time lines.

 

1.11. Attentiveness to preserve and maintain the confidentiality of all information and data obtained, paying special attention to complainants’ safety, injured parties and witnesses, in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data.

 

1.12. Ex officio entrance into all official premises of all authorities.

 

The Department is run by the Director of the Department, who reports to the Ombudsperson and Deputy Ombudsperson.