“In accordance with article 12 of the Law, the Ombudspersons can be dismissed on account of their inability to carry out their functions. The SCA is of the view that this provision should be made explicit in the Law to avoid misinterpretation.

Further, the Ombudspersons are dismissed by the Parliamentary Assembly. The Law does not provide further details on the dismissal process.

The SCA emphasizes that, in order to address the requirement for a stable mandate, which is important in reinforcing independence, the enabling law of an NHRI must contain an independent and objective dismissal process similar to that accorded to members of other independent State agencies.

The grounds for dismissal must be clearly defined and appropriately confined to those actions that impact adversely on the capacity of the member to fulfil his or her mandate. Where appropriate, the legislation should specify that the application of a particular ground must be supported by the decision of an appropriate body with independent jurisdiction. The dismissal must be made in strict conformity with all the substantive and procedural requirements as prescribed by law. It should not be allowed based solely on the discretion of the appointing authorities.

The SCA is of the view that such requirements ensure the security of tenure of the members of the governing body and are essential to ensure the independence of, and public confidence in, the senior leadership of an NHRI.”