A Western King and an Ancient Notion: Reflections on the Origins
of Ombudsing The ombuds idea has taken root around the globe
providing critical protection for citizens in public, private
and social sectors. Contemporary ombudsing is a unique practice
which provides a rare, often fair-minded mechanism of protection
for the individual with a grievance. The seeds of this modern
idea may be found in ancient world cultures as well as
Scandinavian history. An early version of the idea appears in a
decree creating a Highest Ombudsman signed by Swedish King
Charles XII in 1713, notably while he was living in exile in
Turkey, during which time Sweden was in turmoil. Sometimes
mechanisms for peace emerge from conflict. The modern ombuds
office is often pivotal in addressing and reducing bureaucracy
and conflict. As ombudsing continues to grow worldwide, as
ombudsing as a human rights mechanism expands, as visitors to
the ombuds office represent many world cultures, recognizing the
multicultural influences and antecede