ACRC Participated IOI Board Meeting and Discussed Key Agenda Items

- Signed MOUs with the Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa and the INPPLC of Morocco to strengthen anti-corruption cooperation with African nations

- Held a gathering session with Korean residents in Morocco to listen to their concerns

(12, May. 2025, ACRC)

Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) joined the Board of Directors Meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), held in Morocco starting on May 12, and discussed key agenda items.

 *  The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI): Founded in 1978 to advance the ombudsman system and promote exchange and cooperation among ombudsmen worldwide, IOI is a non-profit organization headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It has 211 members from 125 countries and holds a General Assembly in every four years with annual Board Meeting.

The Asian Regional Meeting held on May 12 reviewed the activities and operations of regional ombudsman institutions over the past five years and checked the preparations for the upcoming Asian Regional Conference scheduled for October.

The Board Meeting, held over two days from May 13, brought together board members from 15 countries to deliberate on key matters, including: ▴ Review of new IOI membership applications; ▴ Presentation of the 2023/2024 financial audit report; ▴ Approval of regional subsidies for 2025/2026; and ▴ Evaluation of IOI training project proposals.

Taking this opportunity, ACRC also signed MOUs with the Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa and the National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption of the Kingdom of Morocco. These MOUs aim to reinforce mutual cooperation in preventing and combating corruption and to establish a broader anti-corruption cooperation network with African countries.

 *  The Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa : Established in 1995 under the country’s constitution, the Public Protector is the highest administrative oversight body in South Africa, empowered to investigate, report, and rectify administrative misconduct and to supervise civil servants.

 *  The National Authority for Probity, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption of the Kingdom of Morocco: Founded in 2007, this institution is responsible for developing anti-corruption strategies, monitoring public institutions, conduct training and campaign to prevent corruption, enhance integrity, and establish transparent public administration.

In addition, ACRC held a gathering session with Korean residents in Morocco to hear about the challenges they face, including institutional barriers, and discussed ways to address their concerns.

Chairperson Ryu stated, “Korea is committed to joining the global efforts to enhance ombudsman capabilities through strengthened cooperation among ombudsman institutions,” adding, “We will continue to expand our anti-corruption cooperation, particularly with African nations, in response to the growing international demand for transparency and integrity.”