ACRC Announces Korea’s Rights Protection Policies to the International Community

- Chairperson Jung Il Yeon participates as a speaker in the International Ombudsman Conference in Italy on May 28, presenting “Korea’s Ombudsman System: Innovations and Best Practices.”

(May 28, 2026, ACRC)

Chairperson Jung Il Yeon of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) is participating as a speaker at the International Ombudsman Conference held in Rome, Italy from May 28 to 29, to present “Korea’s Ombudsman System: Innovations and Best Practices.”

Members of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI)^* hold the International Ombudsman Conference annually to facilitate international exchanges and cooperation among ombudsman institutions. Italy is hosting the conference for the third time, following 2023 and 2025.

* The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) is a non-profit organization established in 1978 to promote the development of the ombudsman system and to foster exchanges and cooperation among ombudsman institutions worldwide. It has over 210 institutional and individual members from 125 countries, with its headquarters and executive committee based in Vienna, Austria.

The conference, hosted by the Ombudsman in Italy, Lazio region as a member of the IOI European Regional Board, brings together approximately 300 participants—including ombudsmen, government representatives, and experts from approximately 50 countries. As an official member of the IOI, the ACRC has received a formal invitation, with Chairperson Jung participating as a speaker.

At the conference, Chairperson Jung will present best practices of Korea’s ombudsman innovations, including: the establishment of the Collective Conflict Mediation Bureau, a dedicated unit for resolving collective conflicts and repetitive grievances; the reduction of habitual and repetitive petitions through communication innovation; the expansion of field-oriented conflict mediation; and the introduction of a pilot e-People service utilizing AI and digital innovation.

Taking this opportunity, the ACRC will also hold separate bilateral meetings with Dr. Marino Fardelli, Ombudsman of the Lazio Region and the President of the National Coordination of Italian Ombudsmen, and Ms. Teresa Anjinho, the European Ombudsman*, with a view to expanding the foundation for ombudsman cooperation with European ombudsman institutions.

* Investigates and corrects maladministration within organizations under the European Union

The Commission also plans to visit the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority and hold discussions with its President, Dr. Giuseppe Busia, on anti-corruption policy issues of each country, to build a cooperative anti-corruption network with the relevant Italian authority.

Chairperson Jung of the ACRC stated, “In an increasingly complex administrative environment, ombudsman institutions must continuously innovate and evolve, drawing on their expertise and technological capabilities, in order to protect the rights and interests of the people.”

He added, “Leveraging AI and data, the ACRC will further advance its rights protection mechanisms for the people and continue to develop into an exemplary ombudsman institution in the international community.”