26 – 28 October 2014
Geneva, Switzerland
Number of Participants: 58
The sixth international conference gathered ombuds institutions for armed forces (ICOAF) to discuss their evolving roles in the military landscape, with a key focus on the impact of social media on service members. Participants emphasized the need for effective strategies to engage military personnel, address potential risks, and establish regulatory frameworks for responsible usage.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of capacity building through shared experiences to enhance complaints-handling mechanisms and overcome institutional limitations. Furthermore, the conference examined public perceptions of the armed forces concerning human rights and maladministration, shaping the role of ombuds institutions. Overall, it provided a valuable platform for collaboration, reinforcing commitments to accountability and transparency within the armed forces.