Defensoría del Pueblo
Summary
The Defensoría del Pueblo is Bolivia's national human rights ombudsman, constitutionally established under Articles 218-224 of the 2009 Constitución Política del Estado and governed by Ley N° 870 (2016). The Defensor or Defensora del Pueblo is elected by the Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional for a six-year non-renewable term following a public merit-based competition process. The institution exercises its functions independently and without receiving instructions from any authority. It investigates complaints about violations of constitutional rights and human rights by public or private actors in relation to the exercise of public functions, promotes and monitors the application of international human rights instruments, and may bring constitutional actions to protect rights. Annual reports are presented to the Asamblea and made public. The Defensoría has been particularly active in monitoring the rights of indigenous communities and environmental issues.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Supermajority legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | Cannot be removed before term expires |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Constitución Política del Estado Arts. 218-224; Ley del Defensor del Pueblo
- Citation
- CPE/2009 Arts. 218-224; Ley N° 870/2016
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
Promotion, defense, and protection of human rights of individuals and communities in relation to public activity. Investigates complaints against the public administration, natural resource exploitation activities, and other matters affecting rights under the CPE and international law.