About JO

The Parliamentary Ombudsmen (Riksdagens ombudsmän, JO, the official title), are appointed by the Swedish Riksdag (parliament) to ensure that public authorities and their staff comply with the laws and other statutes governing their actions.

The Parliamentary Ombudsmen form one pillar of parliamentary control in Sweden.  The task of the ombudsmen is to review the implementation of laws and other regulations in the public sector on behalf of the Riksdag and independent of the executive power. This review includes courts of law and other public authorities, as well as their employees.

The Parliamentary Ombudsmen shall ensure that public authorities treat individuals lawfully and correctly. The ombudsmen form one pillar of constitutional protection for the basic freedoms and rights of individuals.

In addition to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen Sweden has a number of other ombudsmen who review specific fields. Examples include the Equality Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children, the Press Ombudsman and the Consumer Ombudsman.