Lena Nyberg, Children´s Ombudsman

Lena Nyberg, Children’s Ombudsman

In Sweden, children and young people up to the age of 18 have their own ombudsman. The Children’s Ombudsman is appointed by the Swedish Government for a term of six years. The current Ombudsman, Lena Nyberg, was appointed in 2001 and is in charge of the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman’s main duty is to promote the rights and interests of children and young people as set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC). The Ombudsman has the assignments to inform and to educate people about the CRC; to promote the application of the CRC in the work of government agencies, municipalities and county councils and to promote public interest regarding key issues.

- Why did you become the Children’s ombudsman?
“When I was approached by the Government I felt that issues regarding children and their lives have always been important to me. The experiences from childhood lay the foundation for the rest of a person’s life and if a child gets a tough start it could bring problems for considerable time ahead. As Children’s ombudsman I can participate in and influence the work for a better world for children.”

Lena Nyberg is a qualified lawyer and has been working with social welfare issues in the private sector as well as with local and national Government authorities.

“There is a general interest in society regarding issues concerning children. However, we sometimes have to be the children’s voice when talking to people in authority because they do not always place children’s interests first. To me it is a matter of justice. Adults must stand up for the rights and interests of children.”

The Children’s ombudsman is a small office with a budget of SEK 17 million ($2.5 million) and 20 employees. The expectations of all Government offices are approximately the same; to a small office this can be quite challenging. To become more efficient the Children’s ombudsman asked Johan Eklow from Scandinavian Leadership to assist them. “The structured tool of Lots® suited us perfectly; and with structure in our operations and in our business plan we now focus on the important activities in our operations,” says Lena Nyberg.