Comparative Analysis of Ombudsmen for Children : Case Studies of Norway and Estonia

This research offers a comparative study of the development and effectiveness of a specific institution for child rights - the Ombudsman for Children - in Norway and Estonia. It first considers the need for, the development and effectiveness of this institution and then compares two examples by looking in depth at both similarities and differences in defining and establishing the institution. The thesis identifies main social, economic, political and legislative factors that are associated with the success of the long established Norwegian office, which are then used to develop a comprehensive set of suggestions to maximize the efficacy of the youthful and developing Estonian institution. The produced guidelines are highly recommended to consider to maximize the efficacy in all other Ombudsman`s offices worldwide.