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This article examines the role of ombudsman in the cosntitutional system, its mandate and proliferation in countries of so-called "old" democracy and "fragile" democracy. Many challenges should be discussed: how to adopt the model of ombudsman institution, strengthen the institution and enhance the level of protection and promotion of human rights, how to guarantee idependence, impartiality and repoect for decisions of recommendable manner. The so-called "classical" ombudsman institutions mandates diverged, they are being given aditional powers of different scope with respect of human rights. The changing face of ombudsman institution around the globe demonstrates that today it's not enough to guarantee good public administration, but respect of human rights. The ombudsman office is a paradox, being both powerful and powerless at the same time because, on one hand, he or she has extensive powers to investigate, to subpoena and examine witnesses and documents, to visit a site or office, and to determine whether a complaint is justified, but on the other hand, as noted earlier, he or she does not have the power to make any public agency or official to accept his or her recommendation. However, the success of the classical ombudsman depends to a great extent on the support of the legislature that is supposed to debate the annual and special reports of the ombudsman and act on them.29 In the fragile democracy the ombudsman is obligated to explain reasoning or legality of his decision. ; Straipsnyje analizuojama ombudsmeno institucijos reikšmė konstitucinėje sistemoje, šios institucijos paskirtis, prigimtis ir transformacija per pastaruosius du šimtmečius tiek senosios demokratijos šalyse, tiek ir naujai demokratijos keliu žengiančiose šalyse. Kiekviena valstybė, pasirinkdama ombudsmeno ar žmogaus teisių institucijos modelį, sprendžia daug klausimų: kaip užtikrinti ir išsaugoti nepriklausomos institucijos statusą, pagarbą jos rekomendacinio pobūdžio sprendimams, kokias mandato ribas nustatyti, kad principas "valdžios įstaigos tarnauja žmonėms" būtų iš tikrųjų įgyvendintas, kad būtų gerbiamos žmogaus teisės, užtikrinta teisės viršenybė, valdžios institucijų atskaitingumas ir administravimo skaidrumas. Net ir tradicinės "klasikinės" ombudsmeno institucijos išgyvena tam tikrą evoliuciją, šiandien iš jų tikimasi apginti ne tik nuo galimo viešojo administravimo biurokratizmo ir piktnaudžiavimo, bet realiai garantuoti pagarbą žmogaus teisėms ir laisvėms. Ši institucinė evoliucija vyksta konstitucinėmis reformomis, institucinėmis pertvarkomis arba įstatymu nustatomomis papildomomis funkcijomis. Paradoksalu, bet ombudsmenas gali būti labai galingas ir taip pat visiškai be galios, atskaitingas Parlamentui, bet ir turintis visišką nepriklausomumą įgyvendindamas savo funkcijas.1 Iš vienos pusės, ombudsmenas, atlikdamas tyrimą, gali išsireikalauti visus reikalingus dokumentus, įeiti į bet kurias patalpas, įskaitant ir uždaro tipo institucijų, tačiau iš kitos pusės, jo priimtas sprendimas yra rekomendacinio pobūdžio, tad trapios demokratijos sąlygomis ombudsmenui tenka įrodinėti savo sprendimo teisėtumą, pagrįstumą.

The ombudsman tradition originated in Sweden in 1809 and spread throughout the world in less than two hundred years. The progress of development of independent human rights institutions in the 20th century was remarkable. Since 1981, when the institution of Ombudsman for Children was established in Norway, more than 200 institutions have been created and exist today. They are of different forms, but share the same role: to ensure that governments and other state institutions, public and private bodies implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Ombudsman (ombudsperson) is the key player in promoting and protecting children's rights and best interests. The main task of ombudsman institutions is to close the gap between the rights rhetoric and the realities of children's lives, ensuring that rights are translated into law, policy and practice. The author analyses the Norwegian model of a specialised ombudsman institution, as this model was influential in western European countries and Nordic countries with democratic governance and strong individual human rights traditions. On the other hand, the author examines the advantages and disadvantages of an inclusive model, which was chosen by some eastern European countries, often in the context of democratic transition and usually integrated in general (parliamentary) ombudsman institutions or human rights bodies. Bearing in mind that the integration of children's rights issues into a broad-based human rights institution may face particular challenges, the author concludes that every country must establish an effective independent institution for promoting and protecting children's rights and best interests.

The ombudsman tradition originated in Sweden in 1809 and spread throughout the world in less than two hundred years. The progress of development of independent human rights institutions in the 20th century was remarkable. Since 1981, when the institution of Ombudsman for Children was established in Norway, more than 200 institutions have been created and exist today. They are of different forms, but share the same role: to ensure that governments and other state institutions, public and private bodies implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Ombudsman (ombudsperson) is the key player in promoting and protecting children's rights and best interests. The main task of ombudsman institutions is to close the gap between the rights rhetoric and the realities of children's lives, ensuring that rights are translated into law, policy and practice. The author analyses the Norwegian model of a specialised ombudsman institution, as this model was influential in western European countries and Nordic countries with democratic governance and strong individual human rights traditions. On the other hand, the author examines the advantages and disadvantages of an inclusive model, which was chosen by some eastern European countries, often in the context of democratic transition and usually integrated in general (parliamentary) ombudsman institutions or human rights bodies. Bearing in mind that the integration of children's rights issues into a broad-based human rights institution may face particular challenges, the author concludes that every country must establish an effective independent institution for promoting and protecting children's rights and best interests.

The ombudsman tradition originated in Sweden in 1809 and has spread throughout the world in less than two hundred years. An ombudsman is a public official that offers people an opportunity to have their complaints heard, evaluated, and investigated by a neutral and independent body, and offers recommendations to the involved parties. The ombudsman plays an important role in strengthening democratic governance, rule of law, and civil society. Article 73 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania establishes that: 'The Seimas controllers shall examine complaints of citizens concerning the abuse of powers by, or bureaucratic intransigence of, State and municipal officials (with the exception of judges). They shall have the right to submit a motion before a court that the guilty officials be dismissed from office. The powers of the Seimas controllers shall be established by law. If necessary, the Seimas shall also establish other institutions of control. Their system and powers shall be established by law.' This means that the Constitution empowers the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) to establish the Seimas controllers ('Parliamentary Ombudsmen Institution') and other specialized ombudsman institutions. The Law on the Parliamentary Ombudsmen was enacted in 1994. The law provided that the institution is to be composed of five ombudsmen. The specialized ombudsman institutions are the Ombudsman for Equal Opportunities, established in 1999 and the Ombudsman for the Rights of the Child, established in 2000. According to the Law on the Provision of Information to the Public, the institution of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics was established. This institution could be compared to the Media Ombudsman. The Ministry of Economy has initiated deliberations on establishing a business ombudsman. This article analyses the strengths and weakness of the ombudsman institutions in Lithuania and the need for reform in these institutions, focusing on appointment, structure, independence, relations with other state institutions, mandate and authority of the institution and the implementation of its decisions. ; Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucijos 73 straipsniu remiantis įkurta Seimo kontrolierių institucija. To paties straipsnio trečioje dalyje numatyta suteikti galimybę įstatymų leidėjui sukurti kontrolės institucijų sistemą, tačiau nagrinėjant įsteigtas kontrolierių institucijas akivaizdu, kad sistema nėra sukurta. Pavienės institucijos, nors veikia sėkmingai ir gana efektyviai, vis dėlto neapima visų žmogaus teisių sričių, jų mandatas skirtas nagrinėti skundus, kai kuriose srityse kontrolierių funkcijos yra dubliuojamos, kyla abejonių dėl įstatymų, reglamentuojančių šių institucijų veiklą, konstitucingumo. Nei vienai institucijai nėra priskirta žmogaus teisių padėties stebėjimo, duomenų rinkimo funkcija, kurią efektyviai įgyvendinus būtų didžiulė įtaka valstybės vidaus žmogaus teisių politikai, gerinant įstatymų leidybos procesą, taikant tam tikras prevencines priemones ir t. t. Straipsnyje Lietuvos kontrolierių institucijos analizuojamos besiremiant klasikine ombudsmeno teorija ir tarptautiniais dokumentais, lyginama su kitų valstybių praktika, pateikiami kontrolierių statuso, veiklos, mandato, tarpusavio koordinavimo klausimai, kuriems būtina reforma.

The article analyses parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament). As a legal institute of a constitutional status, parliamentary oversight is complex in its nature in that it influences the executive branch by means of established oversight instruments in a systemic and independent manner and ensures the continuous and effective functioning of the executive power. Based on the doctrine of the sovereignty of the nation, the Seimas is the only governmental body that can exercise parliamentary oversight. This function of the Seimas is therefore very significant. In the article, the author analyses the function of parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas and the legal and practical conditions necessary for the permanent committees of the Seimas to exercise the function effectively and continuously.

The article analyses parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament). As a legal institute of a constitutional status, parliamentary oversight is complex in its nature in that it influences the executive branch by means of established oversight instruments in a systemic and independent manner and ensures the continuous and effective functioning of the executive power. Based on the doctrine of the sovereignty of the nation, the Seimas is the only governmental body that can exercise parliamentary oversight. This function of the Seimas is therefore very significant. In the article, the author analyses the function of parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas and the legal and practical conditions necessary for the permanent committees of the Seimas to exercise the function effectively and continuously.

The article analyses parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament). As a legal institute of a constitutional status, parliamentary oversight is complex in its nature in that it influences the executive branch by means of established oversight instruments in a systemic and independent manner and ensures the continuous and effective functioning of the executive power. Based on the doctrine of the sovereignty of the nation, the Seimas is the only governmental body that can exercise parliamentary oversight. This function of the Seimas is therefore very significant. In the article, the author analyses the function of parliamentary oversight exercised by the Seimas and the legal and practical conditions necessary for the permanent committees of the Seimas to exercise the function effectively and continuously. ; Straipsnyje Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo vykdoma parlamentinė kontrolė nagrinėjama kaip konstitucinis institutas, kompleksiškai sudarantis Seimo konstitucinio statuso institutą sistemiškai ir savarankiškai veikiant vykdomąją valdžią nustatytais kontrolinio pobūdžio instrumentais bei užtikrinant nepertraukiamą ir efektyvų vykdomosios valdžios įgyvendinimą. Seimo vykdoma parlamentinės kontrolės funkcija yra būtina veikla, siekiant užtikrinti nuolatinę ir efektyvią vykdomosios valdžios funkcijų įgyvendinimo priežiūrą. Straipsnyje remiantis tautos suvereniteto doktrina pripažįstama, kad Seimas vienintelis subjektas, vykdantis parlamentinę kontrolę, todėl ši funkcija labai reikšminga. Seimas kurdamas vidinius darinius yra savarankiškas, tačiau Seimo struktūra turi užtikrinti šios institucijos darbingumą, efektyvų jos funkcionavimą, t. y. turi sukurti reikiamas sąlygas bei prielaidas Seimui nepertraukiamai įgyvendinti Konstitucijoje apibrėžtas jo funkcijas. Ši konstitucinė nuostata reiškia, kad tik Seimas turi įgaliojimus nustatyti savo struktūrą ir darbo tvarką, jog jokia kita valstybės valdžią įgyvendinanti institucija negali dalyvauti nustatant Seimo struktūrą bei darbo tvarką. Ypač svarbus aspektas, kad Seimo struktūra ir demokratiniais principais pagrįsta darbo tvarka užtikrintų, jog šalyje esant bet kokiai situacijai Tautos atstovybė galėtų konstruktyviai, efektyviai, taip pat nepertraukiamai įgyvendinti aukščiausią suverenią šalies žmonių valią bei sudarytų sąlygas kiekvienam Seimo nariui vykdyti Tautos atstovo įgaliojimus. Straipsnyje analizuojama Seimo vykdoma parlamentinės kontrolės funkcija ir jo nuolatinių komitetų teisinės bei praktinės prielaidos efektyviai ir nuolatos vykdyti šią funkciją. Analizuojant Seimo nuolatinių komitetų veiklą pastebima, kad nėra pakankamai išplėtota materialinių ir procesinių teisės normų sistema, kuri sudarytų teisines prielaidas efektyviai bei nuolatos šiems komitetams ir komisijoms vykdyti parlamentinę kontrolę. Iki šiol išlieka aktualus informacijos ir dokumentų teikimo Seimo nuolatiniams komitetas bei jų naudojimo parlamentiniuose tyrimuose klausimas, ypač tais atvejais, kai informacija susijusi su ikiteisminiu ar operatyviniu tyrimais arba sudaro valstybės ar tarnybos paslaptį.

This scientific study is the sequel of works from the Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law at Mykolas Romeris University, aimed at widening the knowledge about constitutions and democratic constitutionalism in the context of comparative constitutional law. It should be noted that after 11 March 1990 the independent Lithuanian state was restored, and no studies about constitutions of other countries or constitutional development experience in Europe and other regions of the world were published. The educational publication "Constitutions of Foreign Countries" was released in order to fill this gap, at least partially. The texts of the constitutions of the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (non-consolidated constitutions), the Finnish Republic, the Estonian Republic, the Latvian Republic, the Polish Republic, the United States of America and the Russian Federation were published within. The texts were translated from the respective foreign languages. Compilers of the publication wrote afterwards that it was sought to present the constitutions in the Lithuanian language which was very important in the awakening of constitutionalism, as well as the constitutions that expressed specific political and legal features in Europe. [.]

This scientific study is the sequel of works from the Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law at Mykolas Romeris University, aimed at widening the knowledge about constitutions and democratic constitutionalism in the context of comparative constitutional law. It should be noted that after 11 March 1990 the independent Lithuanian state was restored, and no studies about constitutions of other countries or constitutional development experience in Europe and other regions of the world were published. The educational publication "Constitutions of Foreign Countries" was released in order to fill this gap, at least partially. The texts of the constitutions of the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (non-consolidated constitutions), the Finnish Republic, the Estonian Republic, the Latvian Republic, the Polish Republic, the United States of America and the Russian Federation were published within. The texts were translated from the respective foreign languages. Compilers of the publication wrote afterwards that it was sought to present the constitutions in the Lithuanian language which was very important in the awakening of constitutionalism, as well as the constitutions that expressed specific political and legal features in Europe. [.]