Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, Ombudsmen Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta, Mr. Abdullah Cengiz Makas, Mr. Özcan Yıldız and the Secretary General of the Ombudsman Institution Mr. Mehmet Doğan, met with public in Çorum on 4 February 2026, in Sakarya on 11 February 2026, and in Düzce on 12 February 2026.

Within the scope of the “Ombudsman Meets the Public” program, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca emphasized that the Ombudsman Institution, as the voice of citizens, examines all acts and actions of public administrations with a justice-based and human rights-oriented approach. Stressing that fairness-based investigation is highly important because justice must uphold not only rules but also conscience, Mr. Akarca highlighted that applications are free of charge, require no formal procedures, can be submitted online, and are finalized within six months at the latest. He shared that approximately 21,034 complaints were received in 2025, noting that many disputes were resolved through amicable settlements and recommendations. Mr. Akarca also underlined the Institution’s broader role in identifying root causes of grievances, preparing special reports, and providing guidance to public administrations to prevent recurring issues. Additionally, he pointed to growing engagement with youth through Ombudsman clubs established at 156 universities and various awareness programs on justice and human rights.

During the meetings held in Çorum, Sakarya, and Düzce, Mr. Akarca reiterated that the Ombudsman Institution is an independent constitutional body affiliated with the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT), serving as an effective complaint mechanism and a bridge of fairness between citizens and administrations. He highlighted recent efforts to make application processes faster and more transparent, while also referencing key reports published in 2025, including the Strategy Document on the Rights of the Child, the Child-Friendly Decision Writing Guide, the report on Strengthening Institutional Coordination in Combating Violence against Women: The Central Anatolia Example, and the report on Differences in Workers’ Pension Amounts Based on Application Dates. Governors and local officials addressed participants at the events, and the Ombudsman delegation listened directly to citizens’ complaints, requests, and suggestions. As part of the programs, the delegation conducted a series of institutional visits to municipalities, universities, bar associations, and professional organizations, reinforcing cooperation and dialogue at the local level.