Administrative and legal foundations of the activities of the military ombudsman: international experience and prospects of Ukraine

The study is devoted to the analysis of the essence, functions and models of organization of the military ombudsman institution in the context of modern challenges related to ensuring the rights of servicemen. Special attention is paid to the comparison of international experience in the functioning of military ombudsmen and the possibility of adapting successful practices to Ukrainian realities. The work highlights the historical prerequisites for the emergence of the ombudsman institution, its gradual development and spread in the world. In particular, three main models of military ombudsmen are analyzed, which include: institutions integrated into the structure of the armed forces (for example, in the USA and the Netherlands), general ombudsman institutions covering the military sphere (Poland, Ukraine), and specialized independent bodies operating exclusively in the military sphere (Canada, Great Britain, Germany). The advantages and disadvantages of each model are considered, with an emphasis on their impact on transparency, accountability and democratic control in the military sphere. The functional aspect of the military ombudsman’s activities includes considering complaints, conducting investigations, preparing recommendations to eliminate shortcomings in the work of the armed forces, monitoring compliance with the rights of servicemen, and supervising the implementation of international humanitarian law. An important tool is the preparation of reports that help inform the public, parliament, and military structures about the identified problems and ways to solve them. The study emphasizes that the creation of the institution of a military ombudsman in Ukraine is an urgent necessity in the conditions of the ongoing war. The military ombudsman can become a guarantor of legal order in the army, ensuring the protection of the rights of servicemen and strengthening trust between society and the armed forces. The introduction of such an institution will contribute not only to the democratization of the military administration, but also to improving the international image of Ukraine as a state that respects human rights even in wartime. The conclusions substantiate that the effectiveness of the military ombudsman depends on the integration of international standards into the national legal system, ensuring independence, adequate funding and clear coordination with other state structures. The experience of countries with different models of military ombudsmen allows us to identify promising directions for the development of this institution in Ukraine, taking into account the specifics of national legislation and the needs of military personnel.