Paraguayan Senate concludes hearings for Ombudsman candidates

The Senate's Commission on Constitutional Affairs, National Defense, and Public Force has concluded public hearings for candidates seeking the positions of Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman. Out of 67 initial applicants, 60 candidates remained in the process after five failed to attend and two resigned for personal reasons.

Senator Javier Zacarías Irún, head of the commission, stated that the commission will evaluate the candidates next Tuesday. Following this evaluation, the commission will present shortlists (ternas) to the Senate plenary for selection, which will then be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies.

Among the candidates, Alicia Alvarenga proposed using technology to expedite case processing and implementing human rights education campaigns in both Spanish and Guaraní. Another candidate, Rocío González, emphasized the need for territorial access to ensure citizens in rural areas do not have to travel to Asunción to access services.