33 Liechtenstein No independent oversight or complaints mechanism exists. N/A The Ombudsman works to enhance public awareness of human rights, the mechanisms of protection of these rights and the work of the Ombudsman. An independent office Valsts Policija within the police deals with complaints against individual police officers However, this is not an external, independent oversight body. The Ombudsman is elected for five years and assumes his or her duties after taking an oath. The Ombudsman is independent in its actions and is governed only by law. The Ombudsman of the Republic of Latvia is an official elected by Parliament, whose main tasks are encouragement of the protection of human rights and promotion of a legal and expedient State authority, which observes the principle of good administration. The National Ombudsman can deal with cases against the police, when the complaint concerns maladministration. Latvia N/A There is no national ombudsman. A series of regional ombudsmen deal with complaints against local police. Italy N/A Persons may apply to the Ombudsman with a complaint or request in regard to all matters under its competence. The activities of an Ombudsman are regulated by the Ombudsman Law, which was adopted in 2006 and came into force in 2007. Functions are defined thus: - To protect the rights and legal interests of a person in situations when State and municipal authorities have breached the human rights defined by the Constitution and international human rights’ documents; - to ensure equal treatment and prevention of discrimination; - to evaluate and promote adherence to the principle of good administration in government. N/A N/A The Ombudsman may represent the rights and interests of a private individual in an administrative court. No persons or State or municipal institutions have the right to influence the performance of the Ombudsman’s functions and tasks. The Office is a legal entity derived from public law which sets out its competence in all matters. The Ombudsman’s Office is institutionally and functionally independent and autonomous. N/A