The Act of legislation should determine the criteria for appointment of the ombudsperson(s). These will tend to include a nationality requirement, considerations of expertise and experience, as well as of representation as regards the ethnic diversity of the country for the institution’s staff. The UN Paris Principles specify certain rules concerning the composition of the office in relation to guarantees of pluralism. These rules should not only apply to the overall composition of the entire office but also to the various ombudspersons or deputies in case the office has more than one. The relevant principle states that “the composition of the national institution and the appointment of its members … shall be established in accordance with a procedure which affords all necessary guarantees to ensure the pluralist representation of the social forces (civil society).” PART II Personal Requirements/Criteria for Appointment Regarding the ombudspersons themselves there are three general requirements that recur (in one way or the other) in the existing national pieces of legislation: Citizenship of the country concerned: While most national pieces of legislation require citizenship, there are also arguments against including such a requirement, as well as a certain trend to eliminate it. Note that a foreign citizen has been appointed as an independent ombudsman in some transition states or territories. Expertise/experience: Efficient functioning of the office requires the ombudsperson to have certain qualities, expertise and experience, while it is equally important that the entire institution is multi-disciplinary. The ombudsperson should be a good manager and have affinity with dealing with questions of population diversity, human and minority rights. Some experience in the public service could be desirable. Having a law degree is often a requirement or desired background. Additionally, it is often required in establishing legislation that the ombudsperson be of high moral character, and be able to be impartial. Formal connections with party politics must be excluded. Belonging to a minority: The most important requirement is that the ombudsperson is impartial when dealing with complaints, which is best served when there are no ethnic or other allegiances in play. In cases where more than one ombudsperson is to be appointed, population diversity should be reflected. In some countries proof of adequate knowledge of minority languages spoken in the country will be desirable, however this can also be covered by the appointment of appropriate staff. 45