WILLEMSTAD – Ombudsman Keursly Concincion is renewing his call for the establishment of an accessible legal help desk following a significant increase in the number of citizens seeking assistance in dealing with government agencies.
In his 2025 Annual Report, Concincion argues that such a service would provide residents with early guidance on their legal rights, government procedures, and the appropriate institutions to approach with their concerns.
According to the Ombudsman, many people only seek assistance after spending extended periods being referred from one government office to another without receiving clear answers.
The proposal comes as the Ombudsman's Office reported handling 1,340 requests in 2025, nearly 40 percent more than the previous year.
The report makes clear that the increase should not be interpreted as evidence that complaints against the government have risen by the same percentage. Instead, it indicates that more citizens require assistance obtaining information, contacting public agencies, and navigating government procedures.
The report also identifies the government institutions generating the largest number of requests.
Among ministries, the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP) accounted for the highest number with 107 requests, followed closely by the Ministry of Justice with 106. The Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) received 72 requests, while the Ministry of Finance accounted for 59.
Within the Ministry of Justice, the Curaçao Police Force generated 37 requests, the Admission Organization 20, and the Judicial Care Organization 13.
The Ombudsman also received numerous requests concerning autonomous government bodies and state-owned entities, including 67 involving utility company Aqualectra, 47 concerning the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), and 28 related to Fundashon Kas Popular (FKP).
Concincion believes that creating a low-threshold legal information desk would help citizens resolve many issues before they escalate, while also reducing pressure on the Ombudsman's Office and improving access to government services.