The attachment has responses that explicitly identify gaps and areas for improvement written from the perspective of an individual ICANN community member while remaining constructive, evidence-based, and aligned with the Public Comment format.

Each response includes clear improvement recommendations and explicit references.

Summary of Public Comment Submission

This submission supports the draft ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process as a meaningful and necessary evolution of the Ombuds function, aligned with ICANN’s Bylaws (Article 5) and the Work Stream 2 accountability reforms. Overall, the Framework substantially improves clarity, predictability, and coherence when compared to the 2009 Ombudsman Framework, particularly through clearer definitions, delineation of process pathways, articulation of outcomes, and strengthened standards for independence, confidentiality, and due process.

From a perspective of an individual ICANN community member, the draft provides a solid structural and governance foundation that enhances trust in the Ombuds Office as an independent, impartial, and accessible mechanism for addressing unfairness, harassment, and related concerns. The proposed timelines appropriately balance timeliness with procedural fairness, especially for complex or sensitive cases, and the interaction among the Ombuds, the Community Anti-Harassment Policy (CAHP), and Reconsideration processes is largely well designed to avoid duplication and jurisdictional gaps.

At the same time, this submission identifies targeted areas for improvement that are primarily operational and user-facing, rather than structural. These include:

• Improving accessibility through plain-language summaries, illustrative examples, and visual decision aids to support first-time users and participants from underrepresented regions;

• Enhancing transparency during longer cases through non-binding interim status updates;

• Strengthening trust through explicit anti-retaliation assurances and culturally sensitive outreach; and

• Further simplifying navigation across ICANN’s accountability mechanisms at the point of intake.

Addressing these areas would significantly enhance usability, equity, and confidence in the Ombuds process without undermining its independence or mandate. In conclusion, the draft Framework.