The Defensoría del Pueblo de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela (literally Public Defender of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, though usually translated as Ombudsman) is a state-funded human rights agency in Venezuela responsible for investigating complaints against any public authority. Along with the Public Ministry (the Attorney General’s department) and the Comptroller-General of the Republic, the office forms the 'citizens’ power' branch of the Government of Venezuela (alongside the executive, judicial and legislative powers). The three bodies collectively form the Republican Moral Council, a body established to promote moral and ethical behaviour by public officials.