The Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) was established on April 16, 1996 as a non-governmental, non-political, independent and professional forum for Ombudsmen in Asia. The idea to form the AOA surfaced In 1995, during the meeting of the Board of Directors of International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), where it was emphasized that Asia should organize a regional body for promoting the principles and practice of Ombudsmanship. Pakistan, supported by China took the initiative to establish the AOA and the then Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) of Pakistan, Justice Abdul Shakurul Salam, was elected as the first Chairman of the Board.

The AOA currently has 23 members from 15 countries and is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors.