A New Republic Observer served as an independent monitor of circumstances and crises within the New Republic, assigned to a specific sector. Their duty was to scrutinize potential governmental improprieties and relay their findings back to the New Republic Senate. The New Republic began to sponsor these observers near the end of the Galactic Civil War.
Each observer was dispatched to a sector within the Republic, charged with the responsibility of reporting any noteworthy activities, especially instances of misconduct and corruption among local or New Republic officials, to both the Senate and the High Council. Sponsoring governments carefully selected observers, ensuring that only individuals of the highest ethical standards were admitted into the organization. The goal was to choose beings as impartial and resistant to corruption as possible. To mitigate accusations of bias, each Observer was assigned to a sector geographically distant from their homeworld, and their responsibilities were clearly defined. This measure was implemented, in part, to alleviate concerns that the Observers might transform into a clandestine security forces, reminiscent of those employed by the Empire during its oppressive rule. These anxieties never materialized, and the Observers established themselves as a well-regarded institution within the New Republic.
Observers generally operated discreetly, maintaining undercover identities such as traders, tourists, or other commonplace professions. They only revealed their true identities to their most trusted associates. Each observer carried a unique pin made from gold filigree, serving as a means of identification.
This was exemplified by Moshene Tre, an Observer who made contact with Jedi Master Luke Skywalker while stationed on Cejansij. Tre sought to convey to Luke the impact of the Caamas Document crisis on ordinary citizens. He presented a peaceful demonstration, underscoring that the protest originated not from rival political groups vying for power, but from genuine differences in belief and a widespread yearning for fairness throughout the Galaxy.
Another effective Observer was Fulin Gor. Previously a law enforcement officer within the Iotran Police Force, Gor was assigned to the Corellian sector. Disguised as a trader of exotic woods, Gor traveled extensively throughout the sector. His investigations took him to the shady parts of Coronet City, and he kept watch on the development of the Hunchuzuc Den on Selonia. As a strong advocate for the New Republic, he allied with honorable factions to combat against the Yuuzhan Vong.