Cooperation between Ombudsman and non-governmental organizations working in the area of human rights

Some of important priorities in building an open, internationally integrated democratic state governed by the rule of law is the promotion and development of non-governmental institutions, non-governmental and public organizations, bodies of citizens’ self-governance; decentralization and delegation of state authorities from central government to local authorities; gradual reduction of role of the state structures in resolution of many problems and tasks related, primarily, to social and economic processes; delegation of these functions to public associations; as well as reinforcement of public control over the activities of state bodies, institutions and security forces.

One of the most important prerequisites for establishment of civil society is the role and significance of non-governmental institutions. Over 4,000 public associations are registered on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Non-governmental organizations working on human rights protection have been developed lately. Partnerships, constructive relationships, and cooperation between the Institute of Ombudsman and non-governmental non-commercial organizations assist to the development of civil society and state governed by the rule of law.

The Authorized Person for human rights holds a non-interventional position as regards non-governmental non-commercial organizations, i.e. the position of non-interference with their internal activities. Ombudsman interacts with public associations with a view to inform citizens on the issues of human rights protection, to promote transparency and accountability of the state structures, to monitor the implementation of international treaties and national legislation.

A Working Group that includes representatives of non-governmental organizations was established to carry out urgent and regular discussions into the issues of cooperation between Ombudsman and non-governmental organizations. Experience of the Institute of Ombudsman in the area of human rights protection has demonstrated that it is expedient to take the following areas as priority areas of cooperation between Ombudsman and non-governmental organizations: protection of vulnerable groups of society (including women, children, retired persons, disabled persons), and observance of socio-economic and ecological rights of citizens.

Common understanding of the necessity to promote partnership and cooperation with non-governmental organizations resulted in a joint implementation of the Concept of Cooperation in the following areas:

Firstly, monitoring of situation pertaining of observance and protection of human rights in the Republic of Uzbekistan, through participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations in panel session of working groups at the Institute of Ombudsman;

Secondly, combination of Parliamentary (Ombudsman) and public (NGOs) control over the implementation of the provisions of national and international law in the area of human rights observance by state bodies and officials through:

а) Development of proposals for elimination of gaps in human rights legislation and for bringing it in accordance with the provisions of international law;

б) Control over decisions and activities of local government pertaining to ensuring observance and protection of human rights through the regional representatives of Ombudsman and local non-governmental organizations.

Thirdly, implementation of joint educational and awareness-raising activities on the issues of human rights among population.  

The Institute of Ombudsman concluded agreements on cooperation with the following non-governmental non-commercial organizations: in 1999 – the Research Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law; in 2000 – the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan; 2008 – the Association of Judges of Uzbekistan.

The Institute of Ombudsman places large importance to the development of cooperation with the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan, especially in the area of protection of labor rights and other socio-economic rights of citizens. Cooperation of trade unions takes several directions: participation of trade unions staff in the activities of Expert Panel at the Institute of Ombudsman, which assists in preparation of conclusions as regards the complaints of citizens; undertaking joint educational activities in the area of implementation and protection of labor rights through organization of seminars, conferences, publication of manuals, guides etc. Another important area of cooperation between the Institute of Ombudsman and trade unions is a joint monitoring of human rights observance in the regions of the Republic. The Institute of Ombudsman and the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan concluded an Agreement on Cooperation, which entails that the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ombudsman) should participate in the sessions of the General Committee of the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan when the issues related to human rights are considered, whereas the Chairman of the Council of Trade Unions Federation should be present at the meetings held by Ombudsman.

Cooperation between Ombudsman and the Women’s Committee and other women’s non-governmental organization of Uzbekistan plays an important role in the implementation of educational activities on the issues of observance and protection of women’s human rights, as well as in monitoring of their observance in the regions of the Republic. During 2005-2006 the Institute of Ombudsman jointly with the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, Civil Initiatives Support Center and the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights held a number of seminars and workshops on the issues of observance of women’s human rights and gender aspects in societal development.

Besides the aforementioned non-governmental organizations, Ombudsman engages in active cooperation with such organizations as “Ecosan” Foundation, “Makhalla” Foundation, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Research Center, Bar Association, Children’s Foundation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and many other organizations.

In execution of its activities the Institute of Ombudsman proactively involves the participation of general public representatives, who effectively participate as members of the Commission on the Observance of Constitutional Human Rights and Freedoms, as members of the Expert Panel at the Institute of Ombudsman, as well as members of expert groups in the offices of Ombudsman’s regional representatives.