International cooperation in the field of human rights

The Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for human rights (the Ombudsman) pays a great attention to the development of international contacts of multifaceted nature. This includes reception of foreign delegations representing different international organizations working on human rights protection, political, social-economic, cultural issues; participation of the Ombudsman at different international forums held by UN, OSCE and other international and foreign Ombudsman institutions, by different international foundations; preparation, arrangement and participation at international forums held in Uzbekistan on the issues of democratization, improvement of governance and human rights; handling applications received from international human rights organizations, international organizations working with violations of human rights; cooperation with Ombudsmen and human rights institutions in foreign countries.

Since the establishment of the Institute of Ombudsman working relationships with built with the Office of the UN Higher Commissioner for Human Rights, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Ombudsman of the European Union, foreign Ombudsmen and human rights institutions, and international human rights organizations. Efforts were made to ensure participation in the implementation of technical assistance programs in the framework of projects of the UN, OSCE, and TACIS.

Since April 1998 the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for human rights (Ombudsman) is a member of the International Ombudsman Institute (Canada). Since May 2002 the Authorized Person (Ombudsman) is a member of the European Ombudsman Institute (Austria). Information on the activities of the Authorized Person (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Uzbekistan is published on a regular basis in publications of international organizations (IOI, EOI, OSCE), reports and materials of foreign Ombudsmen, foreign mass media and on the Internet.

Agreements on Cooperation were concluded with the Human Rights Representative of Poland, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Sweden, Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation, Human Rights Commissioner of the Republic of Azerbaijan, State Department of Human Rights of Latvia, Public Human Rights Defender of Slovak Republic, People’s Defender of Spain, and the Mediator of the French Republic.

In accordance with the Article 7 of the Law on the Authorized Person for human rights, Ombudsman takes part in the preparation of Country Reports of Uzbekistan to be presented before relevant UN Committees as regards the observance of human rights in Uzbekistan. Based on analysis of existing legislation and activities of state bodies and institutions, Ombudsman makes suggestions pertaining to improvement of text of the Country Report, bringing in it accordance with UN Committees’ requirements. Last year the Secretarial Office of Ombudsman examined all Country Reports of Uzbekistan presented to relevant UN Committees.

In order to discus urgent issues in the field of observance and protection of human rights in Uzbekistan, to exchange information and experience accumulated by other countries in this sphere and to formulate specific recommendations for improvement of human rights protection activities in Uzbekistan an Advisory Council under the Ombudsman was established. It consists of members of foreign diplomatic representations in Uzbekistan, international organizations, national human rights institutions, ministries, and NGOs. Meetings of Advisory Council are used to discuss pertinent issues related to observance of human rights and practical aspects in the improvement of Ombudsman’s institution’s activities.