Ombudsman’s Regional Representatives

In accordance with Part 3 Article 20 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Authorized Person of the the Oliy Majlis Of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), the Ombudsman has a right to appoint a member of Commission for Observance of Constitutional Human Rights and Freedoms to serve as his/her representative in the regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Following the Resolution of Kengash of the the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the membership of the Commission was increased, and the institute of Ombudsman’s regional representative was established.

At the time being regional representatives of Ombudsman are present in all regions of the Republic. In order to provide adequate conditions for effective functioning of Ombudsman’s representatives, Khokims of the Regions passed a decision to establish expert groups, provide office space for receiving citizens, and ensure relevant technical support. With a view to ensure effective resolution of citizens’ complaints at local level working groups were established from among the regional representatives of Ombudsman and the staff of Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement authorities, local bodies of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, as well as regional trade union organizations.

The main objective of Ombudsman’s regional representative is to provide assistance in acceptance and consideration of citizens’ complaints at local level. In execution of his activities a regional representative is supervised and accountable only before the Authorized Person (Ombudsman). Regional representatives of Ombudsman provide information on the observance and protection of human rights in particular regions during the sessions of relevant representative state body.

Members of the Commission who perform the functions of regional representatives of Ombudsman in the regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan are obliged: to receive and consider complaints from citizens residing in the region; prepare drafts of conclusion pertaining to complaints considered and investigated by them; supervise the process of consideration of complaints received from the Secretarial Office of the Ombudsman; participate in the checks of observance of legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and international covenants and conventions on human rights, which are carried out in the framework of parliamentary control in relevant region; interact and cooperate with state bodies, public association and mass media; carry out awareness raising activities among general public on the issues of human rights; regularly inform the Authorized Person (Ombudsman) on implemented activities and provide relevant report not less than once in half a year; participate at the sessions of the Commission on the Observance of Constitutional Human Rights and Freedoms.

One of the major fields of activity of Ombudsman’s regional representatives is the work related to citizens’ complaints. Analysis of complaints demonstrates that the number of complaints addresses to regional representatives of Ombudsman is increasing. If in 2000 about 250 complaints were considered, then in 2007 as many as 1400 were considered. New forms of activity were introduced to the regional representatives of Ombudsman, such as participation at court hearings in a position of observer, meetings with complainants, visiting penitentiary institutions for investigation of particular cases. Since 2002 regional representatives of Ombudsman started implementing human rights monitoring activities. Findings of these monitoring exercises are sent to the local bodies of state power and administration. Regional representatives of Ombudsman provide information on the observance of human rights locally to relevant Kengashes of people’s deputies on annual basis.