Who is Ombudsman?

The Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman) is a state official endued with authority to ensure parliamentary supervision of the implementation of legislation pertaining to human rights and freedoms by state bodies, institutions, enterprises, organizations and officials. In the exercise of his powers, Ombudsman is independent from state bodies and officials, and is only accountable before the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In accordance with existing legislation the following are the main fields of activity of the Institute of Ombudsman:

• Handling complaints from citizens and assisting in restitution of their violated rights;
• Assisting in the improvement of human rights legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and bringing it in accordance with provisions of international law;
• Assisting in raising citizens’ awareness on human rights issues;
• Developing international cooperation in the field of human rights.

The Institute of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman) supplements the existing forms and remedies for protection of human rights and freedoms. The Institute of Ombudsman is unique in the sense that as opposed to the Prosecutor’s Office, courts and other state bodies, it equally belongs to the state and to civil society, since it is empowered to resolve conflicts between state and individual interests.  Ombudsman provides assistance to individual citizens by encouraging various state institutions to faithfully carry out their duties and responsibilities before the members of civil society.