The law comprises 8 chapters and 57 articles and aligns with the updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The purpose of this law is to enhance the institutional framework of the Ombudsman’s activities, expand the Ombudsman’s powers and participation in the regions to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, and strengthen efforts to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

It is noteworthy that this document reinforces the significance of the Ombudsman as a national human rights institution, complements legislation aimed at implementing human rights reforms, and establishes the legal foundations for the Ombudsman's activities.

According to the law, "Commissioner for human rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ombudsman)” is an official who exercises parliamentary oversight over the compliance of state bodies, including law enforcement and supervisory authorities, enterprises, institutions, organizations, and officials, with human rights and freedoms legislation.

The Ombudsman reviews complaints from citizens, foreign nationals residing in the republic, stateless persons, and legal entities regarding the actions or inactions of organizations or officials that violate their rights and freedoms. The Ombudsman also has the authority to conduct independent investigations.

Additionally, the Ombudsman may submit warnings, proposals, petitions, and demands to relevant state bodies and organizations to restore violated citizens’ rights.

In accordance with the law, the Ombudsman is required to submit an annual report on their activities to the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan by February 15 of the year following the reporting period. Furthermore, the Ombudsman is entitled to submit special reports to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, and the Cabinet of Ministers, containing legal, organizational, socio-economic, and other measures aimed at protecting the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens.

One of the key innovations of the law is the granting of legislative initiative to the Ombudsman, allowing the submission of legislative proposals to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This provision enhances the Ombudsman's analytical and monitoring activities and enables the Ombudsman to propose legislative solutions to issues raised in citizens’ appeals and address legal gaps.

Additionally, the law formalizes the legal activities of public groups under the Ombudsman to identify and prevent cases of torture, as well as the regular participation of regional representatives of the Ombudsman in monitoring visits. A legal mechanism is also established for submitting appeals by convicted persons and detainees through the "Ombudsman’s Box."

Press Service of Commissioner for human rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ombudsman)