Monitoring visits were conducted to 181 correctional colonies 122 pre-trial detention centers 128 temporary detention facilities 59 special reception centers 39 rehabilitation centers 56 branches of narcological scientific-practical medical centers 52 psychiatric hospitals 46 “Sakhovat” and “Muruvvat” homes 91 medical points for persons under the influence of alcohol
During the monitoring visits over 9500 group discussions and 4321 individual meetings were held with detainees and inmates
During the visits living conditions nutrition labor medical assistance the quality of cultural and educational activities compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements and other aspects were studied
As a result of the monitoring visits the Authorized Person and Public Groups submitted 16 demands 10 representations 13 conclusions and 3 analytical notes to the relevant ministries and agencies
Additionally, 6 analytical notes were presented to the chambers of the Oliy Majlis.
At the recommendation of the Ombudsman a women’s ward with 50 beds was opened at Specialized Hospital No 23 Previously only male patients were treated in this hospital. The hospital is equipped with 2 laboratories and 20 departments including therapy neurology surgery dentistry diagnostics tuberculosis and others and complex surgical operations are conducted
As a result of the measures taken upon the Ombudsman’s submission the narcological dispensary in Tahiatash District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan which was previously in unsanitary conditions was relocated to a vacant building in the Nukus District and appropriate conditions for patients were created The dining facility of the Surkhandarya branch of the specialized narcological scientific-practical center was fully renovated
Moreover, the building and premises of the Republican Psychiatric Dispensary No 2 in the Ellikkala District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan were renovated rooms for short-term visits with relatives and special rooms for psychotherapy were created and conditions for patients' meals were ensured
At the recommendation of the Ombudsman ventilation systems were installed in the temporary detention facility of the Yangiyer Police Department cell conditions were improved and shower rooms were created Additionally in the temporary detention facility of the Bustonlik District Police Department of Tashkent Region search rooms for detainees, shower rooms walking areas were created and the cells were equipped with the necessary facilities
Alongside, this the temporary detention facilities in Jizzakh City and Dustlik District were completely renovated and the pre-trial detention facilities in Samarkand Region were repaired. In pre-trial detention center No 4 in Bukhara rooms for visits with close relatives of inmates engaged in household activities were built
Construction works were carried out in Block No 12 of Correctional Colony No 17 in Bukhara and cell conditions for inmates were improved
Due to the lack of modern equipment insufficient provision of clothing and other essential items for patients as well as the elimination of other identified shortcomings in the Republican Psychiatric Hospital for Intensive Observation a plan was developed based on the Ombudsman’s recommendation and its implementation is being ensured
As a result of the monitoring visits 56 warnings were issued to employees of facilities housing individuals with restricted freedom of movement 2 employees were fined and employment contracts with 3 employees were terminated
In addition during monitoring visits to places of detention regional representatives of the Ombudsman together with representatives of the relevant regional bodies and agencies, conducted on-side medical examinations, held receptions and conducted other educational activities Notably in cooperation with the health departments of the Republic of Karakalpakstan Navoi Bukhara Syrdarya Surkhandarya Khorezm and Samarkand regions highly qualified doctors were involved and approximately, 6000 detainees underwent medical examinations
The regional representative of the Ombudsman in Namangan Region in cooperation with the Namangan Regional “Hunarmand” Union conducted vocational training for inmates in correctional colonies During the 10 months of 2024 more than 180 inmates received vocational education and were issued certificates
Now, let us focus on the results of complaints considered from inmates and detainees During the reporting period 2232 appeals were received from persons in detention facilities their close relatives and defenders (lawyers) Of these 858 were received through postal service 335 through the “Ombudsman’s Boxes” 403 through the website “pm.gov.uz” 309 during receptions conducted by Ombudsman staff 216 through the website and mobile application “Ombudsman.uz” 44 during on-site receptions 30 during personal receptions with the Ombudsman 24 through the Presidential Reception 13 through the hotline
As a result of considering the complaints together with the relevant bodies and agencies 32 persons serving sentences underwent medical examinations of which 18 were admitted to hospitals for treatment
Assistance was provided to 7 convicts for replacing the unserved part of their sentences with lighter punishments or for conditional early release disciplinary penalties were lifted early for 8 persons as a form of encouragement
4 convicts were transferred to correctional facilities closer to their places of residence
For families of 12 inmates serving sentences in settlement colonies assistance was provided in obtaining child benefits for their minor children and with the support of local authorities, material assistance was allocated to families of 5 inmates
During the 10 months of 2024 the Ombudsman received 158 complaints of physical psychological or other forms of pressure from law enforcement officers in detention facilities.
In 14 complaints decisions to refuse criminal investigations were overturned by higher-level prosecutors, and additional pre-investigation checks were ordered
In 52 cases, investigations revealed no violations.
Investigations into 62 complaints are ongoing.
As a result of considering the complaints 10 staff members were subjected to disciplinary measures and in 3 cases criminal cases were initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code.
It is worth noting that 15 messages about psychological physical or other pressure published on social networks were reviewed 14 statements were issued and in 12 cases demands were sent to the relevant ministries and agencies by the Ombudsman.
