During the virtual dialogue, issues related to upgrading the international status of the Ombudsman Institution to “A” status were discussed in detail. In particular, it was noted that the recommendations provided by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions when the Ombudsman was granted “B” status in 2020 have been implemented in a phased manner. Emphasis was placed on the improvement of the legislative framework governing the Ombudsman’s activities, the establishment of regional representatives, as well as membership in reputable international structures, including the Ombudsmen of Turkic-speaking states, the Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions, and the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. The signing of cooperation memoranda with ombudsmen of Central Asian countries, Serbia, Hungary, Italy, Mongolia, and Denmark was also noted.

The meeting particularly emphasized that, as a result of systemic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years in the field of human rights, the institutional capacity of the Ombudsman Institution has been consistently strengthened.

The online meeting was attended by Omer Fisher, Human Rights Adviser of the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, as well as experts Matthias Klettermaier and Joana Miquel Gelabert, who shared their views and proposals.

It was also noted that within the framework of cooperation with ombudsmen of foreign states accredited with “A” status, best practices are being studied, and cooperation with civil society representatives is being consistently enhanced. In this process, close collaboration with civil society institutions is carried out during monitoring visits, the review of complaints, and the preparation of alternative reports.

At the conclusion of the dialogue, an exchange of views took place on organizational and institutional measures to be implemented in connection with the review of the Ombudsman Institution’s status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

Press Service of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman)