The main purpose of these activities is to provide convicted persons and detainees with information about their rights, procedures for обращения to the Ombudsman, existing safeguards for the prevention of torture and other cruel treatment, as well as social and legal opportunities available to them during their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

For this purpose, within the framework of the “Ombudsman School” platform, open dialogues were held with convicted persons and detainees at Colony-Settlement No. 37 in Samarkand region, Colony-Settlement No. 40 and Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 8 in Syrdarya region, Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 3 in Andijan region, Penal Colony No. 6 in Namangan region, and Penal Colony No. 5 in Navoi region. Approximately 400 persons held in these institutions participated in the events.

The events were attended by deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, responsible representatives of regional Probation Departments, and territorial divisions of the National Agency for Social Protection. Necessary information was provided to persons serving sentences, including convicted persons nearing release.

In particular, explanations were provided regarding the Ombudsman’s powers to ensure observance of human rights in closed institutions through public oversight, the right of convicted persons and detainees to submit appeals, as well as the inadmissibility of any pressure against persons who submit complaints.

In addition, persons serving sentences received detailed explanations on probation procedures, types of social assistance available to citizens after release, undergoing medical examinations, obtaining one-time financial assistance and existing opportunities, as well as on the topics “Measures for Teaching Modern Professions to Youth in Penal Institutions” and “Ensuring Youth Employment and Job Placement.”

During the dialogues, convicted persons and detainees raised issues of concern to them and received relevant legal explanations.

Following the events, mobile receptions were organized, during which appeals from convicted persons and detainees were received and resolved on-site through legal explanations.

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