The event brought together representatives of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, the Society of Persons with Disabilities, the Society of the Deaf, the Social Protection Agency, Tashkent State University of Law, the National University of Uzbekistan, as well as experts from other state bodies and organizations.

As a subject of parliamentary oversight, the Ombudsman pays particular attention to reviewing appeals submitted by persons with disabilities, assessing the protection of their rights and freedoms, improving legislation in this area, and monitoring the implementation of adopted legal acts.

To date, a number of measures have been taken to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to address state authorities. At the same time, there remains a need to create additional conditions enabling them to submit appeals to the Ombudsman, participate in personal and mobile receptions, access information, and make full and equal use of legal protection mechanisms.

The "Inclusive Ombudsman" project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the Ombudsman institution into a human rights institution that is physically, digitally and communicatively accessible to persons with disabilities.

The project provides for the development of a dedicated Telegram bot enabling persons with visual, hearing or speech impairments to submit audio and video appeals to the Ombudsman, as well as the adaptation of the official website in accordance with international accessibility standards.

The project also envisages conducting joint on-site assessments with civil society representatives to examine the conditions created for persons with disabilities, as well as organising mobile receptions and monitoring activities in remote and rural areas. In this regard, it was noted that, in cooperation with the Ombudsman, studies have already commenced to assess the accessibility and barrier-free environment at higher education institutions. Based on the findings of these assessments, proposals and recommendations will be submitted to the relevant state authorities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the proposals and recommendations expressed during the discussion would be taken into account in further improving the "Inclusive Ombudsman" project. Priority areas and tasks to be implemented jointly with civil society institutions were also identified.

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