MPs Back Re-election of Feruza Eshmatova as Human Rights Ombudsman

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis unanimously re-elected Feruza Eshmatova to the post of Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) at a plenary session on 24 February, the lower house of parliament announced.

Feruza Eshmatova, born in 1979 and a qualified lawyer by profession, was first elected to the position in January 2021. She previously served as Chair of the Senate Committee of the Oliy Majlis on Women's Affairs and Gender Equality.

128 deputies voted in favor of her re-election as Ombudsman, while 2 abstained.

In her address, Eshmatova expressed gratitude for the support and trust placed in her, describing the appointment as "a very great honor, but at the same time a very great responsibility." She stressed that the foundation of all reforms in the country is "the individual, their dignity and honor."

She noted that legislation is being progressively improved, new mechanisms for the protection of human rights are being established, and existing ones updated, while the institution of the Ombudsman faces "very significant and important tasks."

Under current legislation, the Ombudsman may be elected for no more than two consecutive five-year terms. The candidacy is nominated by the President and must now be confirmed by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.