Uzbekistan Expands Legal Powers of Human Rights Ombudsman

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has reviewed a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the Human Rights Ombudsman’s work.

The proposal is linked to the implementation of the law “On the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman),” adopted on November 15, 2024. The document granted the Ombudsman expanded powers and additional tools to respond to violations of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Under the current framework, the Ombudsman is entitled to send warnings, submissions, petitions, and demands to state bodies and officials aimed at preventing violations of human rights legislation. The proposed amendments are intended to establish legal mechanisms ensuring the effective implementation of these powers.

The draft proposes amendments to Article 197⁴ of the Code of Administrative Responsibility. These changes would introduce liability for officials for failure to comply with obligations to the Ombudsman, obstruction of his activities, provision of knowingly false information, as well as delays or failure to consider complaints and documents within established deadlines.

Separate provisions establish responsibility for providing inaccurate data in response to appeals, conclusions, submissions, petitions, warnings, and requests issued by the Ombudsman.

During the discussions, lawmakers emphasized that the amendments are aimed at improving human rights protection mechanisms and strengthening discipline within state bodies and among officials.

The relevant decision was adopted following the session.