Uzbekistan Expands Powers of Human Rights Ombudsman

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has reviewed in the first reading a draft law aimed at further enhancing the effectiveness of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) and strengthening the responsibility of officials for ensuring citizens’ rights.

The bill was introduced by a group of deputies as a legislative initiative and seeks to reinforce legal mechanisms ensuring the practical implementation of the Ombudsman’s powers, including response measures to violations in the field of human rights and freedoms.

It is noted that under the current Law “On the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman),” the Ombudsman is already empowered with a range of instruments, including the right to issue warnings, submissions, petitions, and demands to officials and organizations to prevent violations of legislation.

The new draft law aims to establish additional legal foundations for the effective use of these powers.

In particular, amendments are proposed to Article 197-4 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, introducing liability for failure to consider the Ombudsman’s requests, failure to meet deadlines for their execution without valid reasons, and the provision of knowingly false information in response to such requests.

Following the discussion, deputies emphasized that the proposed measures will contribute to strengthening mechanisms for the protection of human rights and improving discipline within state bodies and among officials in ensuring compliance with legislation.