Uzbekistan, ombudsmen discuss human rights protection

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) —Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva met with ombudsmen and representatives of national human rights institutions from foreign countries and international organizations who arrived in Uzbekistan to attend the international conference “Human Rights in the Context of Digital Transformation: Modern Approaches.”

The meeting focused on protecting human rights and freedoms, exchanging experience and further cooperation between parliaments, ombudsmen and national human rights institutions.

Particular attention was paid to direct dialogue with the population as one of the mechanisms for protecting human rights. Foreign representatives were briefed on senators’ meetings and outreach sessions in the regions, the consideration of citizens’ appeals, and parliamentary oversight of the implementation of laws and state programmes.

The participants also discussed cooperation between the Senate and local Kengashes. The talks covered the preparation of proposals to improve legislation based on needs and problems identified in the regions.

The meeting also highlighted Uzbekistan’s international initiatives in the field of human rights and reforms aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, ensuring gender equality and improving mechanisms for guaranteeing rights and freedoms.

The participants noted that constitutional reforms had strengthened the legal and institutional foundations for human rights protection. In particular, the Senate and the Ombudsman were granted the right to submit legislative proposals.

The Ombudsman’s powers were also expanded. They include the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court, investigate human rights violations, issue warnings and submissions and, where necessary, hold those responsible accountable.

The sides stressed that human rights are a shared value and responsibility.

In this context, they emphasized the importance of studying international legal standards and foreign experience, exchanging practices and jointly seeking solutions to current issues in protecting human rights and freedoms.