Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  During the latest plenary session, the Senate discussed the Law "On the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)." This law includes a number of amendments aimed at fully ensuring the protection and strengthening of citizens’ rights and freedoms in accordance with the updated Constitution.

Notably, the law establishes that the Ombudsman of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights will present special reports to the President, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, and the Cabinet of Ministers aimed at adopting legal, organizational, socio-economic, and other measures for the protection of human rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests.

The law grants the Ombudsman the right, in the manner of legislative initiative, to submit legislative proposals to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

Additional guarantees for the powers and inviolability of the Ombudsman and their deputy have also been introduced, legally ensuring the unhindered and effective performance of their duties.

According to the law, the Ombudsman must be a citizen of Uzbekistan who is at least thirty years old on the day of their election and has resided in the country for at least five years.

Furthermore, the law introduces the concept of an "Ombudsman’s box" in penitentiary institutions and pre-trial detention centers, defining the legal mechanism for individuals deprived of their freedom to contact the Ombudsman.

The adoption of this law enhances the significance of the Ombudsman institution as an independent national body and improves the institutional framework for the Ombudsman’s activities.

This law expands the Ombudsman’s powers to ensure the observance of human rights and freedoms and enhances the effectiveness of their regional representatives’ activities.

The law has been approved by the senators.