On the eve of the holiday, the pupils of the Perm educational Colony of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia were congratulated on the upcoming New Year.

New Year is a time of miracles, kindness and care. It is especially important to give attention and support to those who need it most. On the eve of the holiday, the pupils of the Perm educational Colony of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia were congratulated on the upcoming New Year. We thank the Government of our republic for preparing gifts that helped create a festive atmosphere and give children a piece of New Year’s magic. Our colleague Igor Sapko, the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Perm Region, handed over the gifts we had prepared to the inmates of the colony. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to turn a new page in their lives. May the New Year bring warmth, joy and new goals to the children!

On February 12, 2025, Levan Ioseliani, Public Defender of Georgia, , met with Wade Kusack, founder of the organization Love Your Neighbor Community, Greg Mitchell, founder of the organization Religious Freedom Secretariat, and Zaza Vashakmadze, Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Affairs.

At the meeting, the Public Defender reviewed the current situation in the country in terms of protection of religious minority rights, the mandate and activities of the Office in this direction; he also spoke about the recommendations prepared regarding religious minority issues for the elimination of the challenges reflected in the annual parliamentary reports.

Wade Cusack and Greg Mitchell emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in creating and strengthening a tolerant environment and expressed their desire to cooperate with the Public Defender’s Office.

One of the important areas of the Ombudsman’s activity of Azerbaijan is related to the protectionof the rights of persons with disabilities.

On the occasion of January 4 – World Braille Day, the Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva initiated a special educational product titled “National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture,” which was prepared in Braille for people with complete visual impairments.

The material is designed for residents of special institutions operating in the country where people with complete visual impairments live and study, and other persons from this category, and contains information on the Ombudsman’s mandate and powers, the NPM activities, as well as methods of contacting the Ombudsman.

It should be noted that ensuring the rights and freedoms of visually impaired people and providing them with necessary resources is always in the spotlight.

ACRC Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan, Shares Warm-heartedness at the Theresa’s House

– ACRC visits Theresa’s House, a child-care institution, and donates ACRC member’s contribution

Chairperson of the ACRC, Ryu Chul Whan visited child-care institution and offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the children and staff members.

Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) visited Theresa’s House, a child-care institution located in Eunpyeong-district, at 3 p.m. to deliver donation of ACRC members.

※ Theresa’s House: a child-care institution managed by a convent, which supports independent life of children from preschool to high-school

Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan has been highlighting the efforts of ACRC to protect and support vulnerable social groups such as self-reliant young people, people suffering from Hansen’s disease and North Korean defectors. ACRC is making efforts to improve the system in the long term to resolve grievances, while actively discovering blind spots of welfare and families in crisis who are in urgent need to quickly support them.

As part of these efforts, the ACRC is pushing for a mentoring project to support self-reliant young people who have ended their protection at child-care facilities and held a “year-end mentoring day” on Dec. 20.

The visit of ACRC was designed to express gratitude and encourage children and the staff members of the facility who care for the children who don’t have families or guardians and help them prepare for self-reliance as a member of society.

Ryu Chul Whan, chairperson of the ACRC, said “I hope that our society can be a place where we can care for the people in need and send them warm words and small sincerity as we start the new year of the blue dragon.”

On February 10, 2025, the report on the Ombudsman’s activities for 2024 was heard at the sessions of the fraktions of the Legislative Chamber of the OliyMajlis, including the fraktions of the Democratic Party “Milliy Tiklanish”, the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, the SDP “Adolat” and the “UzLiDeP” fraktion.

The report stated that in 2024, 23,422 appeals were received by the Ombudsman from citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, foreign citizens and ombudsmen, stateless persons, public organizations, and other legal entities.

Based on the analysis of the issues raised in the citizens’ appeals, as well as the results of monitoring visits, 9 analytical reports were presented in the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, 5 analytical reports in the Cabinet of Ministers, and 182 documents in the form of representations, conclusions, lawsuits, and demands were submitted to state bodies, organizations, and courts.

It was also reported that, as a result of the measures taken in the interest of citizens, over 4.12 billion UZS in wages were recovered. In addition, for the irresponsible conduct of some employees of state institutions and bodies, warnings were issued to 67 employees, 8 employees were fined, and 7 employees were dismissed.

At the event, deputies particularly noted the launch of the mobile application ombudsman.uz in 2024, which is aimed at creating convenience for citizens. This application provides the possibility of quick and easy registration through the One ID system, submission of appeals and receipt of responses, online consultations, and access to news and statistical data.

During the discussion, participants answered the questions raised, and the report on the Ombudsman’s activities for 2024 was approved.

As part of an expanded meeting of the Expert Council under the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan, the results of the work for 2024 were summed up and tasks were set for 2025.

In 2024, 5,417 appeals were received by the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan, 773 of them through the ESIA, which is 41% more than a year earlier. 1,428 messages were received through the EGIS GLONASS 112 system.

52 receptions of citizens were held during the year:

✳️personal receptions – 25,

✳️field reception – 5,

✳️thematic receptions – 22.

A total of 537 people were accepted.

There were also 6 telephone hotlines, which received 246 calls.

The CCAC detected a case where a chief of an operational post of the Fire Services Bureau (CB) allegedly falsified attendance records in an attempt to conceal his absence from duty during his working hours.

The CCAC initiated an investigation upon receipt of a report in 2024 and discovered that between December 2023 and May 2024, the chief involved left the territory twice during work time or an additional work period (commonly known as “supplementary shift”). In addition, he was absent from the operational post three times and went back to the post to clock out over one hour later. He claimed that he was on duty on the said occasions in order to conceal the untrue situations of attendance.

The aforesaid chief of the CB was suspected of committing the crime of forgery by a public servant provided for in the Penal Code. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office and notified to the CB for handling. The CCAC reminds that all public servants should know and abide by the law, and law enforcement personnel should even be more strict with their own disciplines.

Islamabad: February 18, 2025 – A delegation from the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) visited the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s Secretariat here today.  This visit was part of the institution’s efforts to raise awareness about scope of its work and the services provided to the general public.

Welcoming the visiting APP delegation, Secretary Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat, Syed Asif Shah said that the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s institution considers the media fraternity as one of the important stakeholder which can effectively disseminate its message regarding availability of this forum to the general public. The Advisor (Appraisal), Advisor (Implementation) and Advisor (Media), WMS were also present on the occasion. The APPC delegation included Mr. Rab Nawaz Bajwa, Director, VNS and Mr. Abdul Qudous, Chief Editor, VNS.

The visiting delegation was briefed by a team of senior officers of the Secretariat.  The APP delegation comprising a group of professional reporters was informed that the office has emerged as the premier agency of administrative accountability, providing relief to millions of people in the country. It was added that in 2024, the Office received and processed a record number of public complaints totaling 226,373, out of which 223,198 were disposed of showing an increase 17% and 16% in the receipt and disposal of complaints respectively over the figurers 2023. In financial terms, the office provided a relief equivalent to Rs.8.22 billion to the people during 2024.

Furthermore, owing to various initiatives like the Outreach Complaint Resolution (OCR), Information Resolution of Disputes (IRD), Inspection Visits etc., the institution has been able to dispense administrative relief at the doorsteps of the complainants. Similarly, greater use of technology has remarkably enhanced the institution’s accessibility. During 2024, nearly 63,980 complaints were lodged on line reflecting a growing trend to use digital platforms. The APP delegation was briefed that another landmark achievement of the institution during the year 2024 related to effective implementation of its Findings/decisions, which comes to 93.21% as against 85.70% achieved during 2023.It was added that this office has presence in 24 major cities including the Headquarters at Islamabad, covering almost the entire length and breadth of the country including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJ&K.

Touching on the international linkages of the institution, it was stated that Wafaqi Mohtasib is an active member of the International Ombudsman Institution (IOI) and currently holds the post of President of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA). Wafaqi Mohtasib’s unanimous election by the 47-member strong professional body of ombudsman in the region has brought a distinct honor to the country.

The briefing was followed by a lively question/answer session. The members of the delegation evinced a keen interest in the working and operations of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat and its Regional Offices. Lauding its role, they expressed the confidence that addressing maladministration would ultimately help pave the way for good governance and rule of law in the country.

– ACRC announces three major tasks for 2025 under the vision of “People with Better Life, Korea to Leap Forward”with a priority on stabilizing livelihoods and protecting marginalized groups

(14, January. 2025, ACRC)

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Right Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) announced three major tasks to focus on under its 2025 vision “People with Better Life, Korea to Leap Forward.”

Given the increasing concerns about added grievances due to the uncertainties both within and outside of Korea, ACRC has made stabilizing livelihoods and protecting marginalized groups as top priority.

Also, ACRC will engage with people in multiple ways by utilizing digital technology and improve platform including Online Administrative Appeals System in more easy and convenient way for people’s rights and interests.

Moreover, ACRC announced to consolidate anti-corruption system by conducting rigorous checks and elevating effectiveness of code of conduct for fairness and integrity, while spreading a culture of integrity throughout society.

1. Stabilize People’s Life, Focusing on Protecting Marginalized Groups and People’s Livelihood

ACRC will prioritize the proactive resolution of issues faced by vulnerable social groups such as self-reliant young people, people living in slums and people affected by Hansen’s disease through on-site visit and circuit counseling. As a hub for the projects, ACRC will form a “joint social consultation group” for more systematic and sustainable support, improving both quantity and quality of the programs.

At the same time, the committee will operate “On-site Business Grievances Meeting” for small business owners and micro enterprises as well as the “On-site Outreach Service,” which visits marginalized areas and communities over 100 times a year for listening to the difficulties of people’s livelihoods and addressing grievances in a fast manner.

Also, investigation will also focus on topics including fast transfer of illegal parking, signs of eco-friendly vehicle charging places, living environment of junior military officials to figure out root causes of inconveniences and improve irrational system and practices, while proactively find long-awaited collective complaints which cause grievances of local residents and social disagreements for reasonable mediation and resolution.

※ ACRC addressed 716 cases of collective complaints from May 2022 to Dec 2024, resolving grievances of about 267 thousand people

2. Society of fairness and integrity where people can feel the difference

ACRC conducts thorough checks to eradicate corruption at local and on-site areas which are closely connected to the daily lives of people. The commission will focus on preventing financial leakage due to the excessive budget spending of public institutions or illegal receipt of subsidy and recommend recovery to contribute to the national budget.

Old-fashioned practices in public society including unofficial hospitality for executives, power trip in the office, non-planned use of budget will also be the target of thorough inspection.

The three-year-old Conflict of Interest Prevention Act (2025.05.19) to be fully operate among the public officials as an anti-corruption mechanism, ACRC will repair the act in more reasonable way, add virtual assets to the restricted transactions when using duty-related information to raise and elevate effectiveness of anti-corruption related law.

To disseminate integrity with fairness and common sense in the overall society, ACRC will also investigate hiring process of sports-related organizations as they have high incidence of recruitment-related corruption and provide consulting on recruitment regulations.

* Government project 91. Guarantee fair opportunity for the young generation to take a leap forward

ACRC will host ACTWG (Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts Working Group) in upcoming February and July for 21 members of Asia-Pacific region. APEC High Level Dialogue of Anti-Corruption Cooperation in July will have high-level officials of anti-corruption agencies of the U.S., Australia, Malaysia, anti-corruption related international organizations such as OECD and UNODC to discuss latest international anti-corruption issues as well as joint effort and solidarity of Asia-Pacific. Korea’s status and external credibility can be further enhanced through the successful meeting.

At the same time, ACRC will visit CPI (Corruption Perception Index) evaluating institutions by June and present anti-corruption efforts and achievements of Korea to improve international awareness of transparency and credibility of Korea to contribute better CPI.

ACRC also works for the improvement of current laws* to guarantee reporters with equal protection and support by standardizing different levels of protection and support.

* Act on Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment and Management of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, Public Whistleblower Protection Act, Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, Act on Prohibition of False Claims for Public Funds and Recovery of Illicit Profits, Act on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest Related to Duties of Public Servants (5 Acts)

Use recommendation system for proactive prevention of disadvantageous action to thoroughly protect the reporter, and ACRC will strictly conduct regular checks, request disciplinary action towards violator, and accuse investigation agency. The committee will also seek for amicable and voluntary resolution by recommending reconciliation between petitioner who asked for the action of protection and the requested person (or institution).

3. Expand digital platform to strengthen communication and advocacy

Government call center* launched in last Dec. 27 provides fast, accurate service based on shared-data and AI advisor**.

* Separated call center of 17 institutions including Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are integrated by using cloud and AI technology.

** Analyzes voices of petitioner and counselor to provide appropriate response and information.

“e-People” will increase the number of the institutions under its umbrella (50 added in 2025, 1,262 in total) for convenient petition system, and introduce Any-ID (comprehensive ID system) for convenience and stability so that there is no need to log-in whenever people visits different web pages of the public institutions.

For issues that are high profile or need active response, ACRC will activate “People’s Idea Box” to collect opinion and conduct “Policy Idea Contest.”

ACRC will also work for amending the law for administrative appeal for better access and effectiveness of the appeal system. Asking for court-appointed attorney will be available before the administrative appeal and CAAC (Central Administrative Appeals Commission) will be able to set deliberation date in virtue of office so that delayed response of the appellee will not cause any delay* of the case, while establishing strong ground to handle malicious complaint.

* The number of cases that appellee delivered the response after the legal period (10 days) in 2022-2024: 13,268 cases

Under the government project “establish one-stop administrative appeal system” 95 on-line Administrative Appeals Systems* that were separately managed will be integrated as of June for convenient administrative appeal.

* Central Administrative Appeals Commission, Central Land Tribunal, Appeals Commission, Appeal Commission for Educators, National Tax Examination Committee, Tax Tribunal and others

Last but not least, issue handling and system improvement will be strengthened by analyzing complaints big data. ACRC analyzes people’s opinions in multiple ways by investigating big data of civil complaints from public institutions to figure out and forecast potential issues and guide proactive response of administrative institutions. Analysis and forecast based on civil complaints will be expanded to daily safety issues including new kind of crimes such as digital sexual abuse to strengthen people’s safety.

Big data on complaints will be utilized to come up with the measures to (low birth rate) improve national scholarship system for multi-child families (safety) crack down drug drive with strong punishment (polarization) protect single parent family(imbalanced development) improve ways for protecting subcontract and SMEs.

Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan of ACRC said “as social, economic difficulties of people can be worsened due to the uncertainties in and outside of the country, we will communicate with people on-site and proactively address hardships.”

He added “structural elements that causes people’s suffering will be resolved by fundamentally improving the policies, handling corruption and unfairness in more strict ways for Korea to be a country with integrity that matches with our people’s dignity.”

The Commissioner against Corruption Ao Ieong Seong, the Deputy Commissioner cum Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau Wong Kim Fong, as well as other CCAC staff, participated in the 14^th General Meeting of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) by video conference this afternoon.

At the meeting, the participants reviewed the work done by the IAACA in 2024, approved the accession of some new members and elected the members in the new term of the Executive Committee according to the constitution of the IAACA. In addition, the work objectives for 2025 were set, which included strengthening the cooperation with international organisations, promoting sharing of experiences in corruption fighting among the members and organising a series of training courses and online thematic seminars, among other objectives.

Established in Beijing in 2006, the IAACA is an important platform for experience sharing and exchange among anti-corruption institutions from different countries and regions. One of the objectives of the IAACA is to promote and take forward the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and to strengthen international cooperation among different anti-corruption institutions in combating crimes of corruption.