Representatives of the Gender Department and Regional Division of the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia held several dozens of meetings in different cities and villages of Georgia within the framework of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”.

The main theme of this year’s campaign was child marriage, as cases of forced child marriage remain a challenge. The need for the State to implement a strict policy in relation to the above-mentioned crime and the importance of coordinated work between all the relevant agencies were emphasized at the meeting.

Employees of the Public Defender talked about the mandate of the Public Defender with various thematic groups. The challenges existing in terms of protection of the right to gender equality and the recommendations of the Public Defender developed in this direction were also discussed.

During the course of the campaign, representatives of the Public Defender’s Office also participated in awareness-raising meetings organized by various agencies and municipalities, during which participants discussed important topics for them.

The “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” is observed worldwide from November 25 to December 10 each year and aims to raise awareness of gender equality, violence against women and domestic violence, child marriage and human rights.

In Kazan during the day worked a telephone hotline «Women’s attention» on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as people with disabilities, timed to coincide with the Decade of Persons with Disabilities.

This year the hotline together with the deputy association of the State Council «Мәрхәмәт–Miloserdie» was organized five times. In the center of attention were the issues of organization of summer holidays for children, education, protection of the rights of the elderly, etc.

During the work of the hotline today, about one hundred questions were received. The questions are diverse, among them there are those that require further study and appeals to the relevant ministers, heads of municipalities, as well as to the prosecutor’s office. There are questions concerning the health care system, for example, the allocation of vouchers for sanatorium treatment «Mother and Child», drug provision, including the provision of means for the care of bedridden patients, determination of the disability group, there are also complaints about the order of their re-examination, especially concerning those who need to do it once a year.

Today we answered the questions of participation in state mortgage lending programs (for disabled people), complaints about the actions (or inaction) of medical personnel who refused to refer to medical procedures, obtaining technical rehabilitation equipment for disabled people, registration of guardianship and deprivation of legal capacity at the age of 18, providing transport for referral to treatment for disabled children, etc.

We thank our colleagues – members of the deputy association «Мәрхәмәт–Miloserdie», employees of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Protection, Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Tatarstan, Notary and Lawyer’s Chambers, branch of the Social Fund of the Russian Federation in Tatarstan for joint fruitful work!

On 14 December 2023, during a visit to Geneva, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) took part in a briefing organized on the occasion of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the presentation of the book “Uzbekistan: The Pearl of Central Asia”.

It was also noted that the reforms undertaken in many areas in Uzbekistan have centered on ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms, with positive results. These include ensuring gender equality, eradicating child and forced labor, enhancing the role of civil society institutions and ensuring freedom of speech.

At the presentation of the book “Uzbekistan: The Pearl of Central Asia”, President of the Diplomatic Circle of Geneva R. Blum noted that the strategy “Uzbekistan-2030” is designed to make the country more just, independent, secular and prosperous. This book will allow the French-speaking community to learn more about Uzbekistan, its rich culture and huge potential.

On the same day, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) met with the Head of the Secretariat of the UN Committee against Torture, H. Leoz Invernon.

The meeting focused on the work of the Ombudsman to identify and prevent cases of torture. It is noted that representatives of civil society institutions are constantly involved in monitoring visits to penitentiary institutions.

On this day, the head of the secretariat of the UN Committee against Torture emphasized the important role of the Ombudsman institution in protecting human rights and interests in Uzbekistan. He highly appreciated the fact that this year the Ombudsman submitted an alternative report to the report of the Government of Uzbekistan on the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to the relevant United Nations committee.

At the end of the conversation, the UN representative expressed his readiness to develop close and constructive cooperation with the Ombudsman Institute.

The National Preventiv Group of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan conducted monitoring in the boarding-type gymnasium, a special school for children with limited health capacities, and an integrated training boarding-type gymnasium based in Sumgayit.

During the monitoring of Sumgayit City Boarding Type Gymnasium, it was found that 720 children were registered in the facility for 280 resident students, and therefore, there was overcrowding.

The placement of 30 internally displaced persons in the dormitory of the boarding school is one of the factors affecting the overcrowding.

It was also determined that the facility, in particular the dormitory, was in need of an overhaul, and it had no a bahroom and that the lighting should be improved.

In the Sumgayit special school for children with limited health capacities, excluding primary grades’ students, there were difficulties in supplying them with specific education tools. Although, the facility was designed for children with limited health capacities, it was observed that no accessible infrastructure was ensured, ramps were not installed, and there was a lack of the ventilation system.

Within the framework of the monitoring, a meeting was held with children, and information about the rules and methods of application to the Ombudsman was provided.

At the end, talks were held with the managements of the facilities and recommendations were made for the eradication of the shortages. Furthermore, it was informed that the charters of all three facilities were in need of renewal.

The Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan will be urged regarding the outcomes of the monitoring.

On December 11, 2023, a solemn event was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The delegation of our country also includes the Authorized person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Feruza Eshmatova.

In his address to the world community, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is aimed at ending wars, eliminating conflicts, and ensuring a peaceful and dignified life for the peoples of the world. In addition, he noted the increase in conflicts, poverty, hunger and inequality in the world.

At the end of his speech, the Secretary-General called on people around the world to always promote and respect human rights, regardless of situation or place.

On this day, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) brought together representatives of national human rights institutions from a number of countries. Ombudsmen of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and the Kyrgyz Republic took part in this international event, where current tasks for national institutions to ensure human rights until 2030 were discussed.

During the discussions, the ombudsmen shared with their experience in ensuring human rights, analyzed conflict situations in the world and exchanged views on the protection of socially vulnerable segments of the population.

Also during the visit, the Authorized person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Feruza Eshmatova met with the Chairman of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the Chairperson of the National Human Rights of Qatar, Maryam Abdullah Al-Attiyah.

During the dialogue, the procedure for considering citizens’ appeals by the Ombudsman Institute, monitoring visits to places of deprivation of liberty by representatives of civil society institutions, as well as the participation of the media and the model of the National Preventive Mechanism “Ombudsman+” were discussed.

During the interview, the Human Rights Ombudsman said that he is currently working on the recommendations of the Global Alliance to obtain international “A” status in compliance with the Paris Principles.

Following the meeting, which took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, the parties exchanged views on further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in the future.

Today, December 12, a meeting was held between the Authorized person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) and the head of the Office of the UN High Chairperson for Human Rights in Europe and Central Asia, Khulan Tsedev.

During the dialogue, views were exchanged on strengthening cooperation with the Ombudsman Institute and the Office of the UN High Chairperson for Human Rights and projects that could be implemented in these areas in the future were discussed.

December 9 marks the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) and as part of the observance, the Office of the Ombudsman held the SIKHAY LABAN SA KORAPSYON (SiLaK) Galvanizing the Anti-Corruption Sector Thru Strategic Innovations and Gender Mainstreaming, with the participation of various stakeholders and civil society organizations. The SiLaK initiative is the Office of the Ombudsman’s collaborative advocacy platform to facilitate data-driven policy development and strategic innovations in the anti-corruption sector. It is an abbreviation for “Sikhay Laban sa Korapsyon,” a Filipino phrase which means ‘assiduity and diligence in the fight against corruption.’

The Office of the Ombudsman which is vested with broad constitutional powers, is cognizant that it must remain dynamic, responsive and collaborative to lead the enforcement of public accountability against graft and corruption, ensure the sanctity of public office as a public trust, and promote high standard of ethics in public service amidst challenges of modern governance and rising expectations from the public. Its strategic interdependence with all branches in the government and other anti-corruption stakeholders is not only needed to effectively dispense its mandate but also for sustained improvement of its service delivery mechanisms and core functions. Hence, continued revitalization of the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as the strategic innovations and collaborative programs that will be engendered, is an institutional imperative and serves as an integral part of the anti-corruption function of the institution.

Towards this end, this year’s SiLaK is focused on galvanizing the anti-corruption sector through strategic innovations and gender mainstreaming under the stewardship of the Office of the Ombudsman.

It specifically aims to:

(a) strengthen linkages of justice and anti-corruption stakeholders towards an innovative, sustainable, inclusive, and transformative roadmap against corruption

(b) develop an I.T. enabled systematic knowledge repository and exchange facilities of anti-corruption studies, experience, and best practices;

(c) promote data-driven policy development and management to promote integrity and fight corruption; and

(d) sustain gender mainstreaming in policy-oriented discourse.

As one of the highlights of the celebration, the Ombudsman inaugurated the HIP Awards, a simple, multi-sectoral initiative that aims to recognize exemplary acts of Honesty, Integrity and Public Accountability.  The HIP Awards is envisioned as an enabling tool in transforming ordinary citizens, through their seeds of exemplary acts, into champions of cornerstone Filipino values, that is honesty, integrity and accountability.

In Kazan, a working meeting was held between the Prosecutor of the Republic of Tatarstan, Albert Suyargulov, and the Commissioner for Human Rights in Tatarstan, Sariya Saburskaya.

Today in Kazan a working meeting of the Prosecutor of the Republic of Tatarstan Albert Suyargulov with the Commissioner for Human Rights in Tatarstan Sariya Saburskaya took place.

The main purpose of the event was to discuss and define areas of cooperation between the agencies.

At the meeting, the parties also discussed topical issues and problems related to ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as developed joint strategies to counteract violations in this area.

Special attention was paid to the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of persons in places of forced detention, as well as to countering corruption and other crimes against state power.

The parties expressed their readiness for further cooperation and collaboration in order to strengthen law and order in the territory of the Republic, as well as to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of the residents of the region.

Summarizing the results of the meeting, the prosecutor emphasized the importance of joint work to ensure the well-being and safety of citizens in Tatarstan, and expressed confidence in fruitful cooperation for the benefit of the population of the Republic.

The Commisioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, received the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Azerbaijan, Alex Haikens.

At the meeting, highlighting the importance of protecting child rights, the S. Aliyeva noted that according to the amendments made to the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, the Ombudsman was empowered to function as an independent monitoring mechanism for the implementation and promotion of the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”.

S. Aliyeva provided information about the measures taken for the protection of child rights, during the “Child Rights Month” long campaign.

Underlining, the significance of the activities carried out in cooperation between the Ombudsman Institution and UNICEF, the Ombudsman spoke about the work done in this area according to the Action Plan.

The Ombudsman stated that our lands have been de-occupied as a result of the Second Karabakh War, building and reconstruction works are being carried out in those areas, and the process of returning our former internally displaced persons is being implemented. She also underlined the importance of ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups of the population, including children.

At the meeting, discussions were held regarding education of children about mine security and the impacts of climate change on children.

Alex Haikens said that significant work has been done in the country in terms of ensuring children’s rights and expressed his gratitude to the Ombudsman for cooperation in this field.

The sides exchanged their views on the future prospects of collaboration.

At the end, Sabina Aliyeva thanked A. Haikens, who is completing his terms of office in our country, and wished success in his future activities, as well as presented a post stamp dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Ombudsman institution to the guest as a keepsake.

– Cooperating in and supporting the dissemination of anti-corruption
policies to developing countries by re-extending the initial MOU signed with UNDP in 2015

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Kim Hong-Il) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will enhance their cooperation and support in disseminating Korea’s anti-corruption policies to developing countries by extending the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

On November 29 in the morning at the Government Complex Seoul, ACRC will extend the MOU with UNDP concerning the dissemination of anti-corruption policies to developing countries.

Vice Chairperson and Secretary General of ACRC Chung Seung-Yun and Director of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC) Anne Juepner will participate in the MOU signing ceremony and engage in discussions regarding future cooperation measures.

In 2015, ACRC and UNDP signed the initial MOU with the aim of sharing and disseminating Korea’s anti-corruption policies within developing countries.

At the ceremony, the two agencies will conduct a review of the anti-corruption policies sharing project carried out over the past eight years and exchange information on exemplary anti corruption policies that have yielded achievements recognized in Korea. In addition, they will discuss measures for sharing and cooperation by leveraging the global network of the UNDP.

The two agencies have been sharing the Anti-Corruption Initiative Assessment (AIA) and Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) with nine countries*, including Vietnam and Malaysia.

* Vietnam, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Algeria, Montenegro, Kosovo, Myanmar, and Mongolia

AIA is an institution designed to assess anti-corruption practices and integrity activities and their achievements within public institutions, aimed at elevating their integrity levels. CRA is an institution designed to prevent corrupt behaviors in advance by identifying corruption-prone factors, implementing improvement measures, and recommending them to competent authorities concerning legislation.

The two agencies have sustained their active cooperation, including the joint publication of resource materials on both AIA and CRA.

Since 2022, they have been sharing Clean Portal, a platform for reporting corruption and public interest violations, with Kosovo, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan and promoting the publication of resource materials covering its achievements.

Vice Chairperson and Secretary General of ACRC, Chung Seung-Yun, said, “Through the UNDP, we have been sharing Korea’s exemplary anti-corruption policies with developing countries while contributing to raising the level of integrity in each country by establishing an anti-corruption solidarity. We will endeavor to ensure that the cooperation between our agencies translates into practical assistance in the fight against corruption within developing countries.”

Director of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, Anne Juepner, said, “We look forward to further disseminating Korea’s exemplary anti-corruption policies to developing countries by continuing our cooperation with ACRC.”

After successfully conducting the first phase of awareness campaign under the IOI regional subsidy project, the IOI General Secretariat has extended the said project further under the IOI regional subsidy project and granted a subsidy grant worth 2,667/-€. A detailed plan of different activities was prepared for the proper utilization of this grant/amount. In order to conduct the awareness campaign successfully and to utilize the subsidy grant as per agreement, the 2nd phase of awareness campaign was arranged in the following districts:

Awareness Campaign as well as informing the public about newly established Regional Office at District D.I.Khan.

• Live program at Pakhtunkhwa Radio Station 92 Peshawar.
• Awareness Campaign and Inaugural Ceremony of Regional Office, District Swat Malakand Region, consisting of 09 Districts.
• Awareness campaign in District Dir (Lower) – far-flung Backward Areas).
• Awareness campaign in District Khyber (Newly Merged District).
• Awareness Campaign (Special Session for Nazimeen (Mayor)- elected public representatives at grass root level of governance) PUTA Hall University of Peshawar, Peshawar Division.

In this second phase of the awareness campaign project, five backward districts including 01 NMD (Newly Merged District) of the province i.e District Khyber were visited. One important aspect of this phase was that 02 new regional offices were inaugurated, one in district D.I.Khan and the other in District Swat. In order to deliver the message of Ombudsman at gross root level of the public, one special session was arranged for Nazimeen (Mayor)- elected public representatives. In each and every awareness secession, the following activities were performed:

• Large size Panaflexes with IOI Monogram were displayed on the wall of the Hall both inside and outside.
• Brochures and informative materials were distributed amongst the audience.
• Speeches were delivered about the aim and objectives of the awareness campaign.
• Public was informed about the purpose of the visit as well as opening of new regional office at District D.I.Khan and Swat. They were also informed about how to lodge a complaint, role and mandate of the Ombudsman Institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in dispensation of administrative justice.
• Letters of thanks for redressal of grievances received from aggrieved persons were shared amongst the audience.
• Question / answer session was conducted.
• At the end of the awareness session, Honour shields were presented by the Ombudsman to the guests attending the awareness campaign session.

Furthermore, the Hon’ble Provincial Ombudsman, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with Media Team also visited Pakhtunkhwa Radio Station at Peshawar on 03/08/2023 regarding an awareness campaign to the general public about the role and responsibilities of the Ombudsman Institution. The Ombudsman, in a live programme, briefed the public that administrative accountability and prevention of abuse of authority is pivotal to good governance. Public servants are accountable for performance of their official duties. It is the constitutional right of every citizen to file complaint in this office against the injustice or misuse of power and authority by a government functionary. It is our commitment to deliver free of cost, speedy justice in a manner that is impartial, fair and equitable. Ombudsman said that during six month 2000 complaints were registered, which is the maximum number of complaints. This achievement is due to the provision of subsidy grant by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) for the awareness campaign to general public of the province. Through this awareness session an attempt is being made to provide information on how to contact this office through different means and how an aggrieved person can be helped.

BENEFITS FROM THE SECOND PHASE OF THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN PROJECT UNDER THE IOI REGIONAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM (2020-2021).

In order to utilize the funds granted by the IOI in second phase of the project under IOI subsidy project (2020-2021), the same strategy as in the first phase was adopted, so as to obtain maximum benefit from the campaign. Having limited financial resources, this Institution achieved maximum targets by visiting 05 backward districts including 01 NMD (Newly Merged District) of the Province. However, there are 24 districts still to be visited. The results achieved from the second phase of the IOI regional subsidy project are indicated as below: