On October 21, 2025, the Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, opened the 11^th Regional Office in the Dusheti municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.

The human rights situation in the region and the activities of the Public Defender to protect and promote the rights and freedoms of the population living in Mtskheta-Mtianeti were the topics discussed at the event.

The opening was attended by self-government officials, newly elected mayors, representatives of state agencies and local civil society organizations.

At this stage, the Public Defender of Georgia has regional offices in 11 cities. The Mtskheta-Mtianeti office is located on 19B Agmashenebeli St. in Dusheti and will cover the municipalities of Mtskheta, Mtianeti, Dusheti, Kazbegi and Akhalgori. Jemal Bortsvadze will be the Public Defender’s representative in the office.

Information about the regional offices can be found on the Public Defender’s website www.ombudsman.ge.

As reported earlier, on October 6, 2025, the traditional “Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025” organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) commenced its work in Warsaw, Republic of Poland. The event is dedicated to issues of the human dimension.

This is the largest OSCE human rights forum, bringing together representatives of 57 participating States, including the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as OSCE institutions, national human rights organizations, civil society representatives, and international experts.

The conference discusses issues related to human rights, the rule of law, freedom of expression, gender equality, prevention of torture, the exchange of best practices of national institutions, and strengthening cooperation among countries.

On October 9, during the next plenary meeting — Session 4 on the topic “Rule of Law: Prevention and Eradication of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” — the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), Feruza Eshmatova, delivered a presentation. In her speech, she emphasized Uzbekistan’s firm stance against torture and highlighted the importance of monitoring visits to penitentiary institutions carried out jointly with public groups established in accordance with the decision of the Head of State.

During this session, representatives of OSCE participating states and National Human Rights institutions exchanged views on preventing torture, enhancing the effectiveness of national preventive mechanisms, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the operation of penal institutions.

The Warsaw Conference serves as an important platform for effective dialogue between states and civil society institutions in the field of human rights, comparison of national practices, and the implementation of international standards.

The conference will continue until October 17 of this year.

HELPLINE 150

Following the successful conclusion of the IOI Asian Regional Meeting and International Conference 2025 in Lahore, the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab had the honour of hosting distinguished delegates from Azerbaijan, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Indonesia at its Head Office in Lahore, Pakistan. The visit reflected the shared commitment of Ombudsman institutions to deepen cooperation, exchange expertise, and strengthen citizen-service mechanisms worldwide.

During the visit, the delegates were introduced to the 24/7 Helpline 1050, a flagship initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab aimed at ensuring accessible, transparent, and efficient grievance redressal for citizens across Pakistan. The helpline operates as a PRI-linked, in-house call center integrated with the Ombudsman Punjab Management Information System (OPMIS)—a centralized digital platform for real-time complaint registration, monitoring, and follow-up.

Mr. Sami Ullah, Advisor (F&P)/(ITID), delivered a comprehensive briefing on the working of the helpline. He highlighted how the helpline has become an essential bridge between citizens and public administration, with over 800 calls registered in September 2025 alone.

The visiting Ombudsmen and their teams expressed keen interest in adopting similar systems within their own offices, recognizing the model’s potential to improve accessibility and administrative accountability. The session concluded with an interactive discussion on best practices and collaborative opportunities under the IOI framework.

This engagement not only reinforced the Ombudsman Punjab’s leadership in promoting institutional innovation and citizen-centered service delivery but also exemplified the broader IOI vision of enhancing accountability, transparency, and good governance through mutual learning and collaboration among Ombudsman institutions worldwide.

On October 9-10, 2025, a working meeting was held between the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia, the Georgian Bar Association and the Legal Aid Bureau. The meeting was personally attended by Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, Chairman of the Bar Association Davit Asatiani and Director of the Legal Aid Bureau Davit Simonia.

The working meeting focused on the level of realization of the right to a fair trial, including the right to effective defence, in the country. The Public Defender’s Office presented the findings revealed in the process of supervising this right, the identified violations of the right and the recommendations developed by the Office to various agencies for the elimination of problems.

Significant attention was paid to the problem of neutral evidence in criminal cases, the scope of the obligation of non-disclosure, aspects of confidential and unrestricted communication between lawyers and defendants, the right of defence of persons detained on administrative charges, etc.

In turn, the lawyers shared with the Public Defender’s Office the challenges in their work practice and their visions for better realization of the right of defence.

The meeting emphasized the need for even closer future cooperation between the Public Defender’s Office and the Bar Association.

The working meeting was held within the framework of the EU project “Support to the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia” (DAI).

An opening ceremony for the new location of the Ombudsman’s North-West Regional Center was held at the Sheki “ASAN service” center.  

Prior to the ceremony, Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva and Sheki’s Head of the Executive Authority, Elkhan Usubov, visited the memorial of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Martyrs’ Alley to honor them.

During her opening remarks, the Ombudsman emphasized that for over two decades, the Ombudsman institution in Azerbaijan has played a key role in the protection of human rights and improvement of citizens satisfaction. She noted that relocating the regional center will allow for quicker response to complaints, and the introduction of digital solutions will enhance access to services.

Sabina Aliyeva mentioned that here, volunteers will support citizens throughout the reception process. She also highlighted that having the Northwest Regional Center located within the Sheki ASAN Service Center will make it easier for applicants to address documentation and other issues directly and efficiently on-site.

The Ombudsman highlighted that the ongoing efforts are aimed at enhancing the protection of human rights and freedoms in a more efficient manner.

Following the ceremony, attendees got familiarized with the Ombudsman’s Northwest Regional Center to observe the facilities and working environment.

Following the inauguration of the Northwest Regional Center, the Ombudsman held a reception for applicants in Sheki.

The Ombudsman personally met with 12 individuals, including veterans of the First and Second Karabakh Wars, as well as people with disabilities. Some issues were addressed immediately on the spot, while others requiring further investigation will remain under oversight. It was also noted that the relevant state bodies would be contacted to solve these matters in alignment with the laws.

At the meeting, citizens received legal advice, and they were informed that their appeals can be submitted not only in person but also through various channels, including the 24/7 “916” Call Center, email, postal service, fax, and social media to ensure faster and more effective processing of their complaints. In conclusion, the Ombudsman gave an interview with Azerbaijan Television Channel, where she briefed about the newly opened regional center and its main functions.

Concurrent with the 44th anniversary of the establishment of the General Inspection Organization, a public service desk was set up to address the concerns of worshippers at Gholhak Grand Mosque, attended by the President of the General Inspection Organization of Iran and the Organization’s Deputies for Economic and Production Affairs, following the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

According to the Public Relations Office of the General Inspection Organization of Iran, in line with the Chief Justice’s emphasis on direct communication between judicial officials and the public, and concurrent with the 44th anniversary of the Organization’s establishment, a service desk was held to handle the legal and judicial issues of worshippers at Gholhak Grand Mosque, attended by the President of the General Inspection Organization and the Organization’s Deputies for Economic and Production Affairs, after the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

Justice. Khodaeiyan, accompanied by the Organization’s Deputies for Economic and Production Affairs, personally listened to and reviewed the problems and requests of more than 50 visitors and worshippers in legal and judicial areas, as well as issues related to the functions of the General Inspection Organization.

It is noteworthy that simultaneously with the President of the General Inspection Organization’s meeting with the public at Gholhak Grand Mosque, the Organization’s deputies and directors were also present in various mosques across the capital to address public requests.

– ACRC held a field meeting with stakeholders from agriculture, livestock, and fisheries industries on Sept. 23 to review the impact of the increased cap on the value of agricultural, livestock, and fishery product gifts under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and to hear about challenges encountered by the industry.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) held a field meeting on Sept. 23 at the Nonghyup Hanaro Mart in Yangjae, Seoul, with representatives from the agricultural, livestock, and fishery sectors, including the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup), National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (Suhyup), and related organizations.

The meeting was organized to assess whether the increase* in the upper limit on the gift value for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products and their processed goods under the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act (hereinafter referred to as the Graft Act), implemented two years ago, has had a tangible impact at the industry level. It also served as an opportunity to listen to the difficulties faced by the sector and explore ways to operate the Graft Act more reasonably in the future.

* In August 2023, the ACRC revised the Enforcement Decree of the Graft Act to support the agricultural, livestock, and fishery industries suffering from natural disasters, inflation, and sluggish consumption. The cap on the gift value for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products and their processed goods was increased from 100,000 won (200,000 won during Lunar New Year and Chuseok) to 150,000 won (300,000 won during Lunar New Year and Chuseok).

In addition, to boost consumption of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products and support socially vulnerable groups, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan purchased rice, fish, and fruit at the Yangjae Hanaro Mart using funds voluntarily donated by ACRC employees. These goods will be delivered to young people preparing for self-reliance through the “WOO-IN” Residential Support Center for Youth preparing for independent living after leaving orphanages or group homes and for adaptation to life on their own at the age of 18.

ACRC Chairperson Ryu said, “It is encouraging that, amid the growing international interest in Korean culture, K-agriculture, livestock, and fishery products have become key export items,” adding that “We will carefully review the opinions raised during this field meeting and work to find ways to address the difficulties faced by the agricultural, livestock, and fishery industries, while upholding the purpose of the Graft Act to secure public trust in a clean public sector.” He also emphasized that, “The ACRC will continue to listen closely to voices from the field and take the lead in revitalizing livelihoods and cultivating a culture of integrity in the public sector.”

On October 15-16, 2025, the Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, and the First Deputy Public Defender, Tamar Gvaramadze, participated in the International Conference dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta.

The conference, the topic of which was – “The role of ombudsmen in the realization of the right to good governance”, discussed measures to strengthen public trust in institutions and the importance of the ombudsman institution as a pillar of democracy; the importance of protecting the human rights of vulnerable groups, issues of strengthening the principles of integrity and good administration in order to develop ethical governance, and the role of the ombudsman in the era of digital and artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister of Malta addressed the guests at the event.

First Deputy Public Defender Tamar Gvaramadze presented a report at the conference and spoke about the role of ombudsman institutions in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, highlighted the advantages and difficulties that institutions face in exercising various powers, and reviewed the activities, experience, and best practices of the Public Defender of Georgia in this regard.

On October 16, the General Assembly of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen was also held, during which a number of decisions related to the governance of the Association were discussed and made. Inter alia, elections of the governing body of the Association were held, during which the Public Defnder of Georgia was elected the Second Vice President of the Association.

Within the framework of the visit, the guests were hosted by the Speaker of the Parliament of Malta and the President.

Dili, October 2025 – In a spirit of collaboration, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), the Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC), the Inspector General of State (IGE), and the Public Function Commission (CFP) joined forces in a Training of Trainers (ToT) under the Quadrilateral Agreement. The training focused on building knowledge and skills to strengthen good governance and human rights in Timor-Leste’s public institutions.

The training was facilitated by consultant Miguel Carvalho and focused on the “Revision of the Manual of Good Governance and Human Rights”, which was recently updated to reflect the current realities, challenges, and demands facing Timor-Leste. A total of 27 trainers from across the four institutions participated, preparing them to cascade the knowledge to civil servants and communities in their respective areas of work.

In his opening and closing remarks, Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance, Rigoberto Monteiro, emphasized the importance of harmonizing the perceptions and approaches of the four institutions in applying principles of good governance. “This training is not only about strengthening knowledge, but also about ensuring coherence in how our institutions understand and apply the principles of good governance. If one principle is violated, it can have direct consequences for the protection of human rights. Therefore, it is essential that we understand the manual thoroughly, so we can deliver it effectively in our training sessions with public entities and the wider community,” he stated.

The revision of the manual and the implementation of the training were carried out with the support and cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marking an important step in reinforcing the role of the Quadrilateral institutions in monitoring, fiscalizing, and guiding public entities towards more transparent, accountable, and rights-based governance.

On October 22, 2025, in Moscow, the 10th anniversary meeting of the Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen was held, dedicated to protecting the rights of people living in remote and rural areas.

The meeting was attended by the ombudspersons of Russia, Armenia, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. Representatives of Türkiye, Myanmar, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Oman, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lebanon also took part as observers and shared their practices.

Feruza Eshmatova, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, delivered remarks highlighting the broad-ranging efforts underway in Uzbekistan to provide social support to citizens and safeguard their rights.

She noted that the “Obod Qishloq” (“Prosperous Village”) program, along with comprehensive measures to develop rural infrastructure, is helping support residents in remote areas and improve their living conditions.

It was also emphasized that the introduction of the “mahalla-based approach” enables problems to be identified on the ground and addressed with targeted solutions.

During the event, the Ombudsman pointed out that the “Ombudsman School” project—aimed at raising legal awareness, studying pressing issues raised in citizens’ appeals, and resolving them systematically—has become an open platform for dialogue with residents of remote regions.

For reference: The Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen was established in 2017. Its current members are the Russian Federation, Armenia, Bahrain, Iran, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Sri Lanka.