Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Russia Discuss Enhancing Human Rights Cooperation

Feruza Eshmatova, the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, met with a Russian delegation led by Tatyana Moskalkova, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation, during their visit to Uzbekistan.

According to the Press Service of the Ombudsman, the parties discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation in human rights protection, The Caspian Post reports citing UzA.

Special attention was given to the handling of citizen appeals, prevention and elimination of torture, the observance of rights within the penitentiary system, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and migrants.

Feruza Eshmatova provided the Russian side with detailed information on the systemic reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan in human rights. In particular, she emphasized efforts to strengthen the legislative framework of the Ombudsman’s office and its transformation into a more effective and independent body focused on the needs of the population. The introduction of digital solutions, including electronic platforms and mobile applications, has significantly improved the efficiency and accessibility of mechanisms for protecting citizens’ rights.

The parties also underscored the importance of continued collaboration under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2019 between the Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Russia. In the years since its signing, reciprocal visits have taken place, including to provide practical assistance to Uzbekistan citizens held in penitentiary institutions in the Russian Federation.

At the meeting, participants reviewed the experience of jointly handling citizen appeals from both countries. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, the Uzbekistan Ombudsman received 87 appeals from foreign human rights institutions and citizens residing abroad, 38 of which concerned the Russian Federation. In turn, 7 official requests were submitted to the Russian side on behalf of Uzbekistan citizens located in Russia. It was noted that the majority of these cases were successfully resolved.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to active cooperation and expressed confidence that the established mechanisms of interaction will continue to contribute to the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, both within and beyond their respective national borders.