Uzbekistan, Russia Deepen Partnership on Human Rights Protection

Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis Feruza Eshmatova has met with a delegation from Russia led by Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in human rights.

The discussions focused on improving mechanisms for citizen appeals, preventing and eliminating torture, safeguarding the rights of detainees, creating favorable conditions for people with disabilities, and protecting migrant rights, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The parties highlighted Uzbekistan’s ongoing large-scale human rights reforms, including enhancing the Ombudsman’s legal framework, transforming it into an independent and effective public-oriented institution, and implementing digital platforms and mobile apps to improve rights protection. These efforts have boosted the institution’s authority nationally and internationally.

The meeting also recalled the 2019 Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the Uzbek and Russian Ombudsmen, which has facilitated joint reviews of appeals from Uzbek nationals living or detained in Russia and practical assistance delivered jointly.

In the second quarter of 2025, the Uzbek Ombudswoman received 87 appeals from foreign Ombudsmen and expatriates, 38 of which related to Russia. Meanwhile, seven appeals concerning Uzbek citizens in Russia were sent to the Russian Ombudswoman, most of which were successfully resolved.