On 9 February 2026, the report of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) on activities in 2025 was reviewed at the meetings of the factions of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, the Democratic Party “Milliy Tiklanish,” the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Social Democratic Party “Adolat,” and UzLiDeP in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

As noted, in 2025 the Ombudsman received a total of 26,372 appeals, which is 12.6 percent more than in 2024. In terms of regions, the highest number of appeals was recorded in Kashkadarya Region, the city of Tashkent, and Surkhandarya Region, while the lowest number was recorded in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Syrdarya Region. Based on the review of appeals and the results of monitoring visits, in order to eliminate violations of human rights and freedoms as well as the causes and conditions enabling such violations, 194 response measures were submitted to state bodies and institutions and their officials in the form of submissions, demands, warnings, applications, statements of claim, and conclusions.

The Ombudsman ensured the cancellation of unfounded debts of citizens amounting to more than 263 million soums. The labor rights of 57 citizens were restored. A total of 118 officials of state bodies and law enforcement agencies who violated human rights were held disciplinarily, administratively, and criminally liable.

It was emphasized at the event that the Ombudsman pays particular attention to improving the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan on human rights and freedoms and harmonizing it with international legal standards, as well as to developing international cooperation in the field of human rights.

During the discussions, relevant answers were provided to questions raised by faction members, and the Ombudsman’s report on activities for 2025 was approved.

Dí1i, 12 February 2026— On 11 February 2026, the IX Constitutional Government, through the Council of Ministers, approved a draft Government Resolution presented by the Minister of Interior, Francisco da Costa Guterres, temporarily suspending the Public Recruitment for Admission to the Training Course for Officers of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and establishing an independent commission, comprising national and international members, to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice considers this decision necessary and appropriate under the current circumstances. When serious doubts arise regarding transparency, fairness, and legality in a public recruitment process, immediate corrective action is not optional it is an obligation.

The Office of the Ombudsman (PDHJ) received multiple formal complaints from candidates alleging irregularities and potential preferential treatment in the selection process, particularly at the stage of approval of candidates for medical examinations.

In response, PDHJ acted decisively within its constitutional mandate. The Office:

• Initiated urgent fiscalization and legal review;
• Officially recommended urgent inquiry and suspension of the process to the Minister of Interior and the National Parliament;
• Established an internal investigation team to commence inquiries.

Previously, PDHJ had also filed an application for Abstract (Successive) Review of Constitutionality with the Court of Appeal against Ministerial Diploma No. 17/2025, 21 June specifically challenging the requirements set out in Articles 3, 20, 37 and 42, including the specific requirements contained in the annex to the said Diploma. On 30 December 2025, the Court of Appeal declared certain norms of that Diploma unconstitutional and illegal.

The Ombudsman emphasises that public recruitment into the National Police must be based strictly on merit, legality, and equal opportunity. Any perception or evidence of favouritism, nepotism, or manipulation undermines public trust not only in the recruitment process but in the rule of law itself.

The Ombudsman expects the newly established independent commission to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. The process must be credible. The findings must be evidence-based. The conclusions must be made public.

Should the investigation confirm serious violations of transparency or legality, PDHJ will firmly recommend:

• The full cancellation of the current recruitment process;
• The reopening of a new process under strengthened and independent supervision;
• The immediate application of disciplinary, administrative, and criminal measures against any individuals found responsible for corrupt or unlawful conduct.

There can be no tolerance for corruption, abuse of power, or manipulation within state institutions especially within law enforcement.

On this occasion, the Ombudsman wishes to express appreciation and recognition to the candidates, civil society, members of Parliament, and citizens who raised their concerns responsibly. Their actions reflect democratic maturity and civic courage.

We thank the Government for responding positively to public concern and for taking corrective action. Listening to citizens and acting accordingly strengthens governance. We encourage continued openness and commitment to transparency.

At the end of the day, we all strive toward a single objective: to protect the integrity of our institutions and to ensure that Timor-Leste moves forward with equity, justice, and credibility.

The Ombudsman will continue to monitor this matter closely and will not hesitate to take further action if required.

Ms. Ayesha Hamid, Ombudsman Punjab and First Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) attended the Ombudsman Stakeholder Conference and Technical Workshop hosted virtually by the Office of the Ombudsman, Liberia as a key speaker.

In her address, Ms. Ayesha Hamid talked about Administrative Justice and Grievance Redressal in Punjab. She highlighted the shared mandates, challenges, and public expectations of ombudsman institutions across continents, shaped by similar colonial histories in South Asia and Africa. She emphasized the principle of free and fair justice for every citizen and outlined the Office’s commitment to expanding access to grievance redressal through grassroots initiatives. The address also underscored the importance of strengthening international relations among ombudsman institutions and enhancing administrative mechanisms to ensure efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused complaint resolution.

The participation in this international forum reinforces Ms. Ayesha Hamid’s active contribution to the global ombudsman community.

The Ombudsman Institution of Azerbaijan organized an awareness-raising event on the protection of the right to access information in Shirvan city.

Lamiya Zeynalova, Head of the Department for the Protection of the Right to Access Information of the Ombudsman Office and other staff members spoke about key provisions of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Access to Information:” and the rights and obligations of information holders, review procedures for information requests, including their enforcement timeframes, as well as the practical application of the relevant legislative requirements.

The speakers also highlighted the Ombudsman’s monitoring of the protection of the right to access information, the investigations of incoming complaints, and the awareness-raising activities undertaken in this area.

During the event, the relevant video was demonstrated, and a presentation was delivered on the relevant educational materials and methodological guidelines. In the course of the interactive discussions with participants, their questions on practical cases were answered.

In conclusion, the importance of strengthening cooperation between state bodies and the Ombudsman Office to ensure the more effective realization of the right to access information was emphasized, and it was noted that mutual collaboration in this direction will be further continued.

At a regular plenary session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, deputies considered the issue of electing the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman).

In accordance with Clause 16 of Article 93 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Article 6 of the Law “On the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman),” the candidacy of Feruza Eshmatova was recommended for the position of Commissioner for Human Rights.

Following a question-and-answer session and subsequent discussions, the deputies supported the candidacy of Feruza Eshmatova and elected her as the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman).

Last week Social Assistants worked actively in various districts of the Republic:

–        In the Aktanyshsky district worked within the framework of psychological, medical and pedagogical commission.

–        In particular, I would like to mention the extensive and diverse work carried out in the Baltasim region. Our social assistant participated in the meeting of the housing commission, where three citizens’ appeals were considered. On the Day of Full Liberation of Leningrad from the fascist blockade, an action was held in memory of «Blockaded bread» and evening-requiem «Paths of Memory», aimed at forming in schoolchildren respect for the prowess of the older generation and awareness of the value of human life.

–        In the Pestrecchi district held classes of the School of Legal Knowledge on the topics «Fraud today» and «Health – our main wealth». The lecturers were the head of the investigative department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Pecherechin district, the head of the Sberbank office and the head of the GAUS polyclinic «Pestrechinsk central district hospital».

–        In the Menzelinskiy district, an extended session of the district commission for juvenile affairs presented a report on work to prevent offenses among schoolchildren.

–        Work on receiving citizens continued. In the Arsk district there was a joint reception with the head of the district, as well as a reception of citizens with the district prosecutor. In the districts of Pestrecan and Zelenodolsk, receptions were held jointly with the heads of the executive committees of the districts.

–        Citizens’ gatherings continue actively – this week our public assistants from the Menzelinsky, Bavlinsky and Lenogorsk districts took part in them.

The work of Social Assistants in the districts of the republic continues!

Chief Ombudsman of Türkiye Mr. Mehmet Akarca presented the “2025 Annual Report” of the Ombudsman Institution to the Joint Committee, composed of the members of the Petition Committee and the Human Rights Inquiry Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT), on 10 February 2026. During his presentation, Mr. Akarca shared information regarding the work of the Institution in 2025, including data on the number of complaints, files, decisions, and amicable settlements, and noted that the Ombudsman Institution continues to play a guiding role in ensuring that public administrations act in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, human rights, and good administration.

According to Article 14 of the Constitutional Law of Azerbaijan “On the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan,” the 2025 annual report of the Ombudsman on the protection of human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan has been prepared.

No later than two months after the end of the current year, the Ombudsman submits the annual report to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and presents it to the Parliament. The annual report is also submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General.

The Ombudsman’s annual report was submitted to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 24 February 2026 in accordance with the procedure established by the Constitutional Law and was forwarded to the relevant state authorities.

The 2025 report reflects the activities of the Ombudsman in restoring human rights and freedoms stated in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and in international treaties binding on the country, which were violated by state authorities, municipalities, other institutions, and officials, along with activities to prevent human rights violations, the results of legal awareness-raising and scientific-analytical work, cooperation with the public and civil society organizations, and international relations, as well as recommendations and suggestions to ensure more effective protection of human and civil rights and freedoms.

The Parliament of Azerbaijan will hear the report before making it public.

The past year has been a landmark as the Institute of the Human Rights Commissioner celebrated its 25th anniversary. In 2025, the Office of the Commissioner received 8,401 applications from citizens. The most pressing issues are the protection of the conscripts, housing and communal services, social security, convicted persons’ rights and the right to housing.

During the year, we held 52 personal receptions, during which 523 people contacted us, carried out 411 verification activities and also organized 8 telephone hotlines, through which 387 calls were received.

In our work, we have paid special attention to the protection of the rights of soldiers and conscripts, support for SFOR members and their families, social security issues, housing rights, as well as the protection of the rights of convicts. Based on the results of this work, a draft annual report has been prepared and proposals have been formulated which will form the basis of our activities in 2026.

12 February 2026, Sheikhupura: The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab conducted an inauguration ceremony of the renovated Regional Office Sheikhupura. The inauguration was carried out by Ombudsman Punjab, Ms. Ayesha Hamid, accompanied by Mr. Kaiser Saleem, Secretary, and Advisor Sheikhupura Regional Office, Malik Muhammad Aslam.

The upgraded facility has been designed to provide a more accessible, efficient, and transparent platform for the redressal of public complaints against government departments, ensuring a more conducive environment for citizens seeking administrative justice.