1. Implementation of 1,562 effective measures aimed at supporting production
2. Receiving 2,891 complaints related to investment and national production
3. Closure of 2,049 complaint cases
4. Investigation of 842 complaints
5. Implementation of 12,447 oversight measures, including meetings, correspondence, inspections, and follow-ups
6. Inspections of 1,369 production units
7. Issuance of 863 early warning reports
8. Stabilization of employment for 77,588 individuals
9. Revival and launch of 126 production units
10. Prevention of closure of 548 production units
11. Production increase in 516 units
12. Facilitation of licensing procedures for 713 units
13. Easing financial support for 1,003 units
14. Support for 670 units hindered by banks and credit institutions

On July 25, 2025, in the city of Batumi, Levan Ioseliani, Public Defender of Georgia, met with Mehmet Akarca, Chief Ombudsman of the Republic of Turkey, and other representatives of the Turkish delegation.

Levan Ioseliani and Mehmet Akarca discussed the situation of human rights in the region, emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the human rights institutions of the two countries and expressed their readiness to continue this relationship.

The ombudsmen of Georgia and Turkey have been fruitfully cooperating for years in the areas of introducing modern technologies into the penitentiary system, improving the extradition process, protecting the rights of migrants, etc.

An international seminar on the topic “Towards a Mine-Free World – the Example of Azerbaijan” was held in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, jointly organized by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Malaysia.

At the international seminar, Aydin Safixanli, Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke online on the topic “The Impact of Landmines on Human Rights.”

In his speech, the head of the staff analyzed the impact of mines on human rights from the perspective of international humanitarian law and international law norms, drawing attention to the requirements of existing norms in this area. He emphasized that mines remain one of the greatest threats to the civilian population not only during armed conflict, but also in post-war periods. This threat directly affects people’s right to life, physical and psychological health, the right to freedom of movement, the right to live in a healthy environment, education and labor rights. The mine terrorism carried out by Armenia, in addition to harming people’s lives and health, the environment, is accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The seminar participants were informed that humanitarian demining is one of the main priorities of the Azerbaijani state, that the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) is carrying out important activities in this direction, and that the difficulties created by Armenia’s failure to provide accurate mine maps were brought to their attention.

It was noted that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman carries out consistent and systematic activities to protect the rights of mine victims, provide them with social reintegration and medical and psychological support, and draws attention to human rights violations resulting from Armenia’s mine terrorism through reports, statements and special reports addressed to international organizations.

It was noted that the process of carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction works in mine-contaminated areas and the return of more than 800,000 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) whose rights have been violated for thirty years to their native lands is seriously delayed, resulting in violations of the fundamental human rights of these people.

At the end of his speech, the Chief of Staff called on international organizations not to remain indifferent to Armenia’s mine terrorism and violations of human rights and freedoms, to support Azerbaijan’s activities in the field of mine clearance, and to make serious efforts to provide our country with accurate mine maps.

Yogyakarta, Indonézia, 22-24 July 2025 –The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste participated in the 2nd Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting of the Southeast Asian National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), hosted from 22 to 24 July 2025 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The PDHJ delegation was composed of Áureo José António Sávio, Margarida dos Santos, and Antoninho Bernardino.

The meeting officially opened with welcoming remarks from the Chairperson of Komnas HAM and current SEANF Chair, Anis Hidayah, who warmly greeted all SEANF member delegations and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in advancing human rights in the region.

On the first day, members provided comprehensive updates on their respective institutional developments and reviewed follow-up actions from the 1st TWG meeting. Central to the discussions was the progress in implementing the SEANF Strategic Plan’s four core priority areas. PDHJ highlighted its recent achievements across its five constitutional mandates: public policy monitoring, human rights promotion, prevention, protection, and institutional strengthening. The presentation emphasized key outputs including the submission of major public petitions, completion of human rights investigations, and public education campaigns aimed at promoting a culture of rights and accountability in Timor-Leste.

The second day featured institutional sharing among SEANF members and deeper engagement with the SEANF Secretariat and thematic working groups. Members explored strategies to enhance the implementation of the Strategic Plan and improve coordination mechanisms. During this session, PDHJ Timor-Leste presented a concrete proposal to reactivate the SEANF Strategic Communications Working Group (SCWG), which has been inactive in recent years. The proposal outlined steps for revitalizing SEANF’s online presence through regular content updates, institutional visibility, and shared editorial responsibility. The proposal was well received by the members, with PDHJ offering to lead the reactivation process and host the task force moving forward.

On the third and final day, participants took part in a thematic workshop co-organized by Komnas HAM and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), focusing on the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), particularly Environmental HRDs. The workshop featured four in-depth sessions covering the UN Declaration on HRDs, human rights mechanisms, business and human rights, and the protection of HRDs in conflict situations. International experts Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, and Pichamon Yeophantong, Member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, facilitated key discussions. The OHCHR team was represented by Cynthia Veliko, Regional Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in South-East Asia, alongside Human Rights Officers Romchat Wachirarattanakornkul and Arnaud Chaltin. Together, they shared insights on embedding rights-based approaches in environmental governance, development policy, and political participation. The sessions also highlighted the growing risks faced by Environmental HRDs and the proactive role NHRIs can play in their protection. Through expert presentations, interactive group reflections, and dialogue, the workshop provided a meaningful platform to exchange good practices and align regional human rights efforts with global sustainability commitments.

The 2nd TWG Meeting marked an important milestone in advancing SEANF’s collective strategic objectives and deepening cooperation among member institutions. PDHJ reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration and to strengthening the role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights across Southeast Asia.

On July 2 and July 17, 2025, the Equality Department of the Public Defender’s Office conducted training for managers, HR specialists and other employees of the central office of one of the large service sector companies (fast food restaurant) and its branches operating throughout Georgia.

The training aimed to encourage the company and its employees to more actively align their activities with the principles of equality and non-discrimination. In this regard, the participants were given the opportunity to learn about the essence of the right to equality and the scope of anti-discrimination legislation. Along with a review of general standards, the training focused, in particular, on the issues of sexual harassment and discrimination in labour relations. Among them, the relevant practice of the Public Defender’s Office was discussed, in particular, cases of discriminatory treatment of employees of companies operating in the service sector.

The Public Defender’s Office considers such activities aimed at raising awareness to be of the utmost importance for improving the situation of equality in the country and expresses the hope that more representatives of various fields will be willing to deepen their knowledge on equality issues and contribute to the prevention of discriminatory practices.

On July 29, 2025, the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman) and the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatyana Moskalkova, along with members of the accompanying delegation, conducted a monitoring visit to Penal Colony No. 13, located in the city of Chirchik, Tashkent region.

During the visit, the delegation inspected the inmates’ living quarters, hygiene and bathing facilities, dining hall, medical unit, storage areas for food and medicines, short- and long-term visitation rooms, as well as the working processes of inmates involved in labor activities.

Special attention was paid to the conditions created for inmates with disabilities. It should be noted that in 2022, at the initiative of the Ombudsman and in cooperation with relevant government agencies, a Roadmap was developed to prevent torture and ensure equal conditions for inmates with disabilities. As part of the implementation of this document, facilities are being improved in accordance with international standards. Moreover, a practice has been introduced whereby a physically healthy inmate is assigned to assist a person with limited mobility and receives monetary compensation.

The medical unit was reviewed and discussions were held with medical staff. It was particularly noted that under recent legislative amendments, the positive practice of mandatory medical examination directly within the pre-trial detention facility prior to placement has been introduced. Additionally, it was emphasized that every newly arrived person undergoes an initial medical check-up, and in cases where bodily injuries are detected, prompt measures are taken.

It was also reported that both inpatient and outpatient treatment are available in the colony. In the absence of health improvement, the inmate may be transferred to Specialized Hospital No. 23 for inmates. During the visit, the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation highly appreciated Uzbekistan’s experience and noted that it should be studied as a model of good practice.

As part of the monitoring visit, group conversations were held with inmates to gather their opinions about the institution.

At the end of the visit, a joint reception was held by the Ombudspersons, during which the inmates’ appeals were heard.

The 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Ombudsman Institution were presented to the Joint Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, composed of members of the Petition Committee and the Human Rights Inquiry Committee. The meeting was attended by Ombudspersons, Mr. Sadettin Kalkan, Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta, Ms. Fatma Benli Yalçın, Mr. Özcan Yıldız, and Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Doğan.

In his speech, Ombudsman Mr. Sadettin Kalkan highlighted the Institution’s impartial and independent approach, its in-depth complaint review process, and its advisory role to public administrations. He reported that the Institution received 14,762 complaints in 2024.

Chair of the Joint Committee, Ms. Sunay Karamık, praised the Committee’s initiative to invite Deputy Ministers to the meeting, noting that it marked a first in parliamentary practice and helped raise awareness of the Ombudsman Institution among Ministries.

Mr. Aydin Safixanli, Head of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with a group of young people who completed their volunteer work at the institution.

During the meeting, A. Safixanli provided extensive information about the volunteer program successfully organized at the Ombudsman’s Office at the initiative of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, in which young people are actively involved.

He spoke about the opportunities created for young people in our country, state programs and strategies that contribute to the improvement of their knowledge and skills. He noted that it is commendable that graduates of the volunteer program organized at the institution have been admitted to master’s degrees at higher education institutions in local and foreign countries, and have successfully passed recruitment competitions in state and private organizations.

The head of the office was also interested in what the volunteers learned as a result of their experience at the institution, and also spoke about the international trainings they were sent to on the initiative of the Ombudsman. Then, the opinions of the young people were listened to and recommendations were given to them regarding their future activities.

Finally, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Volunteer Activities”, the Ombudsman presented certificates to young people who successfully completed their contractual obligations as volunteers for their active participation in the volunteer program for the protection of human rights and freedoms.

It should be noted that within the framework of the volunteer program, volunteers who studied at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku State University, ADA University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, and Western Caspian University underwent internships in various structural divisions of the institution and became closely acquainted with the activities of the Ombudsman in the field of protection and promotion of human rights.

– From June 24, the ACRC conducted a four-day training program for Kazakh officials, sharing Korea’s leading anti-corruption initiatives such as the Integrity Assessment and whistleblower protection system

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), chaired by Ryu Chul Whan, announced that it had transferred Korea’s exemplary anti-corruption systems including the Public Institution Integrity Assessment and the whistleblower protection system to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The ACRC’s affiliated Anti-Corruption Training Institute launched a four-day training course on June 24 titled “Training Program on Anti-Corruption Institutional Reform,” specifically designed for officials from Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency.

The program was organized in response to an official request from the Government of Kazakhstan and focused on Korea’s flagship anti-corruption policies particularly the Integrity Assessment for public institutions and the protection system for corruption and public interest whistleblowers.

A total of 18 participants, including Ms. Aigul Bazarbayeva, Director of Legal and International Cooperation at the Anti-Corruption Agency of Kazakhstan, participated in the program. Following the training, participants developed a detailed action plan for the introduction of these systems in Kazakhstan.

The ACRC’s Public Institution Integrity Assessment, which received the United Nations Public Service Award in the anti-corruption category in 2012, had already been shared with over ten countries—including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Algeria with positive outcomes.

Moreover, Korea’s whistleblower protection system had been internationally recognized for its effectiveness, having been featured in the United Nations Compendium of Best Practices on Whistleblower Protection published in 2015.

Upon completion of the training, the ACRC announced plans to host a seminar in Kazakhstan around September. The event is expected to bring together officials from related institutions, public enterprise employees, and academic experts to support the practical implementation of Korea’s anti-corruption policies, including the Integrity Assessment, in Kazakhstan.

Kim Se-shin, President of the Anti-Corruption Training Institute, stated: “We hope Korea’s experiences served as a practical resource for enhancing Kazakhstan’s anti-corruption capacity.”

He added, “In particular, as Kazakhstan is Korea’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, enhanced integrity in Kazakhstan is expected to facilitate more stable and transparent business activities for Korean companies. The ACRC will continue to expand international training programs to share Korea’s integrity policies with the world.

First Deputy of the Judiciary: We Rely on Public Participation to Achieve Justice President of the General Inspection Organization: Public Engagement is the Key to Preventing and Combating Corruption

The “National Whistleblower Protection System” was officially launched during a ceremony attended by Hojjatoleslam Wal-Muslimeen Khalili, First Deputy of the Judiciary; Dr. Khodaeiyan, President of the General Inspection Organization (GIO); Mr. Sahebkar Khorasani, Deputy for Strategic Affairs; and Mr. Kazemi-Fard, Deputy for Statistics and Information Technology of the Judiciary.

According to the GIO’s Public Relations Office, the launch emphasized the strategic role of public involvement in detecting and preventing corruption and the necessity of maximizing this capacity in the national oversight process.

In his speech, First Deputy of the Judiciary Hojjatoleslam Wal-Muslimeen Khalili stated:

“Oppression in today’s world spares neither children nor the elderly and utilizes every means to kill innocents. While international organizations remain silent in the face of widespread injustice, we are witnessing a devout society that believes in divine promises and holds that tyranny shall never prevail over it. Instead, the devout will always hold superiority.”

He added, “This religious society is bound by a profound unity, a manifestation of divine grace. This unity has repeatedly brought low its enemies, despite their material powers, and uplifted the dignity of Muslims worldwide. We must strive to preserve this cohesion, which has proven to be a formidable force.” Khalili emphasized that the Judiciary’s “Transformation and Excellence Document” specifically calls for leveraging public capacity in the fight against corruption.

“To attain justice,” he said, “we must act collectively. Public participation is essential to preventing corruption. The Iranian people reject corruption and yearn for justice; they are ready to cooperate, provided we engage them through rational and efficient methods.”

He continued, “According to this strategic document, the National Whistleblower Protection System was developed by the General Inspection Organization to institutionalize public cooperation. God commands that justice must lead a devout society. If we neglect the public, justice will remain individualistic. True justice is only realized when we mobilize society as a whole. This system now enables citizens to immediately report irregularities within the governance structure.”

Khalili stressed that “the people demand a clear path to justice and expect decisive action against corruption. Our nation deserves committed service. They have shown resilience, fostered unity, and humiliated the enemy. We must now fully harness this united front.”

He expressed satisfaction that the GIO launched this initiative, noting:

“Our people do not tolerate corruption and demand accountability. Every action against corruption brings us closer to justice. Indifference, however, allows corruption to grow and diverges us from the path of justice.”

He warned that ignoring the role of citizens in delivering justice is neither commendable nor legitimate. “It lacks moral, religious, and legal justification. Active public participation is a precondition for justice. This system harnesses that participation with a structured and reliable process. It is not built on vague or unverifiable reports.”

Khalili also praised Dr. Khodaeiyan, President of the GIO, for his constructive and impactful leadership, saying, “With this platform, we have taken a meaningful step toward justice.”

Dr. Khodaeiyan: Transparency and Public Engagement Are Essential for Combating Corruption

During the launch event, Dr. Khodaeiyan extended his condolences on the martyrdom anniversaries of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and Imam Sajjad (A.S.), as well as the recent assassinations of several Iranian commanders, scientists, judicial staff, and innocent civilians by the Zionist regime and the United States.

He noted that this year’s Tasua and Ashura ceremonies were held with unprecedented passion and spiritual depth due to the recent criminal attacks. “The people’s widespread and heartfelt participation in these mourning ceremonies reflected national unity and resilience.”

Khodaeiyan congratulated the Iranian nation on resisting global arrogance:

“In this asymmetric war, Iranians at home and abroad displayed remarkable national pride and solidarity.”
Welcoming the First Deputy of the Judiciary, he commended Khalili’s active role in accelerating judicial services during the recent 12-day war and in broader governance structures.

Referring to the Judiciary’s Transformation Document, Khodaeiyan said:

“This roadmap identifies major challenges and offers concrete solutions across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons. It assigns clear roles for implementation, collaboration, and oversight. If fully implemented, many obstacles will be overcome.”

One of the key pillars of this document, he emphasized, is the adoption and implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Law.

“The GIO has actively participated in drafting and promoting this law from the outset. It was approved on December 5, 2023, and its executive bylaw was later submitted to the government and approved. The related directive is currently under review by the Judiciary’s Legal Department.”

The newly launched platform, he said, is based on Article 3 of the Whistleblower Protection Law and enables public collaboration in anti-corruption efforts across all institutions.

“To succeed in prevention, detection, and prosecution of corruption, we must involve the public the most extensive and effective observers. Their active presence is a powerful asset for oversight bodies.” He noted that not only does public involvement increase oversight efficiency, but it reduces anti-corruption costs significantly.

Dr. Khodaeiyan added that since assuming office during the Judiciary’s transformation phase, the GIO has prioritized transitioning from traditional oversight to smart, electronic supervision by strengthening digital infrastructure and enhancing transparency.

“Thanks to divine support and our colleagues’ efforts, we have made considerable progress in this area.” He criticized certain agencies’ resistance to transparency and digital oversight, saying:

“To ensure access to essential electronic systems, we had to pursue legislation through the Islamic Consultative Assembly, obligating agencies to cooperate. These laws have enabled the GIO to access numerous data systems. Such access is utilized with full respect for privacy and security, allowing for more precise and intelligent monitoring.”

Public Engagement is the Key to Combating Corruption

In conclusion, Mehdi Hedayatfar, Director General of Technology and Data Analytics at the GIO, presented a technical overview of the platform’s functions.

The National Whistleblower Protection System is now accessible to all citizens via the website: www.SIHAF.ir