– ACRC recommends public institutions to make institutional improvement to ease the job applicant burden on international graduates

In the future, it is expected that job seekers who have graduated from overseas educational institutions will ease the burden of submitting s when applying to public institutions.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) recommended 331 public institutions to ease the job applicant burden of international graduates.

In the meantime, job seekers who have graduated from overseas educational institutions such as universities have been requested to deliver Apostille* or proof of academic background that are translated into Korean and notarized by consular to apply to public institutions or work as instructors of for-profit educational institutions.

 * Apostille: A legalization procedure that authenticates the origin of a country for use in another country. Requires the verification by a public institutions regarding, for instance, certificate of registration or academic tran which is issued by schools or universities.

Therefore job seekers who want to get a job in Korea after graduating educational institutions based in other countries have no choice but to use private agencies and foreign language translation administrators, which requires a high cost and time burden.

Some public institutions have requested the original submission of academic s that received Apostille during the recruitment process (e.g. review, interview) that are blind process and thus not related to academic background, causing a burden on job seekers.

ACRC hence relived the requirements for the recruitment process so that for the screening process where academic background is not a recruitment requirement, copies of s with Apostille can be also accepted.

In addition, many public institutions required recently issued s*, so job seekers had to ask for academic background s several times during the job search period and even go through confirmation of Apostille.

 * Example of recent: s issued within 3 months from the date of job opening

Therefore, ACRC recommended to set the recognition period for s with low possibility of update, such as graduation certificates, for a long period of more than a year to lower the burden on job seekers with international education background.

At the same time, it was challenging for an international graduates if they have worked as an academy instructor and move to an academy in another region, as they have to receive the original academic from their workplace or reissue it and resubmit it to the education office which has jurisdiction over the academy.

ACRC thus proposed the Ministry of Education and 17 metropolitan and provincial offices of education to set a function to link relevant information between education (support) offices in the educational administration information system, for the instructors who agrees to provide personal information.

Since 2021, Commission Against Corruption of Macau (CCAC) has been offering internship opportunities for tertiary students to participate in integrity promotion efforts.

From June to July 2025, several undergraduate students from the Department of Communication at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Macau, and the Department of Journalism and Communication at the School of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, participated in an internship at the CCAC.

Coinciding with the clean election promotion period, the interns assisted in planning youth initiatives to promote clean elections, drafting promotional content, and supporting campus advocacy activities. These duties allowed the interns to actively engage in the Commission’s work and gain hands-on experience.

On June 18, 2025, an international symposium on the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Role of Ombudspersons and National Human Rights Institutions” was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event was organized by the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan in cooperation with a number of organizations.

This prestigious forum brought together heads of ombudsperson institutions and national human rights institutions from more than 20 countries, including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Slovak Republic, Turkey, Serbia, Oman, and Montenegro.

Representatives of international organizations also took part, including the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OIC Ombudsman Association), among others.

During the first session, the Ombudsman of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Feruza Eshmatova, delivered a speech outlining the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at ensuring the protection of human rights. She emphasized that the new version of the Constitution has significantly strengthened the legal foundations for guaranteeing human dignity, honor, freedoms, and rights.

She also noted that the Law “On the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman),” adopted in 2024, had been aligned with the updated constitutional norms. The law enhances the significance of the Ombudsman institution as a national human rights body by expanding its powers.

Initiatives such as the “Ombudsman School” and “Ombudsman Hours,” which aim to provide legal assistance and engage with the public in various regions, as well as the “Huquq Bilimdoni” (Legal Knowledge) quiz conducted among children with disabilities and those living in orphanages, sparked particular interest among the participants.

The symposium also focused on sharing national experiences among ombudsmans and discussing modern mechanisms for ensuring human rights protection, particularly in the digitalization and artificial intelligence era. Special attention was given to the provision of legal assistance to populations affected by conflict.

For reference, the institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established as an independent state body based on the Constitutional Law adopted on December 28, 2001. The Ombudsman is authorized to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens, oversee the activities of state authorities, review individual complaints, and make recommendations to relevant bodies in response to identified human rights violations.

Additionally, the Ombudsman conducts regular monitoring of the human rights situation in institutions where persons with restricted liberty are held, working to prevent torture and cruel or inhuman treatment.

Within the framework of the symposium, Feruza Eshmatova held a series of bilateral meetings with ombudsmans from various countries to discuss issues of mutual cooperation and the further development of partnerships in the field of human rights.

• WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) TEAM HOLDS KHULI KATCHERY IN FATEH JANG
• COMPLAINANTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL RELIEF FROM BISP SOURCES
• NATIONAL BANK EMPLOYEES’ PAY ISSUE RESOLVED

Islamabad: 27 June, 2025 – A Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) team comprising Advisor
Maj. Gen. (R) Haroon Sikandar Pasha and Consultant Khalid Sial held a Khuli Katchery in Fateh Jang (District Attock) the other day and heard complaints relating to the federal government entities including Sui Gas, Electricity, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), NADRA and others and resolved a number of complaints on the spot. A large number of complainants attended the Khuli Katchery, wherein they lodged complaints against federal and provincial departments. Most of the complaints pertained to suspension of financial relief from the BISP, non-installation of electricity transformers, delay in provision of electricity and gas connections, excessive billing and delay in issuance of the National Identity Cards.

The Wafaqi Mohtasib team issued on the spot instructions for speedy resolution of the complaints relating to the federal entities, whereas the complaints pertaining to the provincial departments were forwarded to the Provincial Mohtasib. Following the Khuli Katchery, the Wafaqi Mohtasib officials also visited the National Bank and the BISP office and instructed that the public complaints be resolved promptly. The team also directed the National Bank authorities to forthwith release the monthly pay to a contractual employee, who filed a complaint against delay in payment of pay in the Khuli Katchery. The Bank Administration assured timely payment to the employee concerned and pointed out that the team’s instructions would ultimately benefit more than 50 employees of the bank. Similarly, during the visit to BISP Office the team was informed that that the office has received the payment in respect of three beneficiaries and they might collect the same from the office. A citizen complained that a number of accidents have occurred due to absence of speed breakers near the educational institutions and public places. The Wafaqi Mohtasib team, in response directed the NHA authorities to submit a report in this regard.

The Khuli Katchery was attended by the officials belonging to the Federal Entities, district administration and representative of the media in addition to the general public. Earlier, the Wafaqi Mohtasib officials also delivered an awareness lecture highlighting the salient features of Wafaqi Mohtasib institution and how to get relief from this office in case of mal-administration. It also thanked the press and media for playing a useful role in promoting general awareness amongst the masses regarding availability of this forum.

An extended meeting of the Coordination Council of Human Rights Commissioners in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation of the Volga Federal District was held on 25 June 2025. There were two topics on the agenda:

🔺 “Introduction of proposals and amendments to the Federal Law of March 18, 2020 No. 48 of Federal Law “On Human Rights Commissioners in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation”: summing up the results of 5 years of adoption of this law”

🔺 “Protection of citizens’ rights in places of forced detention”.

During the meeting, colleagues presented proposals for improving the current legislation, shared problems and observations that they encounter in their practice. They discussed the status of the offices of the commissioners, legal gaps, and opportunities to strengthen the role of ombudsmen in the regions.

Among the initiatives voiced by our side is the empowerment of regional commissioners to review criminal case materials for which court decisions have already entered into force when checking complaints. It was also proposed to amend the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, providing for administrative liability for obstructing the lawful activities of human rights commissioners in Russia.

As part of the discussion of the protection of citizens’ rights in places of forced detention, we raised the issues of observing the rights of foreign citizens in temporary detention centers for foreign citizens, receiving medical care in penal institutions, the need for further humanization of criminal legislation, the implementation of the rights of convicts involved in paid work, in terms of receiving sick leave and benefits under compulsory state insurance, the work of probation centers and specialized rehabilitation teams.

I thank all colleagues for their active participation and meaningful work. The protection of human rights is a daily work that requires attention, knowledge and constant participation. I am sure that today’s conversation will be another step towards improving our common work!

As part of the discussion of the protection of citizens’ rights in places of forced detention, we raised the issues of observing the rights of foreign citizens in temporary detention centers for foreign citizens, receiving medical care in penal institutions, the need for further humanization of criminal legislation, the implementation of the rights of convicts involved in paid work, in terms of receiving sick leave and benefits under compulsory state insurance, the work of probation centers and specialized rehabilitation teams.

I thank all colleagues for their active participation and meaningful work. The protection of human rights is a daily work that requires attention, knowledge and constant participation. I am sure that today’s conversation will be another step towards improving our common work!

Sabina Aliyeva, the Ombudsperson of Azerbaijan, participated in the international conference on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future” held in Qatar.

The event had brought together heads and representatives of various international organizations, ombudspersons and national human rights institutions, AI experts, and legal scholars from world-leading universities. The Azerbaijan Ombudsperson informed the participants of the measures taken in Azerbaijan in developing digital governance and AI applications, drawing attention to the fact that in 2025, the country’s President approved by his relevant Decree, a National AI Strategy for 2025-2028.

The Ombudsperson underlined that the possibilities of AI in its operations are being explored, pointing out that it could be very helpful in the initial handling of complaints, making basic decisions, analyzing and determining systematic problems in the process of investigation of complaints, and boosting call center productivity.

The Commissioner emphasized the significance of creating international regulatory frameworks, considering the effects of AI on human rights, and outlining the responsibilities of national human rights organizations in that document, particularly their roles in monitoring, education, and legislation improvement. She pointed out that protecting human rights and liberties and reducing the adverse effects of technological advancement on human rights should be prerequisites for the adoption of the AI concept. She also said that the legal framework and technological advancements in this field should be complementary.

In addition, Sabina Aliyeva met with Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, chairwoman of the State of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee; Dragan Milkov, EOI President; Moshira Khattab, President of the National Council for Human Rights of the Arab Republic of Egypt; representatives of the NHRI of Bulgaria; and heads of some state institutions in Qatar. During these meetings, the parties discussed the issues on the agenda, existing challenges in defending freedoms and human rights generally, and the perspectives of collaboration.

Mr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, chaired a high-level meeting attended by representatives of prominent UN agencies, foreign and local NGOs, community based organizations, local support organizations, and civil society organizations to formally launch the “Awareness and Outreach Program – A Collaborative Initiative.” This initiative is aimed at strengthening public awareness of citizens’ rights, promoting transparency and accountability, and enhancing the visibility and accessibility of grievance redress mechanisms across Sindh.

The meeting brought together a wide array of humanitarian & development partners, including UNRC, UNOCHA, United Nations Provincial Program Team-Sindh, Pakistan Red Crescent Society-Sindh, Legal Aid Society, Legal Rights Forum, HANDS Foundation, Sindh Rural Support Organization, Thardeep Rural Development Programme, Fast Rural Development Program, Muslim Hands, Helping Hand for Relief and Development, and the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum.

Addressing the participants, the Ombudsman emphasized the critical role of sustained and inclusive partnerships in extending the reach of his office to underserved and vulnerable communities. He particularly noted the significance of coordinated outreach in fostering public trust and ensuring timely redress of complaints. During the meeting, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society offered institutional support, including access to its Training Institute for the organization of awareness and capacity-building workshops targeting both the public and development sector actors. An orientation session under this initiative is planned for July 2025.

All participating organizations assured their full support for the awareness and outreach efforts of the Ombudsman Office and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in the development and dissemination of informational material, organizing community-level activities, and promoting the Ombudsman’s role through their respective platforms.

In his concluding remarks, the Ombudsman underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring access to justice and good governance for every citizen. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, public service delivery and grievance redress mechanisms can be significantly improved, particularly in reaching the most marginalized populations across Sindh.

– ACRC launched a self-diagnosis service available on a dedicated website via QR code scan, etc. which allows for checking conflict-of-interest situations in commemoration of the 3^rd anniversary of the enforcement of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act

– From today until May 23, a voting and survey will be conducted via People’s Idea Box to pick the best word selected in “the Contest for a Word on Conflict of Interest”… participants will have a chance to be awarded a mobile gift certificate through a draw

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) announced today that on the third anniversary of the enactment of the “Conflict of Interest Prevention Act for Public Officials,” a ‘Conflicts of Interest Self-Diagnosis Service’ that anyone can understand and utilize will be provided and a voting and survey related to the contest on the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act will be conducted.

The Conflicts of Interest Self-Diagnosis Service is a service that allows public officials to check for themselves whether their duties are in violation of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act through a checklist.

When a user connects to the dedicated website by scanning a QR code, etc., and answers questions in the order of the checklist, he/she can easily confirm whether the ten categories of standards under the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act apply.

*  The Conflict of Interest Prevention Act stipulates five types of reporting and submission obligations and five types of restricted and prohibited conducts that public officials must comply with to ensure the fair performance of public duties.

For example, a public official responsible for contract work can self-diagnose whether a contract he/she intend to enter into is restricted under the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act by scanning a QR code.

In addition, various participatory promotional activities are being conducted to help the public easily understand the purpose of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act and feel the need for it.

From May 19 to 23, on the digital platform ‘People’s Idea Box’ (www.epeople.go.kr/idea), an online public vote was held to select outstanding works from the Contest aimed at encouraging awareness and adherence to the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act with phrases of around 20 characters, and mobile gift certificates were given to 100 randomly selected participants in the survey.

During the same period, a survey was also conducted to assess public awareness and the effectiveness of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act. Mobile gift certificates were given to 100 randomly selected participants in the survey.

*  Announcement of the contest’s outstanding works and the draw results for vote and prizes was made on May 30 (Friday).

Lee Myung Soon, the Vice Chairperson for Anti-Corruption at the ACRC, said, “For the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act to be more effective, the understanding and participation of both the public and public officials are crucial,” adding that “I expect that the conflict-of-interest self-diagnosis checklists are widely used so that public officials can check conflict-of-interest situations themselves as they perform their duties.”

On 11^th June, the 2024 Annual Report of the Commission Against Corruption of Macao was published in the Official Gazette of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Regarding ombudsman actions, the report identifies key concerns in public service management, municipal affairs, and land and public works. Areas of focus include disciplinary matters, environmental hygiene, noise problems, administrative licensing, illegal construction, and oversight in public works.

The report also marks 2024 as a pivotal year for the CCAC, with revised laws enhancing its mission, investigative procedures, and organizational structure. These developments aim to strengthen the CCAC’s ability to safeguard public interest and promote transparency and integrity in governance.

The Annual Report has been submitted to the Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, in accordance with the Law of the Commission Against Corruption of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Summaries of some of the cases handled by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Ombudsman Bureau were included in the report.

(https://www.ccac.org.mo/pt/annual_report_details/article/mbpzu17h.html)

The Ombudsman, Mr. Jack Chan, today (10 June) announced the launch of a full investigation into the procedures and mechanisms currently employed by the Hospital Authority (“HA”) in providing an assistive device loan service to the public.

Hospitals under HA have long provided patients and their families or carers with a loan service of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, canes and walking frames to support patients in their daily routine and rehabilitation during recovery. While this service is undoubtedly beneficial to the public and worthy of support, available information indicates that the borrowing and returning procedures are rather cumber some and overly stringent. For example, when a device is returned, the deposit payer must present the deposit receipt to collect the refund in person at the hospital; authorising a representative is not acceptable. Moreover, without the receipt, a refund will be denied even if the deposit payer visits the hospital in person and provides proof of the device’s proper return.

Mr. Chan said, “Assistive devices are essential to facilitating the early recovery and daily lives of patients with needs, and alleviating the burden on families and carers. The Office has noted that the HA’s current loan arrangements may cause varying degrees of inconvenience to patients and their families and carers. Given the significant number of borrowers and a deposit as high as $3,500 for each assistive device, denying refunds due to missing receipts would not only lead to conflicts, but also imposes a financial burden on patients and their families. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the HA’s current procedures and mechanisms for assistive device loan services to identify any areas for improvement. Pertinent recommendations will be made for the benefit and convenience of the public.”