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!