On November 19, 2024, the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan, Feruza Eshmatova, met with the Chairperson of the Austrian Ombudsman Board, Gaby Schwarz. The meeting, held at the Austrian Ombudsman Board’s headquarters, provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange experiences and gain deeper insight into each other’s work.

Established in 2012, the Austrian Ombudsman Board oversees the activities of state institutions, monitors conditions in prisons and nursing homes, and ensures the implementation of programs and the provision of services for people with disabilities. The Board also examines complaints related to human rights violations.

During the meeting, the parties discussed their respective experiences and new approaches in human rights protection. They also explored several initiatives aimed at expanding cooperation between the ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Austria.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on measures to strengthen collaboration between the Austrian Ombudsman Board and the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Uzbekistan.

On the same day, the Uzbek delegation met with members of the Advisory Council under the Austrian Ombudsman Board. Since 2022, the Chairperson of the Austrian Ombudsman Board has also held the position of Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).

The International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), founded in 1978, is the only global organization representing over 200 ombudsmen from more than 100 countries. The Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) is a full-fledged member of this organization.