Ombudsman and civil society in Tajikistan. Outset of cooperation
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During the meeting representatives of public organizations have described the activity of their organizations, told about the achievements and existing problems in those spheres they work.
Mr Alizoda, in his turn, presented information about future activity of the Ombudsman Institute. In particular, he mentioned that the structure of the Ombudsman Institute will work in principal directions – civil and political, socio-economic and cultural rights. In his words, citizens have already started to submit their complains and there is an acute need to speed up recruitment of staff. Staff members will be selected on competitive basis. Approximately 20 staff members are expected to be recruited.
He expressed his hope that representatives of public organizations will contribute to training of the Ombudsman Institute’s staff and will raise awareness of citizens about the newly established Ombudsman Institute and its responsibilities.
It is planned to prepare normative and legal documents that will regulate the activity of the Ombudsman Institute, including staff regulations, introduction of appeals mechanism as the principal direction of work of the given institute is consideration and preparation of conclusions for citizens’ appeals.
Mr Alizoda also noted that the activity of the Ombudsman Institute is closely connected to the directions of activity of public organizations. This, firstly, cooperation for observance and restoration of violated rights, legal awareness of the population through conduction of seminars and other educational events for the population. It is also planned to issue an annual report on human rights situation in the country and preparation of alternative reports on the process of implementation of various international Conventions and Pacts ratified by Tajikistan.
In the nearest time Mr Alizoda is expected to meet representatives of civil society in regions of Sughd, Khatlon Districts and GBAO.
Representatives of public organizations suggested the Ombudsman to carry out quarterly thematic meetings with NGOs, jointly publish annual reports about human rights situation, prepare alternative reports for UN Committees. It has been noted that the Ombudsman Institute can use the results of the activity of NGOs: public chambers, free consulting centers, development centers.
The meeting resulted in preliminary agreement on the conduction of similar meeting in late September this year.
