As is known, in accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated June 26, 2021, aimed at improving the system for identifying and preventing cases of torture, public groups were established under the Ombudsman. Together with these groups, it is предусмотрено to conduct regular monitoring visits to places where persons with restricted freedom of movement are held.
On the first day of the monitoring visits, conditions at the temporary detention facility of the Amudarya District Department of Internal Affairs were studied. Monitoring activities then continued in facilities located in Nukus city, including a special reception facility for persons subjected to administrative detention, pre-trial detention center No. 2, the temporary detention facility of the Nukus City Department of Internal Affairs, a city medical point for assisting persons in a state of intoxication, a rehabilitation center for persons without a fixed place of residence, and the “Muruvvat” women’s boarding house for persons with disabilities.
Particular attention was paid to the conditions in pre-trial detention center No. 2, including the state of detention cells, sleeping arrangements, sanitary and household conditions, bathing facilities, medical service rooms, availability of medicines, food preparation and storage, procedures for outdoor walks, short-term meeting rooms, opportunities to meet with lawyers, as well as procedures for submitting appeals and the possibility of leaving applications through the “Ombudsman box.”
It should be noted that individuals serving sentences while engaged in maintenance work at this detention center had previously appealed to the Ombudsman regarding the organization of long-term visits with family members. Based on the Ombudsman’s recommendation, long-term meeting rooms were constructed and put into operation at this institution. These rooms were also inspected during the monitoring visit.
On April 24, monitoring visits were conducted at penal colony No. 27 in Kungrad District, a special reception facility for persons subjected to administrative detention in Kungrad District, a medical assistance point for intoxicated individuals in Kanlykul District, and the Karakalpakstan branch of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Narcology.
During the monitoring, collective and individual interviews were held with the persons being held, and their appeals were received. At the same time, the conditions created in the institutions, provision of medical services, nutrition, sanitary conditions, and compliance with detention procedures were studied.
Based on the results of the monitoring, recommendations made by the Ombudsman and members of the public groups will be submitted to the relevant ministries and agencies.
Press Service of the Commissioner of Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman)
