Fondi in Uzbekistan

FUNDS IN UZBEKISTAN

THE AUTHORIZED OF OLIY MAJLIS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (OMBUDSMAN).

The office of the Authorized of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombusman) was established in 1995. The wide range of its activities include interaction between the state and a citizen, society and an individual, as well as educational initiatives among public at large, and so on.

Furthermore, the office of Ombudsman considers complaints and proposals filed by citizens on different kind of issues concerning the breach of their rights and freedoms. Also, it ensures appropriate measures are taken on such cases of violations, and if necessaiy, powered with its legal status - petitions on the persons involved by calling them upon to responsibility. The most efficient tool in doing so is the resolutions by Ombudsman, sent to corresponding bodies following the consideration of complaints filed by citizens. The adopted resolutions fully meet international legal norms and active practice of analogous institutions set up in more than 100 countries around the world.

In accordance with the law "On Authorized of Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman)", the resolution by Ombudsman may be sent to state institutions, self-government institutions of citizens, and their officials, who have to act upon it within a month, and report back with Ombudsman. Ombudsman receives more than 1000 of complaints and addresses a year, upon of each of them the consequent measures are taken - following an investigation of one or another case.

Ombudsman turns in with the national parliament the summarized annual report on the cases of human rights violations in the country, consequent measures taken on them, and their effectiveness. Nowadays, there are more than 100 laws that ensure the solid legislative base for protection of human rights and civil liberties in Uzbekistan.

Also, Ombudsman assists in establishing close contacts with non­government organizations (NGO) on the joint human rights projects, improvement of the national legislation with regard to human rights to be further considered by Oliy Majlis.

The UN mission in >Uzbekistan renders enormous support with the office of Ombudsman. They closely cooperate on many issues concerning protection of human rights and civil liberties in Uzbekistan. For instance, they have jointly worked on the draft of the law, and program, namely "The human rights protection service in Uzbekistan".

THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN.

The center is a state analytical, advisory, inter-institutional, coordination body on realizing the principles and norms of international law, provisions of the Constitution and laws of Uzbekistan, decrees by President. It was established in 1996.

The center works out the national outline of actions on human rights and civil liberties, prepares the national report on rights and turns them in with given international organizations, assists to extend cooperation of Uzbekistan with both international and national human rights groups. Furthermore, it works out and evaluates the interstate bilateral and multilateral agreements on human rights, advises on human rights with state power institutions and public groups, maintains the database on protecting and extending civil rights and liberties, carries out polls among public on the issues of rights, and so on.

Also, the center closely cooperates with government institutions on joint projects aimed at raising public awareness about human rights and liberties. Hence, it publishes booklets, contributes with local mass media, newspapers, magazines, radio and television on series of reports on rights.

Establishment of the center has enormously contributed with raising of public awareness not only locally, but also overseas through mass media and other forms of propaganda of the work by Uzbek government on securing and protecting human rights and civil liberties.

At the same time, the National Center for Human Rights is a coordinator of the program jointly administered with UNDP, namely "Democratization, human rights and management improvement in. It also maintains close contacts with the UN Center for Human Rights where it turns in its National Report to.

The center offers its educational programs to Oliy Majlis deputies, political figures, military personnel, law enforcement, health care and education, and holds the series of workshops for them. Upon the initiative by the center, the Department of Theory and Practice of Human Rights was established at the Uzbek Internal Affairs Academy.

The National Center publishes its periodical, entitled "Democratization and human rights in Uzbekistan".

PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS

There are a number of political parties and more than 250 public organizations and movements in the country.

Usually, the leadership of the country initiates establishment of public organizations, sets prior directions for their activities, as well as renders them necessary support in their activity.

The state - as an initiator of reforms in the country -; realizes a multipurpose program. It includes full deliverance of command and administrative style of state and public administration, ideological dogmas, creation of legal conditions to ensure a broad public participation in the state administration processes.

Also, it envisages securing constitutional rights of each person and freedom of will of all social groups and nationalities with a view of fully satisfying their economic and cultural needs. And, at the outcome - to build a legal state based on national unity, accord on the part of free, both intellectually and spiritually rich people. Furthermore, this is all about to gradually realize the policy of social care at all levels of transition to market economy, enhance public legal and economic awareness, as well as lay a solid base for the state with a great, free and prosperous future.

The most significant public organizations in Uzbekistan are: parties, labor unions, youth groups, Women's committee, and various foundations.

"MAKHALLA" CHARITY FOUNDATION.

The priority of public opinion, adherence to the idea of collectivism and unity in public opinion are those wonderful features of historical traditions and mentality of Uzbek people. Makhalla (traditional local neighborhood community) is the main institution of public life and authority body in the self-government by citizens.

The "Makhalla" Republican Charity Foundation is an independent, self-governing organization, acting upon the Constitution, laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan, international norms and its own Charter, registered with Uzbek Justice Ministry. It was established: in 1992 inTashkent.

As its name suggests, the work of the foundation is solely based on charity, and all of its funds regardless of their benefactor source are channeled for social care of the underprivileged.

Its objective is a total support of the makhalla and its; people in terms of raising their living standards, as well as coordinating and supporting the makhalla committee activities.

Besides, the foundation advances interests of the underprivileged and families with many children, elderly, disabled, orphans,iand other social groups residing in makhalla.

It propagates the ideas of humanism and mercy towards the needy, less fortunate, lonely, orphans and disabled. With a view of meeting its goals and tasks, the foundation enjoys rights and privileges to carry out a production, publishing or any other commercial activity otherwise not banned by Uzbek laws.

The supreme body of the foundation is a conference summoned once in five years. Upon the request by majority of constitutes the special conference may also be summoned.

It has its branches and representations in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, provinces, and Tashkent. In sum, there are more than 11,780 makhalla committees in the country. The foundation has its own newspaper "Makhalla".

THE "ISTEDOD"('TALENT') FOUNDATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

for raising the proficiency level of young educators and scientific personnel.

The foundation was established in 2003.

It was established on the basis of former foundations that existed in the country before, that is, the"Umid" ('Hope') Foundation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for supporting the study of talented youth abroad and the "Ustoz" ('educator, tutor') Republican Foundation.

The main goals of the newly formed foundation include: to raise the intellectual potential of the country, extending various spheres of science, proficiency level of educational personnel, and economy up to the level of leading scientific research and high technological achievements around the globe, as well as others.

Also, foundation aims to establish promising cooperation ties with leading scientific and research centers around the world, and further promote the good use of talent of young educators and scientific personnel by way of carrying out mutually beneficial scientific research in the field and exchange of experience. Within the framework of its activity, foundation reaches out to sponsors such international institutions and foundations, local and foreign investors.

The Decree by the Uzbek President of July 2, 2003, on establishing the given foundation, has secured the status of foundation as a heir foundation of the aforementioned foundations.

SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF THE YOUTH "KAMOLOT"

This is the organization of the Uzbek youth. It was reestablished in April 2001. The movement aims to unite the nation's youth, bring it up based on principles of healthy way of life, assist with their personal development, as well as advance its interests in various spheres of public life. Also, "Kamolot" considers it important to create conditions for the youth to truly realize their knowledge and potentials, as well as serve as a constant support for the younger generation in the country.

The Program of the movement has set priorities for its members in their activities in various spheres such as political, legal, spiritual, educational, public, and sports. Members of "Kamolot" are bound by common notion, which briefly underscores as "we must live by saying not what I have gained from my Homeland, but otherwise, what am I doing for my nation and Homeland?"

The Central Council is the head body of the organization. Also, there is the Committee for Monitoring and Audit. Primary branches of the movement were established in higher educational institutions, secondary schools, professional colleges, lyceums, various state institutes and enterprises nationwide. As of April 2002,4,369 066 boys and girls between the age of 14-28 are reported to have joined the movement.

Since movement was established, more than 25,000 young people were provided with jobs. Besides, thousands of nation's youth received assistance in gaining bank loans to set up their own small and medium businesses.

"Kamolot" holds military sports competitions among students of graduate classes in secondary schools nationwide, aimed at upbringing youth in the spirit of patriotism and love for the Homeland- extend the loyalty towards ideology of national independence, and prepare for the forthcoming service in the national military. Adding to that; movement holds various events in the country teaching and propagating discussion of various problems in society, ability in the youth to speak and express oneself freely, and prevent different kinds of negative phenomena related to youth. For instance, "Kamolot" jointly with UNICEF has held series of events within the framework of grant program, namely "AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and problems of prevention of drug addiction" with participation of more than 150,000 boys and girls in Uzbekistan.

Besides, "Kamolot" established friendly ties with a number of youth organizations throughout the world, including those in Egypt, Italy, Azerbaijan, and others.

THE "NURON" FOUNDATION FOR SOCIAL CARE OF VETERANS OF UZBEKISTAN .

It is a voluntary, self-governing, non-government charity organization of veterans.

It was founded in December 1996 upon resolution by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. The foundation aims to raise the efficiency of policy of social care, especially, towards the elderly, veterans of war and labor, and disabled.

Besides, it is engaged in production, business, and foreign economic activity.

The foundation operates its branches in the Republic of Karakalpakstan provinces and districts all around the country. It has its Charter and Program.

THE REPUBLICAN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER (RICC).

It is an independent organization, which coordinates the work of national cultural centers and renders support with state bodies and public groups in their study and meeting the needs of national groups residing in Uzbekistan.

The center was established in 1992 at the Republican inter-national cultural center of the Ministry of Culture, and is aimed to coordinate the national cultural centers (NCC). Currently, there are 135 NCC around the country.

It renders support with national centers, coordinates and monitors their activity, assists in reviving and extending various national traditions, customs and rites. Also, it reaches out for cooperation with national centers in the CIS area and far abroad, and strives to harmonize the inter-national relations.

Furthermore, the center actively participates in preparing and holding of national festivals and other holidays, such as "Navruz", "Independence Day", and so on.

The center is led by the Public Council and Presidium, and is one of the founders of social movement, namely "Khalq birligi" ('the unity of people').

THE FEDERATION OF LABOR UNIONS OF UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan's labor unions are a big public organization that voluntarily unites workers of all professions, and students regardless of sex, religion, race and nationality.

In 1925 they were registered as republican organization.

After Uzbekistan gained its independence, new political, economic and social realm vis-a-vis transition to market economy breathed a new life into labor unions. The Uzbek Constitution secures the right by citizens to come together in labor unions. Labor unions are independent of state and political parties. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On labor unions, rights and guarantees of their activity" secures thjeir legal status.

The principles of federalism, democracy, sovereignty and voluntarism make up the basis of its organizational structure. The unions at all levels are elected during congresses, conferences, asjwell as congresses of the plenipotentiaries, elected by members of the unions whom the former reports back to. Each member of labor unions may be elected and vote for the labor union bodies.

Labor unions are formed based on production, sector and territorial principles. The sector and territorial labor unions as membership organizations make up the Federation of Labor Unions of Uzbekistan.

There are 15 sector labor unions and one labor committee, Kyzylkumpredmetzolotoin the country.

The Federation also consists of Karakalpakstan-based, republican, 12 regional, and city labor union councils. At the same time, more than 80 of them operate in provinces, and 744 - in towns and districts.

The supreme body of the unions is a congress, which is summoned once in five years. And usually, the Council of Federation of Labor Unions chairs the work of the Federation.

The meeting by the Council of Federation is held no less than once a year. If necessary, the presidium of the Council holds its sessions, but no less than once in three months.

The Federation acts based on social partnership aimed at reshaping the relations between labor unions and state, executive branch of power and employer.

The Council of Federation participates in working out the drafts of laws by national parliament - Oliy Majlis, and expertise work.

The 25th congress of labor unions of 1995 adopted the Program of Actions.

To provide with job places and prevention of unemployment is the main factor in protecting the labor rights and interests of members of the unions. Currently, the state bureau on employment and educating for new professions is operating in the country.

The national policy on labor security and hygiene commits the employer to set up the bureau for protection of labor.

The national policy on protection of labor provides for laws, which regulate the working hours and rest, especially, for those who are engaged in jobs considered hazardous to health, woman labor, protection of motherhood and childhood, minimal employment age (which is 18).

Henceforth, the network of hospitals and clinics, health resorts and sanatoriums are established in the country, which, in this case, serve for treating the diseases acquired as a result of hazards at the job place, and provide other medical assistance to members of labor unions.

Almost all of such resorts are located on or near the mountains and forest areas - with unique features of clean air, live flora and fauna.

The initiative on establishing international educational and health resort based in Karakalpakstan for the children of the Aral Sea basin has been positively received on the OSCE International Forum on the Aral Sea.

Also, the labor unions widely propagate the healthy way of life by extending the sporting facilities at job places, educational institutions, and communities.

They reach out to foreign partners with an aim of establishing the mutually beneficial ties and exchange of experience in the field. Thus, jointly with foreign partners, the local labor unions usually organize the workshops, conferences, and exchange study programs.

The Federation of Labor Unions of Uzbekistan actively cooperates with the World Labor Organization (WLO).WOMEN'S COMMITTEE OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

This is a public organization that unites women of Uzbekistan on voluntary basis regardless of nationality, occupation, religion, and education. It acts in accordance with Uzbek Constitution and its Charter.

The committee is structurally organized of the Republican apparatus, the Karakalpakstan-based apparatus, apparatus in provinces and city of Tashkent, missions in towns and districts. The women's committees operate at all organizations, enterprises, and makhalla communities.

The supreme body is the congress, which sets the program of actions of the committee for the next term, elects the leadership, and if necessary, introduces changes with the Charter.

Committee actively works with other public groups, foundations and movements such as "Soglom avlod uchun", "Kamolot", "Makhalla", and others on number of programs carried out nationwide in upbringing the youth.

The groups with membership of women with different occupations and interests now established within the committee. The association of women scientists "Olima" is one of them. Currently, it is carrying out a joint project with the UK-based BilstonCollege on continuous education of women under auspices of the UN program, namely "Women in development". There are 16,000 women scientists known to be in the country, including 2 academicians, 9 members of Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and about 3,000 Ph.D. candidates.

A special attention is being paid towards promoting business activity among women. There is the association of businesswomen, "Tadbirkor ayol", in the country.

The program aimed at supporting women in farming is also under way. The women's committee successfully cooperates with counterpart organizations abroad. Thus, it is a member of Central Asian congress of women and International alliance of CIS countries.