One of the main conclusions of the mission was that effective leadership plays a key role in the institute's activities. "The leadership demonstrates openness, transparency, and determination. The principle of collegiality is an important characteristic both within the team and in interactions with external partners," the report notes.
During the assessment, the qualification level of the staff was examined, characterized by adherence to gender balance. "Since the appointment of Jamili Akmatbekovna Jamambaeva as Ombudsman and her two deputies, the institute's work has stabilized after a challenging period. A highly qualified leader has been appointed to the staff, who has established high standards of professional behavior and ethics. A strategic plan for 2023-2028 has also been developed," the international mission reports.
Among the key achievements in the field of human rights are:
- an increase in the number of recommendations accepted by the government;
- proposals made to the draft Law "On Mass Media," which influenced its revision;
- assistance in addressing issues faced by labor migrants;
- ensuring lawyers' access to detainees on weekends;
- the introduction of a new system for managing citizen appeals and other achievements.
The mission emphasized that the institute's budget is limited, with about 80% consisting of fixed expenses, primarily for salaries. This creates difficulties in reallocating resources among various programs and initiatives. It is recommended to ensure the institute's financial independence for more effective distribution and analysis of budgetary funds.
It was also noted that the Constitutional Law "On the Ombudsman of the KR" contains restrictions on the independence of the institute. In this regard, the Ombudsman is recommended to convey to the President and the Jogorku Kenesh the importance of ensuring the institute's independence and the need to align legislation with the UN Paris Principles. "The negative consequences of the Jogorku Kenesh's right to prematurely release the Ombudsman should be emphasized, as it undermines the stability, effectiveness, and authority of the institute," the report states.
Additionally, it is recommended to enhance staff qualifications in the area of human rights-based approaches and international human rights standards.
Recall that in June of this year, the Asia-Pacific Forum, together with the UN Development Program and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, conducted an assessment of the potential of the Ombudsman Institute. Over two weeks, the mission held discussions and surveys with the institute's staff and partners, as well as familiarized itself with the work of the authorized representatives in regions such as Osh and Naryn.
The goal of this assessment is to strengthen the institute's powers, which will serve as a basis for obtaining "A" status.
