Newsroom
OSCE human rights office provides start-up funding for new Kyrgyz Ombudsman
BISHKEK 17 December 2002
BISHKEK, 17 December 2002 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has provided quick start-up funding for the newly established Kyrgyz Ombudsman to enable his office to assume work soon. The new Ombudsman, Tursunbay Bakir Uulu, was elected on 21 November, but the Parliament has yet to decide on his budget.
"The new Ombudsman institution was established on a sound legal basis and has the potential to play an important role in protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens," said Acting ODIHR Director Steven Wagenseil today during a visit to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
"By facilitating a quick start for the office, we would like to continue the fruitful long-term co-operation with the Kyrgyz authorities in setting up the Ombudsman institution."
The ODIHR has assisted in the process of developing the legal basis for the Ombudsman institution since 1999. In June, the Kyrgyz Parliament adopted an Ombudsman Law that is largely in line with international standards, providing for the independence of the institution and a separate budget.
The start-up assistance from the ODIHR will enable the Ombudsman office to purchase technical equipment and legal publications necessary to begin with its work.
"The new Ombudsman institution was established on a sound legal basis and has the potential to play an important role in protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens," said Acting ODIHR Director Steven Wagenseil today during a visit to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.
"By facilitating a quick start for the office, we would like to continue the fruitful long-term co-operation with the Kyrgyz authorities in setting up the Ombudsman institution."
The ODIHR has assisted in the process of developing the legal basis for the Ombudsman institution since 1999. In June, the Kyrgyz Parliament adopted an Ombudsman Law that is largely in line with international standards, providing for the independence of the institution and a separate budget.
The start-up assistance from the ODIHR will enable the Ombudsman office to purchase technical equipment and legal publications necessary to begin with its work.