UNDP experts and the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan held a two-day online seminar on the topic “Improving the complaint handling mechanism in accordance with the Paris Principles”. The event was dedicated to the two-year UNDP project “Improving the institutional capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkmenistan”. The press service of the UNDP in Turkmenistan reported about this.

The main topics of the seminar touched upon the specifics, types and methods of handling complaints, dwelling in detail on the best international practice of the appeals process. International expert George Tugushi, who previously held the position of the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia, commenting on the relevant provisions of the Law of Turkmenistan “On the Ombudsman”, presented recommendations on improving the complaint handling mechanism. The participants during the seminar discussed in detail the methods of dealing with complaints in various areas, the feasibility of developing procedural rules for receiving and considering complaints. During the discussions, the need for regular trainings for the staff of the Office of the Ombudsman was expressed.

This event is designed to support the system of protection, promotion and implementation of human rights in Turkmenistan by reforming the national legislation in accordance with the international obligations of Turkmenistan in the field of human rights, and increasing the institutional capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman.