Deputies expanded the powers of the Ombudsman

The period of work of the Commissioner for Human Rights will be 7 years. This is 2 years more than previously provided for in the legislation. Corresponding changes were adopted today by the deputies of the Supreme Council in the second reading. A package of legislations was initiated earlier by parliamentarians of the Committee on Legislation, Protection of the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens.

8 laws are being amended: “On the Commissioner for Human Rights in the PMR”, “On Institutions and Bodies Executing Criminal Punishments in the Form of Deprivation of Liberty”, “On the State Duty”, the Arbitration and Civil Procedure Codes, the Code of Administrative Offenses, the Criminal Executive and Codes of Criminal Procedure. The legislations were developed jointly with the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights. The adopted amendments and additions expand its powers. For example, opportunities for appeals to the court are being expanded and the ombudsman is given the legislative right to send proposals and comments to state authorities, local self-government and civil servants.

People turn to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights on a variety of issues. Most of the complaints are social in nature. Protection of housing rights, violation of pension laws and other issues. Each employee receives about 40 calls per year. Almost every day the Ombudsman receives appeals from convicts who, in some cases, do not agree with the verdict, in others – with the choice of a measure of restraint.

The increase in the term of exercising powers is the recommendation of the Vienna Commission on Human Rights, Vyacheslav Kosinsky noted. The Ombudsman will have more time to complete all areas of his work.

The legislations were adopted at the plenary session subject to clarifying amendments. The documents were sent to the President for signature.