Photo courtesy of vuzopedia.ru
Tajikistan is set to establish the position of an ombudsman responsible for protecting the rights of financial service users and entrepreneurs. The announcement comes via Asia-Plus, citing the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman.
Previously, Tajikistan did not have a dedicated institution at the state level to safeguard entrepreneurs' rights. This new position will be created following a decree by President Emomali Rahmon. While the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman already includes a department for state protection of financial service users and entrepreneurs’ rights, no one has yet been appointed to the new role.
According to Zafar Solehzoda, head of the department, a special working group has been formed to draft amendments to the law “On the Human Rights Ombudsman.” The draft is now complete.
“If the draft law prepared by the working group receives government approval, amendments and additions will be made to the law, formalizing the goals and responsibilities of the new ombudsman. This individual will also serve as a deputy to the Human Rights Ombudsman of the republic,” Solehzoda stated.
The business ombudsman will focus on protecting entrepreneurs’ rights to improve their working conditions in cases where their legal interests are violated, or their rights and freedoms are not respected during inspections by relevant authorities, such as the Tax Committee. Additionally, the ombudsman will advocate for consumer rights, such as those involving loan services provided by banks.
The process for contacting the business ombudsman will mirror the procedures for addressing the Human Rights Ombudsman—through written correspondence, phone calls, or electronic submissions. Currently, electronic appeals can be sent to the Human Rights Ombudsman at info@ombudsman.tj. Once the business ombudsman is appointed, their office will have its own dedicated email address.
