Office of Ombudsman: “UNDP Remains Our Key Development Partner”

UNDP and the Office of Ombudsman discussed ongoing cooperation and achievements in legal reform, human rights, and gender equality.

August 20, 2025

Two men pose for a photo, exchanging a decorative plate in an office setting. — Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Tajikistan’s Resident Representative and Umed Bobozoda, the Ombudsman of Tajikistan.

UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin

This was stated during a meeting of Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Tajikistan’s Resident Representative and Umed Bobozoda, the Ombudsman of Tajikistan.

The meeting held on August 19 was focused on ongoing cooperation and achievements in the country’s legal and human rights sector.

Bobozoda highlighted that the Office of the Ombudsman has been working with UNDP since 2014, noting significant progress made through this partnership. “UNDP remains one of our key development partners,” he said, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration. Under the partnership with the Rule of Law project, awareness-raising campaigns on gender-based violence, basic human rights principles, and a new law of Tajikistan on anti-discrimination were implemented, and a national human rights strategy and corresponding action plan were developed with UNDP support.

A man with short gray hair and a serious expression sits at a conference table. — Umed Bobozoda, the Ombudsman of Tajikistan.

UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin

He also pointed to initiatives from last year, which was declared the Year of Legal Enlightenment, including 17 educational programmes introduced in high schools to promote legal literacy among students, as well as the publication of a Glossary of Human Rights Law.

Smiling man in glasses wearing a purple vest, sitting at a table with soft lighting. — Sudipto Mukerjee, UNDP Tajikistan’s Resident Representative.

UNDP Tajikistan/ Nigora Fazliddin

Sudipto Mukerjee praised the achievements, saying that UNDP remains committed to supporting the Ombudsman’s Office in strengthening legal institutions, enhancing human rights protection, and promoting gender equality. He emphasised that the institutional capacity-building, human rights reporting, and monitoring initiatives will continue to be key areas of collaboration.

The meeting reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to advancing legal education, human rights awareness, and gender equality in Tajikistan through ongoing UNDP-supported initiatives.

Media inquiries: Nigora Fazliddin, Communications Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan – nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org