Ombudsman calls for action on migrant violence in Russia
Uzbekistan’s Ombudsman Appeals to Russian Counterpart Over Migrant Discrimination
Uzbekistan’s Ombudsman, Feruza Eshmatova, has sent an appeal to Russia’s Ombudsman, Tatyana Moskalkova, regarding the discrimination of labor migrants in Yekaterinburg. The press service of the parliamentary representative on human rights reported on January 22 that the petition included a request to ensure the rights of Uzbek citizens working in Russia.
This action comes after a recent incident in Yekaterinburg, in which the Zheleznodorozhny District Prosecutor’s Office, the FSB’s Sverdlovsk Oblast Department, the Regional Migration Department, and the Yekaterinburg Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted a raid on a construction site with armed support from the Russian Guard. A total of 150 people were inspected, with eight found to have violated immigration laws and will be deported, and four others issued summonses for not registering for military service. Photos and videos online show security forces forcing migrant workers to duck across a snow-covered construction site.
While it was not specified how many of the migrants were citizens of Uzbekistan, it is known that there were also citizens of Kyrgyzstan and other countries. Sverdlovsk Oblast Ombudsman, Tatyana Merzlyakova, stated that she is investigating the situation, and expressed disbelief at the events, adding that such occurrences are not unusual for Yekaterinburg.
In 2023, Feruza Eshmatova visited Russia and met with Uzbeks working there. Based on their opinions, cooperation between the ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Russia will be established, and work will be carried out on joint consideration of appeals, including ensuring the rights of Uzbek compatriots working in the Russian Federation.
This is not the first time the Ombudsman has reacted to situations related to the treatment of Uzbek migrants in Russia. Earlier, she addressed the situation regarding raids on the workplaces of Uzbek migrants in Krasnodar. The Russian Ombudsman informed that she is monitoring the rights of migrants.
The appeal to the Russian Ombudsman reflects the ongoing efforts to protect the rights of Uzbek migrants in Russia and ensure fair treatment for all labor migrants in the country.
