Общественные наблюдательные комиссии (ОНК)
ОНК
Summary
Public Monitoring Commissions (ONK) are established in each of Russia's 85+ federal subjects under Federal Law 76-FZ (2008), comprising volunteers appointed by the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. They have statutory right to visit places of deprivation of liberty — penal colonies, pre-trial detention centres (SIZO), and police temporary holding facilities (IVS) — to inspect conditions, speak with detainees, and file recommendations. They have no power to discipline staff or compel evidence. Since 2012 appointment has been increasingly influenced by security-loyal nominees, significantly reducing effectiveness.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | 3 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Federal Law on Public Control over the Ensuring of Human Rights in Places of Forced Detention and on Assistance to Persons in Places of Forced Detention
- Citation
- Federal Law 76-FZ of 10 June 2008
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Public monitoring of the conditions of detention in places of deprivation of liberty (pre-trial detention centres, penal colonies, police holding cells) in each constituent subject of the Russian Federation, pursuant to Federal Law 76-FZ.