Human Rights Law at Uzbekistan
Human Rights Law in Uzbekistan has evolved significantly since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but the country still faces ongoing criticism for authoritarian governance, restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, and human rights abuses. Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who succeeded Islam Karimov in 2016, Uzbekistan has implemented several reforms, though progress remains uneven.
1. Constitutional Framework
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan (1992)
The Constitution guarantees several fundamental human rights:
Right to life, liberty, and personal security
Equality before the law
Freedom of speech, religion, and association
Right to work, education, and healthcare
Prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment
Independence of the judiciary
However, many rights are limited by vague provisions such as “protection of public order or morals,” allowing state control.
2. Key Human Rights Issues
Freedom of Expression and Press
Heavily restricted in practice, despite constitutional guarantees.
Independent journalists face harassment, surveillance, or imprisonment.
Internet censorship, including blocking of websites and social media platforms, remains an issue.
Defamation and insult of the president are criminal offenses.
Freedom of Assembly and Association
Public gatherings require official permission, and unauthorized protests are often dispersed.
NGOs must register with the government and face bureaucratic barriers and scrutiny.
Political opposition is limited; few parties operate freely.
Freedom of Religion
Religious activities are tightly controlled by the state.
Registration is required for religious groups; unregistered groups can face persecution.
Though there has been some easing, Muslims and Christian minorities (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses) still face restrictions and surveillance.
3. Labor Rights and Forced Labor
Systemic use of forced labor, especially in the cotton industry, was a longstanding issue.
Under international pressure, Uzbekistan has largely eliminated state-imposed forced labor in cotton production as of 2022.
However, child labor and coerced public-sector participation still occur in some regions.
4. Torture and Prison Conditions
Torture was widespread under previous regimes.
The government has made reforms (e.g., habeas corpus, judicial review of detention), but torture and abuse in custody still occur, especially against political prisoners.
Prison conditions have reportedly improved, but overcrowding and poor hygiene remain problems.
5. Women’s and Children’s Rights
Gender discrimination remains an issue, especially in rural areas.
Domestic violence is underreported, though recent reforms have addressed legal protections for women.
Child marriage and child labor persist, especially in impoverished areas.
6. LGBTQ+ Rights
Homosexuality between men is criminalized under Article 120 of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to three years in prison.
LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination, police abuse, and lack of legal protection.
7. International Human Rights Commitments
Uzbekistan is a party to several key international treaties, including:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
However, implementation of these treaties remains partial and selective.
8. Human Rights Institutions
National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan
Coordinates the country’s human rights policies and reports to international bodies.
Criticized for lacking independence and capacity to effectively challenge abuses.
Ombudsman for Human Rights
Handles citizen complaints and visits detention facilities.
Still limited in enforcement power and seen as aligned with state interests.
9. Recent Reforms and Progress
Under President Mirziyoyev, there have been notable reforms:
Release of some political prisoners and journalists.
Liberalization of currency and visa policies.
Reform of the cotton sector, eliminating systemic forced labor.
Judicial reform efforts, including the establishment of anti-corruption courts.
However, core civil and political rights remain constrained, and criticism of the government is still risky.
10. Challenges Ahead
Authoritarian legacy still impacts governance and legal institutions.
Limited political pluralism: No real opposition or free elections.
Need for stronger civil society: NGOs and human rights defenders face obstacles.
Judicial independence remains weak, especially in politically sensitive cases.
✅ Conclusion
Uzbekistan has made measurable human rights improvements, particularly under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, including reforms in labor rights and prisoner releases. However, deep-rooted restrictions on freedom of speech, association, religion, and the press persist, and more substantial reforms are needed to align with international human rights norms.
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