COMPREHENSIVE REPORT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN UZBEKISTAN: REFORMS AND VIOLATIONS
Comprehensive Report of Human Rights in Uzbekistan: Reforms and Violations
Uzbekistan has implemented a series of legal and institutional reforms in recent years in the field of human rights. The government has taken various steps aimed at improving the legal system, promoting economic and social development, and enhancing human rights standards. However, despite these reforms, restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms persist, and there are serious concerns that the principle of the rule of law is not being fully upheld.
Government control over independent media organizations, restrictions on freedom of expression, pressures on religious and ethnic minorities, violations of the right to a fair trial, arbitrary detentions, and a culture of impunity are among the most prominent examples of human rights violations in the country. Additionally, reports of torture and ill-treatment, forced labor practices, and structural discrimination against women indicate that Uzbekistan remains inconsistent with international human rights norms.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current human rights situation in Uzbekistan and offers evaluations within the framework of international law. While analyzing the impact of reforms, it also highlights ongoing human rights violations and presents concrete recommendations on legal, institutional, and policy-level measures that need to be taken. By focusing on key areas such as freedom of expression and the press, freedom of religion and belief, the right to a fair trial, the prohibition of torture, forced labor, and women’s rights, this report aims to outline a roadmap for the protection and advancement of human rights in Uzbekistan.
Legal and Institutional Reforms
In recent years, the Uzbek government has initiated a series of reforms aimed at enhancing judicial independence, expanding fundamental rights and freedoms, and aligning human rights standards with international norms. Structural changes have been introduced to improve the efficiency of the judiciary, strengthen the independence of courts, and implement improvements in the criminal justice system.
The government has also undertaken legal amendments to create a more transparent framework for addressing human rights violations and upholding the rule of law. Specific measures have been introduced to prevent torture and ill-treatment, protect women’s rights, expand freedom of expression, and facilitate the activities of civil society organizations.
However, the impact of these reforms has remained limited in practice. Judicial independence continues to face significant shortcomings, and executive interference in judicial processes persists. Violations of the right to a fair trial remain widespread, and there is still no effective investigative mechanism to address instances of ill-treatment and torture in detention centers. Restrictions on media and civil society have not eased, and limitations on freedom of expression continue to be enforced.
To enhance the effectiveness of these reforms and ensure the rule of law, it is essential to fully establish judicial independence, eliminate arbitrary practices by security forces, allow civil society organizations to operate freely, and strengthen safeguards for freedom of expression. Ensuring that reforms are not merely legal changes but are effectively implemented in practice is crucial for sustaining progress in the field of human rights.
Freedom of Expression and Media
Freedom of expression and independent media in Uzbekistan continue to face significant restrictions, with journalists and activists systematically subjected to censorship, legal constraints, and threats from security forces. The government imposes strict monitoring of press and social media platforms, actively working to suppress dissenting views and prevent criticism of its policies through various legal measures.
Journalists frequently face arbitrary detention, arrests, and intimidation, making these one of the biggest obstacles to free expression. Those reporting on corruption, human rights violations, or government misconduct are particularly targeted, often facing fabricated charges and lengthy prison sentences. Independent news outlets operate under severe constraints, with many media organizations either controlled by the government or forced to shut down due to excessive restrictions.
The government has also increased control over the internet and social media. At times, authorities restrict access to the internet, censor online content, and pressure platforms to remove critical posts. Individuals who express dissenting views online are often targeted by law enforcement and face charges such as defamation, public disorder, or extremist propaganda.
Furthermore, media laws in Uzbekistan are frequently amended in ways that hinder independent journalism. These regulations compel content creators to adhere to government-defined limits, forcing many journalists into self-censorship. The state’s control over the media undermines the sustainability of independent journalism, while international media organizations also face heavy scrutiny or are outright banned from operating in the country.
To ensure genuine freedom of expression, Uzbekistan must end its crackdown on journalists, halt arbitrary arrests, allow independent media outlets to operate freely, and reduce government control over the press. The removal of internet and social media censorship is crucial to ensuring unrestricted public access to information. A free and independent media environment is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society, and concrete steps must be taken to safeguard it in Uzbekistan.
Freedom of Religion and Conscience
Although freedom of religion and conscience is legally protected in Uzbekistan, it remains heavily restricted in practice. Religious groups and individuals face significant obstacles in expressing their faith, engaging in worship, and forming religious communities. The state’s strict oversight of religious activities and its repression of certain faith groups have led to a highly controlled and limited religious environment.
Muslims, in particular, face restrictions if they engage in religious practices that fall outside the framework established by official religious authorities. Personal expressions of faith, such as growing a beard or wearing a headscarf, have been either banned or unofficially discouraged in public institutions and educational settings. Praying in public spaces outside of officially sanctioned mosques is prohibited, and the wearing of religious attire is restricted. Additionally, religious groups that are not officially recognized by the state face legal consequences if they attempt to establish places of worship or hold religious gatherings.
Independent religious groups face significant bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining official recognition, making it nearly impossible for new religious communities to operate legally. Existing laws require religious organizations to obtain government approval before engaging in activities, and unregistered groups are subjected to severe restrictions. Those that fail to secure official recognition are unable to establish places of worship and are forced to practice their faith in secrecy.
Religious literature and materials are also subject to strict government control. Books, online content, and media materials with religious themes must pass through state approval processes, and the unauthorized distribution of religious materials is punishable by law. This significantly limits individuals’ ability to freely share and access religious knowledge, leaving religious education almost entirely under state control.
To ensure full protection of religious freedoms, Uzbekistan must simplify the registration process for religious communities, guarantee individuals the right to express their faith without restrictions, and remove legal barriers to religious practice. Additionally, censorship of religious literature must be lifted, and the government must end discriminatory policies that target specific religious groups. These steps are essential for fostering genuine freedom of religion and belief in the country.
Prohibition of Torture and Ill-Treatment
Serious allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention continue in Uzbekistan, with insufficient measures taken to prevent such abuses. Reports indicate that individuals detained by law enforcement and security forces are subjected to physical and psychological coercion, with torture cases widely reported in prisons, detention centers, and interrogation processes.
Common methods of ill-treatment include forced confessions, physical violence, prolonged isolation, sleep deprivation, and psychological pressure. Victims of torture often lack access to independent medical examinations and are deprived of necessary healthcare services. Additionally, their right to a fair trial is severely restricted, further undermining their ability to defend themselves in judicial proceedings.
Authorities fail to conduct independent and impartial investigations into allegations of torture and ill-treatment, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. The absence of effective oversight mechanisms to hold law enforcement and security personnel accountable perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Political prisoners, members of religious groups, and activists critical of government policies are particularly vulnerable to severe physical mistreatment during detention.
To prevent torture and combat impunity, Uzbekistan must establish an effective oversight and accountability system. Officials involved in torture must be prosecuted before independent courts, and an accessible and effective complaint mechanism must be made available for victims. Additionally, independent observers should be allowed to monitor detention facilities, and full compliance with international conventions prohibiting torture must be ensured. Without adopting a zero-tolerance policy against torture, the rule of law and fundamental human rights cannot be adequately protected.