In 2020, the UN Human Rights Committee recommended that Uzbekistan “adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination … in all spheres, in both the public and the private sectors, on all the grounds prohibited under the Covenant, including … sexual orientation and gender identity or other status.” Two years later, the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan reported that a bill “On equality and non-discrimination” was being drafted. This bill has not since been passed or offered for public review. Meanwhile, gay and bisexual men in Uzbekistan continue to face threats and extortion by both police and non-state actors, as well as arbitrary detention, prosecution, and up to three years’ imprisonment.
We offer the following short- and long-term recommendations to further enhance respect for human rights in Uzbekistan. These recommendations aim to build upon the positive steps your government has taken in recent years, to further strengthen your government’s compliance with its international human rights obligations, and to ensure continued progress towards a more inclusive and rights-respecting society.
- Ratify the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
- Investigate all allegations of torture, other ill-treatment, and the use of deadly force and police violence during the events in Nukus, Karakalpakstan in July 2022. Conduct a transparent, effective, and genuinely independent ‘after action’ review of the events with a view to ensuring accountability for all human rights violations committed during the events.
- Take further measures to guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including of the press, both online and offline. Ensure that journalists, bloggers, and activists can operate without fear of reprisals, harassment, or prosecution for their peaceful expression.
- Foster an enabling environment for civil society organizations in Uzbekistan. Remove burdensome restrictions on registration of civil society organizations and create mechanisms for meaningful engagement and consultation between society organizations and the government.
- Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that would prohibit discrimination on all grounds including based on one’s sexual orientation and gender identity and guarantee protection to everyone. Lift the existing ban on consensual homosexual relationships for men.
- Ensure that rights-violating provisions related to freedom of religion in the Criminal Code and in the 2021 religion law are amended in line with international human rights law. Specifically, amend the overbroad and vague definition of “extremism” to drop all criminal charges in cases involving the storage of materials deemed “extremist” that do not involve use, or intent to use, such material to incite or commit violent acts.
- Ensure the full implementation of the legislative amendments that criminalize domestic violence as a standalone offense and of the administrative liability for sexual harassment, and take necessary steps to ensure the effectiveness of these legal measures including training and awareness raising initiatives.
We firmly believe that the implementation of these recommendations will contribute to the long-term development, stability, and prosperity of Uzbekistan. By committing to a human rights-centered approach, you can inspire confidence, create a more inclusive society, and ensure the well-being and dignity of all Uzbek citizens.