Tashkent, September 2025
 

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the protection of human rights and prevent torture in Uzbekistan, a working meeting was held in Tashkent between Ms. Feruza Eshmatova, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and representatives of the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI) - Azamat Shambilov, President of CDJI, and Pauline McCabe, Vice-Chair of the Board of CDJI.

The meeting focused on the continued collaboration between the Ombudsman’s Office and CDJI in strengthening the national system for monitoring places of deprivation of liberty.

Participants discussed practical steps to further build the capacity of the national monitoring group and to integrate international human rights standards into daily monitoring practice.

Discussions also addressed new areas of cooperation, including methodological development, training initiatives, and stronger engagement with civil society actors. The parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and humane treatment in all places of detention.

This meeting marked another important step in the joint efforts of the Ombudsman’s Office, CDJI, and international partners such as the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to strengthen the rule of law and promote a culture of respect for human dignity in Uzbekistan.