On 26 June, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), together with its partners, launched a new series of online expert lectures within the Human Rights Education Programme in Uzbekistan “Capstone Project”.

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The webinar series brings together leading international experts, students and young researchers to examine contemporary human rights challenges, promote evidence-based discussion, and strengthen the research and analytical skills of the next generation of human rights professionals in Uzbekistan.

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The opening webinar, entitled “Protecting Victims, Protecting Rights: European Standards Explained,” was delivered by Professor Dr. H.C. Lorena Bachmaier Winter of Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, a renowned scholar specialising in comparative criminal justice systems and criminal procedure, with particular expertise in human rights protection and judicial independence.

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Professor Bachmaier Winter introduced participants to the European framework for the protection of victims’ rights, tracing the development of victim-centred approaches within European criminal justice systems. The discussion highlighted an important evolution in criminal proceedings: from viewing victims primarily as sources of evidence towards recognising them as rights holders entitled to protection, participation, information and support throughout the justice process.

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Particular attention was given to European legal standards and practices aimed at ensuring that the dignity, safety and effective access to justice of victims remain central to criminal proceedings. The lecture also examined how stronger victim-protection mechanisms contribute to the prevention of human rights violations and to more effective and accountable justice systems.

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The topic was especially significant as the webinar took place on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which serves as a reminder of the absolute prohibition of torture and the obligation of States to prevent torture, ensure effective investigations and provide victims with access to justice and adequate remedies.

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Uzbekistan has been a State Party to the United Nations Convention against Torture since 1995 and acceded to its Optional Protocol in 2008, undertaking important international commitments in the field of torture prevention and the protection of persons at risk of ill-treatment.

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The webinar was attended by students and teaching staff from Tashkent State University of Law, the Law Enforcement Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The format provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with an internationally recognised expert and consider European approaches from the perspective of their own research and professional interests.

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The lecture marked the beginning of a wider series of expert discussions under the Capstone Project Uzbekistan. Through these exchanges, the programme seeks to connect academic research with international experience, encourage critical and independent thinking, and support young researchers in developing evidence-based approaches to contemporary human rights challenges.

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The webinar was organised by the National Centre for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Centre for Development and Justice International (CDJI), with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uzbekistan.