| UZBEKISTAN Republic of Uzbekistan Ozbekiston Respublikasi Joined United Nations: 2 March 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/02/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Tashkent (Toshkent)
27,865,738 (July 2010 est.)
Islom Karimov
President since 24 March 1990
President since 24 March 1990
President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible
for a second term; previously was a five-year term, extended by
constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 23
December 2007. Karimov has been President since he was
elected President of the Supreme Soviet
Next scheduled election: November 2014
for a second term; previously was a five-year term, extended by
constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 23
December 2007. Karimov has been President since he was
elected President of the Supreme Soviet
Next scheduled election: November 2014
| HEAD OF GOVERNMENT |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Shavkat Mirziyoyev
Prime Minister since 11 December 2003
Prime Minister since 11 December 2003
Prime Minister, ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the
President
President
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch with 12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular -
viloyat), 1 autonomous republic (respublika), and 1 city (shahar); Legal system is an evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks
independent judicial system
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term,
extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister,
ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an Upper House or Senate (100 seats; 84 members
are elected by regional governing councils to serve five-year terms and 16 are appointed by the president) and a Lower
House or Legislative Chamber (120 seats; elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)
viloyat), 1 autonomous republic (respublika), and 1 city (shahar); Legal system is an evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks
independent judicial system
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term; previously was a five-year term,
extended by constitutional amendment in 2002); election last held 23 December 2007 (next to be held in 2014); prime minister,
ministers, and deputy ministers appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral Supreme Assembly or Oliy Majlis consists of an Upper House or Senate (100 seats; 84 members
are elected by regional governing councils to serve five-year terms and 16 are appointed by the president) and a Lower
House or Legislative Chamber (120 seats; elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: 27 December 2009 and 10 January 2010 (next to be held in December 2014)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Supreme Assembly)
| LANGUAGES |
Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Territory of Uzbekistan was populated in the II millennium BC. There are findings of early human’s tools and monuments in
Ferghana, Tashkent, Bukhara, Khorezm (Khwarezm, Chorasmia), Samarkand regions. The first civilizations to appear in
Uzbekistan were Sogdiana, Bactria and Khwarezm (Chorasmia). Territories of this states became a part of Achaemenid
empire in the 6th century. Alexander the Great conquered Sogdiana and Bactria in 327 BC, marrying Roxane, daughter of a
local Sogdian chieftain. However, as the story tells, the conquest was of little help to Alexander as popular resistance was
fierce; causing Alexander's army to be bogged down in the region. The territory of Uzbekistan was referred to as
Transoxiana until the 8th century. The area was conquered by Muslim Arabs in the 8th century AD. A century later, the
Persian Samanid dynasty established an empire. The Samanids encouraged Persian culture in the area. Later, the Samanid
empire was overthrown by the Kara-Khanid Khanate. Uzbekistan and rest Central Asia was invaded by Jenghis Khan and
his Mongol tribes in 1220. In the 1300s, Timur (1336 - 1405), known in the west as Tamerlane, overpowered the Mongols
and built his own empire. In his military campaigns Tamerlane reached as far as the Middle East. He defeated Ottoman
Emperor Bayezid I and rescued Europe from Turkish conquest. Tamerlane sought to build a capital of his empire in
Samarkand. From each campaign he would send artisans to the city, sparing their lives. Samarkand became home for many
people; there used to be Greek and Chinese, Egyptian and Persian, Syrian and Armenian neighborhoods. Uzbekistan's most
noted tourist sights date from the Timurid dynasty. Later, separate Muslim city-states emerged with strong ties to Persia. In
1865, Russia occupied Tashkent and by the end of the 19th century, Russia had conquered all of Central Asia. In 1876, the
Russians dissolved the Khanate of Kokand, while allowing the Khanate of Khiva and the Emirate of Bukhara to remain as
direct protectorates. Russia placed the rest of Central Asia under colonial administration, and invested in the development of
Central Asia's infrastructure, promoting cotton growing, and encouraging settlement by Russian colonists. Though stiff
resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed, resistance groups called basmachi operated in the
region reaching as far as the Pamir mountains until the 1930s. In 1924, following the establishment of Soviet rule, the Uzbek
Soviet Socialist Republic was created from ethnic Uzbek areas of Central Asia, including most of the territories of the
Emirate of Bukhara and Khanate of Khiva as well as portions of the Fergana Valley that had constituted the Khanate of
Kokand. During the Soviet era, Moscow used Uzbekistan for its tremendous cotton-growing ("white gold"), grain, and
natural resource potential. The extensive and inefficient irrigation used to support the former has been the main cause of
shrinkage of the Aral Sea to less than one-third of its original volume, making this one of the world's worst environmental
disasters. The overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, have left large parts of the land poisoned. On
August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan reluctantly declared independence, marking September 1 as a national holiday. While the
Baltic States led the fight for independence, Central Asian states were afraid of it. "The centrifugal forces pulling the Union
apart were weakest in Central Asia. Well after the August 1991 coup attempt, all Central Asian countries believed that the
Union might somehow be preserved," wrote Michael McFaul in Russia's Unfinished Revolution. Islam Karimov, former First
Secretary of the Communist Party, was elected president in December 1991 with 88% of the vote; however, the elections
were viewed as not free and fair by international observers. After independence Karimov encouraged anti-Russian
nationalist sentiment, and 80% of ethnic Russians - more than 2 million people - fled Uzbekistan. Activities of missionaries
from some Islamic countries coupled with absence of real opportunities to participate in public affairs contributed to
popularization of radical interpretation of Islam. In February 1999, car bombs hit Tashkent and President Karimov nearly
escaped an attempt. The government blamed the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in the attacks. In result of law-
enforcement operations, dozens of hundreds of people suspected in complicity were imprisoned. In August 2000, the
militant groups tried to penetrate to the Uzbek territory from the Kyrgyz soil; acts of armed violence were noted in the
southern part of the country as well. In March 2004, another wave of attacks committed reportedly by international terrorist
network shook the country. An explosion in the central part of Bukhara killed ten people in a house used by alleged
terrorists on March 28, 2004. Later that day policemen faced an attack at a factory, then at a traffic check point early the
following morning. The violence escalated on March 29, when two women separately set off bombs near the main bazaar in
Tashkent, killing two people and injuring around twenty, the first suicide bombers in this county. On the same day, three
police officers were shot dead; and in Bukhara another explosion at a suspected terrorist bomb factory claimed ten fatalities.
Police raided a militant's hideout south of the capital city in retaliation the following day. President Karimov claimed the
attacks were probably the work of a banned radical group Hizb ut-Tahrir ("The Party of Liberation"), although the group
denied responsibility. Other possibly responsible groups include militant groups operating from camps in Tajikistan and
Afghanistan and opposed to the government's support of the United States since September 9, 2001. In 2004 British
ambassador Craig Murray was removed from his post after speaking out against the regime's human rights abuses. On July
30, 2004 terrorists bombed the embassies of Israel and the United States in Tashkent, killing 3 people and wounding several
in the process. The Jihad Group in Uzbekistan posted a claim of responsibility for those attacks on a website linked to Al-
Qaeda. Terrorism experts say the reasons for the attacks is Uzbekistan's support of the United States and its War on terror.
In May 2005, several hundred demonstrators were killed after Uzbek troops fired into a crowd protesting against the
imprisonment of 23 local businessmen. (For further details, see May 2005 unrest in Uzbekistan.) In July 2005, the Uzbek
government gave the US 180 days' notice to leave the airbase it leases in Uzbekistan. A Russian airbase and a German
airbase remain.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Uzbekistan
Ferghana, Tashkent, Bukhara, Khorezm (Khwarezm, Chorasmia), Samarkand regions. The first civilizations to appear in
Uzbekistan were Sogdiana, Bactria and Khwarezm (Chorasmia). Territories of this states became a part of Achaemenid
empire in the 6th century. Alexander the Great conquered Sogdiana and Bactria in 327 BC, marrying Roxane, daughter of a
local Sogdian chieftain. However, as the story tells, the conquest was of little help to Alexander as popular resistance was
fierce; causing Alexander's army to be bogged down in the region. The territory of Uzbekistan was referred to as
Transoxiana until the 8th century. The area was conquered by Muslim Arabs in the 8th century AD. A century later, the
Persian Samanid dynasty established an empire. The Samanids encouraged Persian culture in the area. Later, the Samanid
empire was overthrown by the Kara-Khanid Khanate. Uzbekistan and rest Central Asia was invaded by Jenghis Khan and
his Mongol tribes in 1220. In the 1300s, Timur (1336 - 1405), known in the west as Tamerlane, overpowered the Mongols
and built his own empire. In his military campaigns Tamerlane reached as far as the Middle East. He defeated Ottoman
Emperor Bayezid I and rescued Europe from Turkish conquest. Tamerlane sought to build a capital of his empire in
Samarkand. From each campaign he would send artisans to the city, sparing their lives. Samarkand became home for many
people; there used to be Greek and Chinese, Egyptian and Persian, Syrian and Armenian neighborhoods. Uzbekistan's most
noted tourist sights date from the Timurid dynasty. Later, separate Muslim city-states emerged with strong ties to Persia. In
1865, Russia occupied Tashkent and by the end of the 19th century, Russia had conquered all of Central Asia. In 1876, the
Russians dissolved the Khanate of Kokand, while allowing the Khanate of Khiva and the Emirate of Bukhara to remain as
direct protectorates. Russia placed the rest of Central Asia under colonial administration, and invested in the development of
Central Asia's infrastructure, promoting cotton growing, and encouraging settlement by Russian colonists. Though stiff
resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed, resistance groups called basmachi operated in the
region reaching as far as the Pamir mountains until the 1930s. In 1924, following the establishment of Soviet rule, the Uzbek
Soviet Socialist Republic was created from ethnic Uzbek areas of Central Asia, including most of the territories of the
Emirate of Bukhara and Khanate of Khiva as well as portions of the Fergana Valley that had constituted the Khanate of
Kokand. During the Soviet era, Moscow used Uzbekistan for its tremendous cotton-growing ("white gold"), grain, and
natural resource potential. The extensive and inefficient irrigation used to support the former has been the main cause of
shrinkage of the Aral Sea to less than one-third of its original volume, making this one of the world's worst environmental
disasters. The overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, have left large parts of the land poisoned. On
August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan reluctantly declared independence, marking September 1 as a national holiday. While the
Baltic States led the fight for independence, Central Asian states were afraid of it. "The centrifugal forces pulling the Union
apart were weakest in Central Asia. Well after the August 1991 coup attempt, all Central Asian countries believed that the
Union might somehow be preserved," wrote Michael McFaul in Russia's Unfinished Revolution. Islam Karimov, former First
Secretary of the Communist Party, was elected president in December 1991 with 88% of the vote; however, the elections
were viewed as not free and fair by international observers. After independence Karimov encouraged anti-Russian
nationalist sentiment, and 80% of ethnic Russians - more than 2 million people - fled Uzbekistan. Activities of missionaries
from some Islamic countries coupled with absence of real opportunities to participate in public affairs contributed to
popularization of radical interpretation of Islam. In February 1999, car bombs hit Tashkent and President Karimov nearly
escaped an attempt. The government blamed the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) in the attacks. In result of law-
enforcement operations, dozens of hundreds of people suspected in complicity were imprisoned. In August 2000, the
militant groups tried to penetrate to the Uzbek territory from the Kyrgyz soil; acts of armed violence were noted in the
southern part of the country as well. In March 2004, another wave of attacks committed reportedly by international terrorist
network shook the country. An explosion in the central part of Bukhara killed ten people in a house used by alleged
terrorists on March 28, 2004. Later that day policemen faced an attack at a factory, then at a traffic check point early the
following morning. The violence escalated on March 29, when two women separately set off bombs near the main bazaar in
Tashkent, killing two people and injuring around twenty, the first suicide bombers in this county. On the same day, three
police officers were shot dead; and in Bukhara another explosion at a suspected terrorist bomb factory claimed ten fatalities.
Police raided a militant's hideout south of the capital city in retaliation the following day. President Karimov claimed the
attacks were probably the work of a banned radical group Hizb ut-Tahrir ("The Party of Liberation"), although the group
denied responsibility. Other possibly responsible groups include militant groups operating from camps in Tajikistan and
Afghanistan and opposed to the government's support of the United States since September 9, 2001. In 2004 British
ambassador Craig Murray was removed from his post after speaking out against the regime's human rights abuses. On July
30, 2004 terrorists bombed the embassies of Israel and the United States in Tashkent, killing 3 people and wounding several
in the process. The Jihad Group in Uzbekistan posted a claim of responsibility for those attacks on a website linked to Al-
Qaeda. Terrorism experts say the reasons for the attacks is Uzbekistan's support of the United States and its War on terror.
In May 2005, several hundred demonstrators were killed after Uzbek troops fired into a crowd protesting against the
imprisonment of 23 local businessmen. (For further details, see May 2005 unrest in Uzbekistan.) In July 2005, the Uzbek
government gave the US 180 days' notice to leave the airbase it leases in Uzbekistan. A Russian airbase and a German
airbase remain.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Uzbekistan
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country; 11% of the land is intensely cultivated, in irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of
the population lives in densely populated rural communities. Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum,
provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan
is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it has come under increasing international
criticism for the use of child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Following independence in September 1991, the government
sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While
aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not
decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower
ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the IMF, providing
for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of
convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays
or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and
oil industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. In
November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which
included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in
Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps to rejoin the Collective Security
Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in 2008, both
organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in
Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets, but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09.
Instead, the Uzbek Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international corporations, offering attractive
financing and tax advantages, and has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry. Although growth slowed
in 2009, Uzbekistan has seen few other effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its relative isolation
from the global financial markets.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Uzbekistan)
the population lives in densely populated rural communities. Export of hydrocarbons, including natural gas and petroleum,
provided about 40% of foreign exchange earnings in 2009. Other major export earners include gold and cotton. Uzbekistan
is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it has come under increasing international
criticism for the use of child labor in its annual cotton harvest. Following independence in September 1991, the government
sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While
aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not
decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower
ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted Article VIII obligations under the IMF, providing
for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of
convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays
or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and
oil industry, as well as increased cooperation with South Korea in the realm of civil aviation, may boost growth prospects. In
November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance," which
included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in
Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In 2006, Uzbekistan took steps to rejoin the Collective Security
Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurASEC), which it subsequently left in 2008, both
organizations dominated by Russia. In the past Uzbek authorities had accused US and other foreign companies operating in
Uzbekistan of violating Uzbek tax laws and have frozen their assets, but no new expropriations occurred in 2008-09.
Instead, the Uzbek Government has actively courted several major U.S. and international corporations, offering attractive
financing and tax advantages, and has landed a significant US investment in the automotive industry. Although growth slowed
in 2009, Uzbekistan has seen few other effects from the global economic downturn, primarily due to its relative isolation
from the global financial markets.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Uzbekistan)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The politics of Uzbekistan take place in a framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of Uzbekistan is both
head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both
the government and the two chambers of parliament, Legislative Chamber and Senate. Positions in Uzbekistan's government
are largely dependent on clan membership and politics, rather than on party membership.
The government severely represses those it suspects of Islamic extremism. Some 6,000 suspected members of
Hizb_ut-Tahrir are incarcerated among others, and some are believed to have died over the past several years from prison
disease, torture, and abuse. With few options for religious instruction, some young Muslims have turned to underground
Islamic movements. The police force and the intelligence service use torture as a routine investigation technique. The
government has begun to bring to trial some officers accused of torture. Four police officers and three intelligence service
officers have been convicted. The government has granted amnesty to approximately 2000 political and nonpolitical
prisoners over the past 2 years, but this is believed to be insignificant. In 2002 and the beginning of 2003 the government has
arrested fewer suspected Islamic fundamentalists than in the past. However in May 2005, hundreds were killed by police in
demonstrations in the city of Andijan.
Sources: Wikipedia: Government of Uzbekistan
head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both
the government and the two chambers of parliament, Legislative Chamber and Senate. Positions in Uzbekistan's government
are largely dependent on clan membership and politics, rather than on party membership.
The government severely represses those it suspects of Islamic extremism. Some 6,000 suspected members of
Hizb_ut-Tahrir are incarcerated among others, and some are believed to have died over the past several years from prison
disease, torture, and abuse. With few options for religious instruction, some young Muslims have turned to underground
Islamic movements. The police force and the intelligence service use torture as a routine investigation technique. The
government has begun to bring to trial some officers accused of torture. Four police officers and three intelligence service
officers have been convicted. The government has granted amnesty to approximately 2000 political and nonpolitical
prisoners over the past 2 years, but this is believed to be insignificant. In 2002 and the beginning of 2003 the government has
arrested fewer suspected Islamic fundamentalists than in the past. However in May 2005, hundreds were killed by police in
demonstrations in the city of Andijan.
Sources: Wikipedia: Government of Uzbekistan
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Prolonged drought and cotton monoculture in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan creates water-sharing difficulties for Amu Darya
river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of
border with Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas
river states; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; border delimitation of 130 km of
border with Kyrgyzstan is hampered by serious disputes around enclaves and other areas
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 39,202 (Tajikistan) 1,060 (Afghanistan)
IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages near Tajikistan border) (2007)
IDPs: 3,400 (forced population transfers by government from villages near Tajikistan border) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transit country for Afghan narcotics bound for Russian and, to a lesser extent, Western European markets; limited illicit
cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by
government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan
cultivation of cannabis and small amounts of opium poppy for domestic consumption; poppy cultivation almost wiped out by
government crop eradication program; transit point for heroin precursor chemicals bound for Afghanistan
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Uzbekistan
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Uzbekistan is an authoritarian state with a population of approximately 27.6 million. The constitution provides for a presidential
system with separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In practice President Islam Karimov and
the centralized executive branch dominated political life and exercised nearly complete control over the other branches. Of the 150
members of the lower house of parliament, 135 are elected, and 84 of the 100 senators are chosen in limited elections open only to
elected members of local councils. The president appoints the remainder. In December 2007, the country elected President
Karimov to a third term in office; however, according to the limited observer mission from the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the government deprived voters of a genuine choice. Parliamentary elections took place on
December 27. While noticeable procedural improvements were observed, the elections were not considered free and fair due to
government restrictions on eligible candidates and government control of media and campaign financing. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government continued to commit serious abuses and authorities restricted political and civil liberties. Human rights problems
included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Uzbekistan is an authoritarian state with a population of approximately 27.6 million. The constitution provides for a presidential
system with separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In practice President Islam Karimov and
the centralized executive branch dominated political life and exercised nearly complete control over the other branches. Of the 150
members of the lower house of parliament, 135 are elected, and 84 of the 100 senators are chosen in limited elections open only to
elected members of local councils. The president appoints the remainder. In December 2007, the country elected President
Karimov to a third term in office; however, according to the limited observer mission from the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the government deprived voters of a genuine choice. Parliamentary elections took place on
December 27. While noticeable procedural improvements were observed, the elections were not considered free and fair due to
government restrictions on eligible candidates and government control of media and campaign financing. Civilian authorities
generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government continued to commit serious abuses and authorities restricted political and civil liberties. Human rights problems
included:
- citizens' inability to change their government;
- tightly controlled electoral processes with limited opportunities for choice;
- instances of torture and mistreatment of detainees by security forces;
- incommunicado and prolonged detention;
- arbitrary arrest and detention;
- denial of due process and fair trial; poor prison conditions;
- restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association;
- governmental control of civil society activity;
- restrictions on religious freedom, including harassment and imprisonment of religious minority group members;
- restrictions on freedom of movement for some citizens;
- violence against women;
- government-compelled forced labor in cotton harvesting.
- Human rights activists and journalists who criticized the government were subject to physical attack, harassment, arbitrary
arrest, politically motivated prosecution, and forced psychiatric treatment.
5 February 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January-5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Uzbekistan
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its fourth periodic report, which follows the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of reports and includes references to the previous concluding observations and the Committee’s
general recommendations. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the written replies
to the list of issues and questions raised by the Committee’s pre-session working group and the further clarifications to the
questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the adoption of a national plan of action to implement the recommendations made by the Committee in
its previous concluding observations, as well as the information provided by the delegation of the State party that a new plan would
be adopted to comply with the present concluding observations.
5. The Committee commends the State party for the adoption, in April 2008, of the law on combating human trafficking, the
establishment of the national interdepartmental commission on the prevention of human trafficking, with territorial interdepartmental
commissions in all tumans (districts) of Uzbekistan, and the adoption of a national action plan for 2008-2010 to improve the
effectiveness of efforts to combat human trafficking.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and views the concerns and recommendations
identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention of the State party between now and the
submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on those areas in its
implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. The Committee calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the Oliy Majlis and to the judiciary, so as to
ensure their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January-5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Uzbekistan
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its fourth periodic report, which follows the Committee’s
guidelines for the preparation of reports and includes references to the previous concluding observations and the Committee’s
general recommendations. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the written replies
to the list of issues and questions raised by the Committee’s pre-session working group and the further clarifications to the
questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the adoption of a national plan of action to implement the recommendations made by the Committee in
its previous concluding observations, as well as the information provided by the delegation of the State party that a new plan would
be adopted to comply with the present concluding observations.
5. The Committee commends the State party for the adoption, in April 2008, of the law on combating human trafficking, the
establishment of the national interdepartmental commission on the prevention of human trafficking, with territorial interdepartmental
commissions in all tumans (districts) of Uzbekistan, and the adoption of a national action plan for 2008-2010 to improve the
effectiveness of efforts to combat human trafficking.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and views the concerns and recommendations
identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention of the State party between now and the
submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on those areas in its
implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. The Committee calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the Oliy Majlis and to the judiciary, so as to
ensure their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 7
Status: Not Free
Overview
Uzbekistan continued to rebuild relations with the United States and the European Union in 2009 amid growing cooperation on
logistical support for NATO operations in Afghanistan. At the same time, the government of President Islam Karimov maintained
repressive state controls at home, denying citizens their basic human rights.
Karimov’s seven-year term ended in January 2007, and the constitution barred him from running for reelection. Nevertheless, he
won a new term in December 2007 with an official 88 percent of the vote.
Uzbekistan began repairing relations with the EU and United States in 2007, eventually agreeing to the overland transportation of
nonmilitary supplies to support NATO operations in Afghanistan. In 2009, the EU lifted the last of the sanctions it had imposed
after Andijon. Ties with Russia were mixed during the year, with significant Russian involvement in Uzbekistan’s energy sector and
strenuous Uzbek objections to Russian plans for a new military base in neighboring Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan is not an electoral democracy. President Islam Karimov uses the dominant executive branch to repress all political
opposition. His December 2007 reelection appeared to flout constitutional rules on term limits. A dubious referendum in 2002
replaced the country’s single-chamber legislature with a bicameral parliament consisting of a 120-seat lower house (with members
elected by popular vote for five-year terms) and a 100-member upper house, or Senate (with 84 members elected by regional
councils and 16 appointed by the president).
Only four political parties, all progovernment, are currently registered, and no genuine opposition parties function legally. A 2007
law intended to expand the role of registered parties had no real effect on the moribund political arena. Unregistered opposition
groups like Birlik and Erk function primarily in exile. Exiled opposition activist Bahodir Choriyev returned to Uzbekistan in 2009, but
the authorities limited his movements and harassed activists who tried to meet with him. December 2009 parliamentary elections
offered voters no meaningful choice, although the four progovernment parties indulged in mild criticism of each other.
Corruption is pervasive. Uzbekistan was ranked 174 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption
Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 7
Status: Not Free
Overview
Uzbekistan continued to rebuild relations with the United States and the European Union in 2009 amid growing cooperation on
logistical support for NATO operations in Afghanistan. At the same time, the government of President Islam Karimov maintained
repressive state controls at home, denying citizens their basic human rights.
Karimov’s seven-year term ended in January 2007, and the constitution barred him from running for reelection. Nevertheless, he
won a new term in December 2007 with an official 88 percent of the vote.
Uzbekistan began repairing relations with the EU and United States in 2007, eventually agreeing to the overland transportation of
nonmilitary supplies to support NATO operations in Afghanistan. In 2009, the EU lifted the last of the sanctions it had imposed
after Andijon. Ties with Russia were mixed during the year, with significant Russian involvement in Uzbekistan’s energy sector and
strenuous Uzbek objections to Russian plans for a new military base in neighboring Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbekistan is not an electoral democracy. President Islam Karimov uses the dominant executive branch to repress all political
opposition. His December 2007 reelection appeared to flout constitutional rules on term limits. A dubious referendum in 2002
replaced the country’s single-chamber legislature with a bicameral parliament consisting of a 120-seat lower house (with members
elected by popular vote for five-year terms) and a 100-member upper house, or Senate (with 84 members elected by regional
councils and 16 appointed by the president).
Only four political parties, all progovernment, are currently registered, and no genuine opposition parties function legally. A 2007
law intended to expand the role of registered parties had no real effect on the moribund political arena. Unregistered opposition
groups like Birlik and Erk function primarily in exile. Exiled opposition activist Bahodir Choriyev returned to Uzbekistan in 2009, but
the authorities limited his movements and harassed activists who tried to meet with him. December 2009 parliamentary elections
offered voters no meaningful choice, although the four progovernment parties indulged in mild criticism of each other.
Corruption is pervasive. Uzbekistan was ranked 174 out of 180 countries surveyed in Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption
Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more »
6 July 2010
Uzbekistani asylum-seekers at risk of extradition from Ukraine and Kazakhstan
Amnesty International is concerned that Ukraine and Kazakhstan may be stepping up their efforts to forcibly return asylum-seekers
to Uzbekistan. This despite a ruling on 10 June 2010 by the European Court of Human Rights that “any criminal suspect held in
custody [in Uzbekistan] faces a serious risk of being subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment”. The organization
calls on the authorities of both countries not to forcibly return asylum-seekers to Uzbekistan where they face a real risk of torture
and other serious human rights violations, and to release them immediately.
Amnesty International has received information that 30 Uzbekistani refugees and asylum-seekers are currently in detention in
Kazakhstan awaiting extradition. Three asylum-seekers, originally from Uzbekistan, are in detention in Ukraine and under threat of
extradition to Uzbekistan.
All the asylum-seekers and refugees are observant Muslims who have worshipped outside state-approved mosques in Uzbekistan.
Amnesty International has repeatedly documented violations of the right to freedom of religion in Uzbekistan. Those most affected
were members of unregistered groups such as Christian Evangelical congregations, and Muslims worshipping in mosques outside
state control. The Uzbekistani authorities continue to actively seek the extradition from neighbouring countries, in the name of
national security and the fight against terrorism, of suspected members of Islamic movements or Islamist parties banned in
Uzbekistan. Most of those forcibly returned to Uzbekistan are held in incommunicado detention, thereby increasing their risk of
being tortured or otherwise ill-treated.
Both Kazakhstan and Ukraine are state parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman and Degrading Treatment, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and as such are obliged not to
return anyone to a country or territory where they would be at risk of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment and other serious human rights violations.
Amnesty International is further concerned that 11 of the asylum-seekers detained in Kazakhstan have not been permitted to
complete their appeals against the decision not to grant them refugee status. The three asylum-seekers in Ukraine have appealed
against the decision not to grant them refugee status in Ukraine, but face the risk of extradition before the appeal is heard. As
parties to the Refugee Convention both Kazakhstan and Ukraine are obliged to allow asylum-seekers to remain on their territory until
a decision is reached as to his or her refugee status.
Click here to read more »
Uzbekistani asylum-seekers at risk of extradition from Ukraine and Kazakhstan
Amnesty International is concerned that Ukraine and Kazakhstan may be stepping up their efforts to forcibly return asylum-seekers
to Uzbekistan. This despite a ruling on 10 June 2010 by the European Court of Human Rights that “any criminal suspect held in
custody [in Uzbekistan] faces a serious risk of being subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment”. The organization
calls on the authorities of both countries not to forcibly return asylum-seekers to Uzbekistan where they face a real risk of torture
and other serious human rights violations, and to release them immediately.
Amnesty International has received information that 30 Uzbekistani refugees and asylum-seekers are currently in detention in
Kazakhstan awaiting extradition. Three asylum-seekers, originally from Uzbekistan, are in detention in Ukraine and under threat of
extradition to Uzbekistan.
All the asylum-seekers and refugees are observant Muslims who have worshipped outside state-approved mosques in Uzbekistan.
Amnesty International has repeatedly documented violations of the right to freedom of religion in Uzbekistan. Those most affected
were members of unregistered groups such as Christian Evangelical congregations, and Muslims worshipping in mosques outside
state control. The Uzbekistani authorities continue to actively seek the extradition from neighbouring countries, in the name of
national security and the fight against terrorism, of suspected members of Islamic movements or Islamist parties banned in
Uzbekistan. Most of those forcibly returned to Uzbekistan are held in incommunicado detention, thereby increasing their risk of
being tortured or otherwise ill-treated.
Both Kazakhstan and Ukraine are state parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman and Degrading Treatment, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and as such are obliged not to
return anyone to a country or territory where they would be at risk of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment and other serious human rights violations.
Amnesty International is further concerned that 11 of the asylum-seekers detained in Kazakhstan have not been permitted to
complete their appeals against the decision not to grant them refugee status. The three asylum-seekers in Ukraine have appealed
against the decision not to grant them refugee status in Ukraine, but face the risk of extradition before the appeal is heard. As
parties to the Refugee Convention both Kazakhstan and Ukraine are obliged to allow asylum-seekers to remain on their territory until
a decision is reached as to his or her refugee status.
Click here to read more »
Uzbekistan's Imprisoned Human Rights Defenders
May 3, 2010
The Uzbek government currently holds in prison at least fourteen human rights defenders for no reason other than their legitimate
human rights work. They are: Solijon Abdurakhmanov, Azam Formonov, Nosim Isakov, Gaibullo Jalilov, Alisher Karamatov,
Jamshid Karimov, Norboi Kholjigitov, Rasul Khudainasarov, Ganihon Mamatkhanov, Farkhat Mukhtarov, Habibulla Okpulatov,
Yuldash Rasulov, Dilmurod Saidov, and Akzam Turgunov.
Many other civil society activists, including independent journalists and political dissidents, are likewise serving sentences on
politically motivated charges, such as Yusuf Jumaev, a poet and political dissident sentenced to five years in a penal colony after
calling for President Islam Karimov's resignation in the run-up to the December 2007 presidential elections. According to his family,
Jumaev continues to suffer ill-treatment in prison, including regular beatings by prison guards, and is in very poor health.
Some of the activists featured here worked to shed light on the May 2005 massacre in Andijan, others worked to protect farmers'
rights, document torture, and expose corruption and religious persecution. They are all in prison as a result of daring to take on
such work.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Uzbek government to immediately and unconditionally release all wrongfully imprisoned activists
and urges Uzbekistan's partners to make their freedom a top priority in their dialogues with the Uzbek government.
Solijon Abdurakhmanov
Abdurakhmanov (b. 1950) is a Karakalpakstan-based independent and outspoken journalist who has written on sensitive issues such
as social and economic justice, human rights, corruption, and the legal status of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan. He worked closely
with UzNews.net, an independent online news agency, and also freelanced for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America,
and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. He also is a member of the human rights group "Committee for the Protection of
Personal Rights."
Traffic police arrested Abdurakhmanov on June 7, 2008, when they stopped his car, allegedly to check his identity, and claimed
they found drugs on the underside of his car. Abdurakhmanov denies knowing about or having anything to do with the drugs and
his brother, Bakhrom, a lawyer who also represented him, and fellow human rights defenders believe that the police planted the
drugs. During the pre-trial investigation, the authorities primarily questioned Abdurakhmanov about his journalistic activities.
Click here to read more »
May 3, 2010
The Uzbek government currently holds in prison at least fourteen human rights defenders for no reason other than their legitimate
human rights work. They are: Solijon Abdurakhmanov, Azam Formonov, Nosim Isakov, Gaibullo Jalilov, Alisher Karamatov,
Jamshid Karimov, Norboi Kholjigitov, Rasul Khudainasarov, Ganihon Mamatkhanov, Farkhat Mukhtarov, Habibulla Okpulatov,
Yuldash Rasulov, Dilmurod Saidov, and Akzam Turgunov.
Many other civil society activists, including independent journalists and political dissidents, are likewise serving sentences on
politically motivated charges, such as Yusuf Jumaev, a poet and political dissident sentenced to five years in a penal colony after
calling for President Islam Karimov's resignation in the run-up to the December 2007 presidential elections. According to his family,
Jumaev continues to suffer ill-treatment in prison, including regular beatings by prison guards, and is in very poor health.
Some of the activists featured here worked to shed light on the May 2005 massacre in Andijan, others worked to protect farmers'
rights, document torture, and expose corruption and religious persecution. They are all in prison as a result of daring to take on
such work.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Uzbek government to immediately and unconditionally release all wrongfully imprisoned activists
and urges Uzbekistan's partners to make their freedom a top priority in their dialogues with the Uzbek government.
Solijon Abdurakhmanov
Abdurakhmanov (b. 1950) is a Karakalpakstan-based independent and outspoken journalist who has written on sensitive issues such
as social and economic justice, human rights, corruption, and the legal status of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan. He worked closely
with UzNews.net, an independent online news agency, and also freelanced for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America,
and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. He also is a member of the human rights group "Committee for the Protection of
Personal Rights."
Traffic police arrested Abdurakhmanov on June 7, 2008, when they stopped his car, allegedly to check his identity, and claimed
they found drugs on the underside of his car. Abdurakhmanov denies knowing about or having anything to do with the drugs and
his brother, Bakhrom, a lawyer who also represented him, and fellow human rights defenders believe that the police planted the
drugs. During the pre-trial investigation, the authorities primarily questioned Abdurakhmanov about his journalistic activities.
Click here to read more »
President of Uzbekistan holds telephone conversation with UN Secretary General
17.06.2010 12:55
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov held a telephone conversation with United Nations Organization Secretary General Ban
Ki-Moon on 16 June.
During the talk, the leader of Uzbekistan informed the UN head about the concrete data, figures and facts, which give evidence
about the unpunished killings, violence, pogroms and arson by organized gangs of bandits towards peaceful citizens, mainly Uzbek
population, in the recent days in the south of the Kyrgyz Republic, in Osh city and Jalalabad region.
The number of victims is estimated at hundreds, while the number of wounded counts thousands of civilians of Uzbek nationality.
Upon the call from the peaceful population and the head of the interim government of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbayeva, the border of
Uzbekistan was opened to accept the refugees, mainly women, children and the elderly, whose number today exceeds
70,000-80,000. This, in turn, required adoption of special measures to provide them, in the first place, with medical aid and all the
necessary items.
The refugees have been and are being provided with all required conditions: the ill and the pregnant women are placed in hospitals,
preventive medical aid is offered to everyone who requires it, living conditions have been created, together with three-time meals
per day. The situation is complicated mainly by the large flow of refugees and their physical and stress condition.
President of Uzbekistan once again emphasized that the assistance, which so far has been offered by UN structures and individual
states, should be speeded up, considering the situation the suffering people are in.
The head of the state voiced the need to reduce the quantity of intermediaries during the supply of humanitarian aid and the
importance of its delivery directly to the places of location of those who suffered the violence.
Islam Karimov expressed interest in establishing the strictest control over this process.
In his turn, the UN Secretary General thanked the leader of Uzbekistan for the information on the situation in south Kyrgyzstan and
refugee camps, as well as for the openness and access of the UN, its structures and the media to these camps. He also said the
measures were being taken to stabilize the situation in the humanitarian disaster zone.
Click here to read more »
17.06.2010 12:55
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov held a telephone conversation with United Nations Organization Secretary General Ban
Ki-Moon on 16 June.
During the talk, the leader of Uzbekistan informed the UN head about the concrete data, figures and facts, which give evidence
about the unpunished killings, violence, pogroms and arson by organized gangs of bandits towards peaceful citizens, mainly Uzbek
population, in the recent days in the south of the Kyrgyz Republic, in Osh city and Jalalabad region.
The number of victims is estimated at hundreds, while the number of wounded counts thousands of civilians of Uzbek nationality.
Upon the call from the peaceful population and the head of the interim government of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbayeva, the border of
Uzbekistan was opened to accept the refugees, mainly women, children and the elderly, whose number today exceeds
70,000-80,000. This, in turn, required adoption of special measures to provide them, in the first place, with medical aid and all the
necessary items.
The refugees have been and are being provided with all required conditions: the ill and the pregnant women are placed in hospitals,
preventive medical aid is offered to everyone who requires it, living conditions have been created, together with three-time meals
per day. The situation is complicated mainly by the large flow of refugees and their physical and stress condition.
President of Uzbekistan once again emphasized that the assistance, which so far has been offered by UN structures and individual
states, should be speeded up, considering the situation the suffering people are in.
The head of the state voiced the need to reduce the quantity of intermediaries during the supply of humanitarian aid and the
importance of its delivery directly to the places of location of those who suffered the violence.
Islam Karimov expressed interest in establishing the strictest control over this process.
In his turn, the UN Secretary General thanked the leader of Uzbekistan for the information on the situation in south Kyrgyzstan and
refugee camps, as well as for the openness and access of the UN, its structures and the media to these camps. He also said the
measures were being taken to stabilize the situation in the humanitarian disaster zone.
Click here to read more »
Uzbekistan: The convicted journalist Sayid addressed UN Secretary General and human rights defenders
13.07.2010 09:34 msk
The independent Uzbek journalist and human rights activist Dilmurod Sayid, sentenced in July of 2009 for 12.5 years of prison,
addressed the open letter to UN Secretary General and international human rights organizations.
Sayid says that he is sick with tuberculosis and he was placed to 36th special medical treatment facility on March 27, 2010.
Dilmurod weights only 56 kilogram while his height is 176 centimeters.
It has to be mentioned that Sayid was sentenced under two articles of Uzbek Criminal Code: “blackmailing” and “preparation of
faked documents, seals, letterheads and their sale or use”. The journalist denies his fault. Major witnesses in Sayid’s case withheld
the evidences while others said they had testified under the pressure of special services. However, this did not prevent the
announcement of such a strict verdict to the person, defending human rights. Sayid’s relatives indicate that in private talks the
investigators made it clear that case had been ordered “by supreme authorities” and Sayid’s verdict would result in the
imprisonment in any case.
Prior to arrest, Dilmurod Sayid was investigating the violations of human rights. He was active member of Tashkent oblast office
of Ezgulik human rights organization. In 2007-2008 he was the member of rapid response team for preventing tortures in
Uzbekistan as well as cooperated with Voice of Freedom human rights website.
In November of 2009 his wife and 5-year old daughter were killed in the car accident when they were going to meet him in the
Navoi penal colony.
“I am absolutely positive that I became the victim of the plot – Sayid notes. – Unfortunately, ignoring the laws, investigators and
judicial authorities protected the interests of people, close to bribery, oppression, unfairness and anarchy!”
“I am innocent prisoner. I am not afraid to die. I am expecting the death”, the journalist writes.
He also indicated that he has doubts concerning the assigned medical treatment. The 8-month therapy regimen, assigned in
December of 2009, was cancelled after three months. In March of 2010 Dilmurod was relocated to Navoi and forced to sign
voluntary agreement for “DOTS+” cure. “It was impossible to say no”, Sayid says.
Click here to read more »
13.07.2010 09:34 msk
The independent Uzbek journalist and human rights activist Dilmurod Sayid, sentenced in July of 2009 for 12.5 years of prison,
addressed the open letter to UN Secretary General and international human rights organizations.
Sayid says that he is sick with tuberculosis and he was placed to 36th special medical treatment facility on March 27, 2010.
Dilmurod weights only 56 kilogram while his height is 176 centimeters.
It has to be mentioned that Sayid was sentenced under two articles of Uzbek Criminal Code: “blackmailing” and “preparation of
faked documents, seals, letterheads and their sale or use”. The journalist denies his fault. Major witnesses in Sayid’s case withheld
the evidences while others said they had testified under the pressure of special services. However, this did not prevent the
announcement of such a strict verdict to the person, defending human rights. Sayid’s relatives indicate that in private talks the
investigators made it clear that case had been ordered “by supreme authorities” and Sayid’s verdict would result in the
imprisonment in any case.
Prior to arrest, Dilmurod Sayid was investigating the violations of human rights. He was active member of Tashkent oblast office
of Ezgulik human rights organization. In 2007-2008 he was the member of rapid response team for preventing tortures in
Uzbekistan as well as cooperated with Voice of Freedom human rights website.
In November of 2009 his wife and 5-year old daughter were killed in the car accident when they were going to meet him in the
Navoi penal colony.
“I am absolutely positive that I became the victim of the plot – Sayid notes. – Unfortunately, ignoring the laws, investigators and
judicial authorities protected the interests of people, close to bribery, oppression, unfairness and anarchy!”
“I am innocent prisoner. I am not afraid to die. I am expecting the death”, the journalist writes.
He also indicated that he has doubts concerning the assigned medical treatment. The 8-month therapy regimen, assigned in
December of 2009, was cancelled after three months. In March of 2010 Dilmurod was relocated to Navoi and forced to sign
voluntary agreement for “DOTS+” cure. “It was impossible to say no”, Sayid says.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM RUSSIAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Sam Kang
The Uzbeks fled to Kyrgyzstan from Russia
02 August 2010
They are afraid of police violence and persecution on ethnic grounds
Now, a month after the devastating inter-ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeks crowds fleeing the region, fearing
persecution by the police and general discrimination.
It is estimated that already emigrated about twenty or twenty-five thousand Uzbeks, mostly in Russia. One of their most prominent
of the leaders suggested that the real figure may exceed the specified two or three times. The Uzbeks are not able to emigrate to
suffer from constant harassment and intimidation by the police.
Many Uzbeks interviewed stated that the threat of beatings and police raids does not allow them to leave their neighborhoods.
"If I am gathering money for a trip to Russia, then, of course, go away," - says the Uzbek Baburdzhan, like many others
interviewed, declined to give his name. - "Here Uzbeks can not live, no one ensures our security."
In the main city of the south - Osh - Uzbeks are regularly denied the right to use medical facilities. In the center of Osh returns
dynamic life, but the Uzbek Stores and are broken and looted: the owners can not reopen them, and often - even returning to the
place where he once sold.
Between Uzbeks and Kirghiz long was growing distrust: Kyrgyz Uzbeks accused in the accumulation of wealth and the secret
struggle for separation from the Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbeks complained of persistent discrimination by the Kyrgyz authorities. But the
outbreak of violence in early June caught unawares and Kirghiz and Uzbeks.
"We would have a very crazy dream is no dream" - said Nazir Hasanov, an Uzbek from the Osh region Cheryomushki, in which
during the riots destroyed house.
Clashes broke out in the evening on June 10, when in the Osh casino a fight between Uzbeks and Kirghiz. Soon riots spread to all
parts of the city. The next morning, from the surrounding villages in Osh came several thousand Kyrgyz, wishing to protect their
brothers, they thought of attacking them Uzbeks. Kirghiz encountered armed resistance by some Uzbeks, but for four days, during
which the fighting went on, the Uzbeks have suffered a heavy defeat.
Click here to read more »
Sam Kang
The Uzbeks fled to Kyrgyzstan from Russia
02 August 2010
They are afraid of police violence and persecution on ethnic grounds
Now, a month after the devastating inter-ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeks crowds fleeing the region, fearing
persecution by the police and general discrimination.
It is estimated that already emigrated about twenty or twenty-five thousand Uzbeks, mostly in Russia. One of their most prominent
of the leaders suggested that the real figure may exceed the specified two or three times. The Uzbeks are not able to emigrate to
suffer from constant harassment and intimidation by the police.
Many Uzbeks interviewed stated that the threat of beatings and police raids does not allow them to leave their neighborhoods.
"If I am gathering money for a trip to Russia, then, of course, go away," - says the Uzbek Baburdzhan, like many others
interviewed, declined to give his name. - "Here Uzbeks can not live, no one ensures our security."
In the main city of the south - Osh - Uzbeks are regularly denied the right to use medical facilities. In the center of Osh returns
dynamic life, but the Uzbek Stores and are broken and looted: the owners can not reopen them, and often - even returning to the
place where he once sold.
Between Uzbeks and Kirghiz long was growing distrust: Kyrgyz Uzbeks accused in the accumulation of wealth and the secret
struggle for separation from the Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbeks complained of persistent discrimination by the Kyrgyz authorities. But the
outbreak of violence in early June caught unawares and Kirghiz and Uzbeks.
"We would have a very crazy dream is no dream" - said Nazir Hasanov, an Uzbek from the Osh region Cheryomushki, in which
during the riots destroyed house.
Clashes broke out in the evening on June 10, when in the Osh casino a fight between Uzbeks and Kirghiz. Soon riots spread to all
parts of the city. The next morning, from the surrounding villages in Osh came several thousand Kyrgyz, wishing to protect their
brothers, they thought of attacking them Uzbeks. Kirghiz encountered armed resistance by some Uzbeks, but for four days, during
which the fighting went on, the Uzbeks have suffered a heavy defeat.
Click here to read more »
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and
Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced
labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of
domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing
efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not amend its criminal code to increase penalties
for convicted traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on minimum age of employment and on the
elimination of the worst forms of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the government also
demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive anti-trafficking
law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced
labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of
domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Uzbekistan is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing
efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in 2007; the government did not amend its criminal code to increase penalties
for convicted traffickers; in March 2008, Uzbekistan adopted ILO Conventions on minimum age of employment and on the
elimination of the worst forms of child labor and is working with the ILO on implementation; the government also
demonstrated its increasing commitment to combat trafficking in March 2008 by adopting a comprehensive anti-trafficking
law; Uzbekistan has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
Rustam Azimov
First Deputy Prime Minister
since 2 January 2008
First Deputy Prime Minister
since 2 January 2008
