Uzbek President Approves Measures to Strengthen Judicial Independence and Transparency

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of Uzbekistan’s judicial system and strengthening guarantees for judicial independence.

The decree outlines priorities for implementing judicial self-governance principles, aligning with international standards of independence, and improving the selection and formation of the judiciary. One key objective is ensuring women occupy at least 30% of all judicial positions.

Under the new rules, judges will transition to lifetime appointments following an initial five-year term. Open competitions will now be held to select chairpersons and their deputies in interdistrict, district, and city courts. Criteria for evaluating judges—such as integrity, competence, and adherence to ethical standards—are codified into law.

The decree introduces new procedures for forming the Supreme Judicial Council, including recommendations from qualification boards and participation of academic and educational institutions in selecting council members who serve on a voluntary basis. Digitalization measures are expanded, including AI-assisted evaluation of judges’ performance and closed voting during council sessions.

Transparency of personnel processes is also strengthened. Information on vacancies, competitions, and judicial appointments will be published on the council’s official website. The council chairman’s powers are expanded to include reviewing qualification board decisions and approving the council’s structure.

The decree establishes fair disciplinary procedures and restrictions for judges under disciplinary measures, including a ban on promotion to higher positions until the sanction period ends.

Additional initiatives include setting an annual quota for women to attend professional retraining courses at the Academy of Justice, creating an Association of Women Judges, and allowing judges to retain their positions after completing Academy programs.