Uzbekistan, ICRC discuss international humanitarian law ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 10 April, a bilateral meeting was held at the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights between the Center’s Director Akmal Saidov and the Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Central Asia, Biljana Milošević.

The talks focused on reviewing the current outcomes of cooperation and defining priority areas for long-term engagement. A key topic of discussion was the practical implementation of international humanitarian law norms into national legislation.

Special attention was given to the establishment of a National Information Bureau, as provided for under the Geneva Conventions. Such structures are intended to facilitate the exchange of information on prisoners of war, civilians, and missing persons in situations of armed conflict. Akmal Saidov confirmed the Center’s readiness to act as a coordinating body between state institutions and the Red Crescent Society in developing effective mechanisms for establishing this institution.

The meeting also addressed improvements to national legislation. Participants emphasized the importance of drafting a separate law on the Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan in line with international standards, ensuring clear legal regulation of the organization’s activities. It was proposed that the preparation of this document involve international experts and members of the diplomatic corps.

Biljana Milošević informed the Uzbek side about the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law, aimed at strengthening states’ commitment to compliance with relevant norms. The initiative covers areas such as the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel, maritime law issues, cybersecurity, autonomous weapons, and the development of national IHL mechanisms.

Particular attention was paid to preparations for the 5th Samarkand Human Rights Forum, scheduled for September 2026 and dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The ICRC Regional Delegation was invited to act as a co-organizer of the forum.

The sides also discussed legal education and efforts to improve legal awareness among young people. In this context, an initiative was considered to reissue the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols in the Uzbek language using the Latin script, ensuring that educational institutions have up-to-date learning materials.

Further discussions included a proposal to hold a national essay competition on international humanitarian law, aimed at increasing student engagement in humanitarian studies and expanding participation in regional educational initiatives.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation and expressed confidence that joint efforts will contribute to reinforcing humanitarian values and improving Uzbekistan’s legal system.