Uzbekistan Shares Legal Reform Experience at OSCE Venue in Vienna

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A side event titled "Moving Forward in Torture Prevention: Strengthening Legal Safeguards, Oversight, and Accountability in the Criminal Justice System" took place in Vienna on 30 June 2026. The event, held within the framework of the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on "Prevention of Torture and Ill-Treatment: Strengthening Cooperation and Enforcement," showcased Uzbekistan's experience in advancing criminal justice and reinforcing legal protections.

The text of the address by the Director of the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan was delivered by Bakhtiyor Ibrahimov, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the OSCE and other international organizations in Vienna.

The address emphasized that the prohibition of torture is absolute and permits no exceptions under any circumstances. It noted that since acceding to the UN Convention against Torture in 1995, Uzbekistan has treated strict compliance with its provisions as a core priority of state policy regarding human rights protection.

Participants at the event positively assessed the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at improving the national system for preventing torture, strengthening the legislative framework, developing law enforcement practices, and ensuring the effective protection of human dignity.

The side event was co-organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the International Center for Development and Justice, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The discussion drew more than 50 representatives from OSCE participating states, international organizations, national human rights institutions, and civil society. Experts focused on refining legal safeguards across all stages of criminal proceedings, implementing independent monitoring of detention facilities, protecting vulnerable categories of citizens, and ensuring access to justice.

Special consideration was given to adopting modern international standards for rights-compliant interrogation practices, alongside strengthening independent oversight over detention centers.

The Director of the OSCE ODIHR, Maria Telalian, delivered opening remarks, stressing that torture prevention remains a cornerstone of the OSCE’s humanitarian dimension, requiring close cooperation among state bodies, independent monitoring mechanisms, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Renate Winter, Honorary President of the International Center for Development and Justice, highlighted the necessity of a gender-sensitive approach and the provision of dedicated protection for incarcerated women, children, and other vulnerable persons. She also underscored the independence of the judiciary as a critical factor in the effective defense of human rights.

The event featured presentations on international approaches to developing national preventive mechanisms against torture, securing independent oversight of detention facilities, refining protective instruments for vulnerable groups, and practically applying international frameworks, including the Mendes Principles, the Istanbul Protocol, and the Nelson Mandela Rules.

Uzbekistan's participation in the event highlighted the country's consistent progress in upgrading its criminal justice system and broadening international cooperation on human rights protection.