July 2, 2021 — The United States welcomes the upgrade of Uzbekistan’s ranking in the annual Trafficking Against Persons (TIP) Report from Tier Two Watch List to Tier Two. This year’s TIP Report recognizes the Government of Uzbekistan’s efforts toward preventing forced labor in the cotton harvest, identifying violations of laws against forced labor, and …
Read More» OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS UZBEKISTAN: Tier 2 The Government of Uzbekistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 1, 2021 During this year’s Pride Month, we celebrate an important message: “You are Included.” The diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the State Department community make our institution stronger and advance the goals of American diplomacy. Out of many, we are one. The Department has …
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Friday, May 21, 2021 – Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) kicked off a two-day conference “Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society in Legal Reforms”. The event brings together 70 representatives from the Parliament, government agencies and civil society to exchange experiences and develop recommendations to improve the cooperation of the government and …
Read More» OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MAY 12, 2021 Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion. Throughout the year, the government consulted with international legal scholars regarding draft updates to the law on religion, and on August 6, it officially requested a joint opinion from the …
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The United States Embassy in Tashkent expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of prominent human rights defender Surat Ikramov, who passed away on May 3 at age 77 after a prolonged illness. Ikramov was a tireless advocate for the inalienable rights of the citizens of Uzbekistan for more than 20 years. He …
Read More» BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ANNOUNCEMENT: The Department of State will release an addendum to this report in mid 2021 that expands the subsection on Women in Section 6 to include a broader range of issues related to reproductive rights. Uzbekistan is a constitutional republic with a political system led by …
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U.S. government assistance to Uzbekistan has increased 400% since 2016, reflecting the United States’ unstinting support for the ambitious efforts of the government and people of Uzbekistan to transform their country into a modern, just, and prosperous society. What follows are some highlights of our programming in Uzbekistan: Saving Uzbekistani Lives and Improving Health USAID …
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Tatiana Dovlatova, Leader of the “Open Line” initiative group In my human rights advocacy work, it is very clear to me that empathy and solidarity are very important. Even when others cannot help with anything specific, their empathy is very important and it gives me strength. I got into human rights advocacy by fate. My …
Read More» 2 November 2020 The United States Embassy in Tashkent expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of recently released political prisoner and respected scholar Andrey Kubatin, who passed away on October 29 at age 36. We were privileged to know him and his family. Before Andrey lost his struggle with COVID-19, he inspired many people by his steadfast …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON OCTOBER 30, 2020 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Uzbekistan on the 20th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Begin text: The United States and Uzbekistan marked the 20th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 by reaffirming the growing partnership to …
Read More» 20 October 2020 The United States Embassy in Tashkent expresses its deepest condolences to the relatives, friends, and colleagues of celebrated Tashkent-based writer and former political prisoner Mamadali Makhmudov, who passed away on October 16 at age 79 from COVID-19. Mamadali Makhmudov spent 17 years as a political prisoner and was considered a leading pioneer of human …
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Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports: Uzbekistan 2019 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor: English Russian Moderate Advancement In 2019, Uzbekistan made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government took active measures to prevent the use of child labor in the cotton harvest, including by introducing criminal penalties for repeat violations of hazardous work prohibitions, doubling …
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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, October 2, 2020 – Today, the United States through its Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated five years of achievement through the USAID-funded Dignity and Rights program in Uzbekistan. The program was implemented by the International Organization for Migration and the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan. The Dignity and Rights program supported the Government …
Read More» 02 September 2020 The United States Embassy in Tashkent expresses its deepest condolences to the relatives, friends, and colleagues of Tashkent-based human rights activist and legal counselor Shukhrat Rustamov who passed away on August 28 in a hospital in Yangiyul, Tashkent Region at the age of 67 after a month-long illness. For over 25 years, Shukhrat Rustamov’s dedication helped the people of Uzbekistan fight …
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UZBEKISTAN: TIER 2 WATCH LIST The Government of Uzbekistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. These efforts included steps to address the use of forced adult labor during the annual cotton harvest through increasing remuneration to those picking cotton and improving working conditions to attract voluntary …
Read More» OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion. A religious freedom “roadmap” approved by parliament in 2018 to implement all 12 of the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur on Religion or Belief Ahmed Shaheed simplified rules for registering religious organizations and their reporting requirements, but the …
Read More» George Floyd’s death was a grave tragedy, and we grieve for his family and for his community. One police officer has been charged with murder and three others with aiding and abetting murder, and they will be tried in a court of law. The massive demonstrations we have seen over the past two weeks show …
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U.S. Ambassador Daniel Rosenblum Remarks for UN HRC Report Follow On Hearing April 30, 2020, 1100 Assalom Alaykum! Ramazon muborak bo’lsin! Good morning. I am happy to join my distinguished colleagues at this important event. Senator Saidov, thank you for the kind invitation. You’ve given me an excuse to put on a tie today – …
Read More» 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Uzbekistan MARCH 11, 2020 Executive Summary Uzbekistan is a constitutional republic with a political system dominated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his supporters. In 2016 Mirziyoyev, the former prime minister, won the presidential elections with 88 percent of the vote. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights …
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I want to thank the ILO for organizing this meeting today, it’s very useful for all of us. Although I won’t try to thank everyone who has contributed to the effect to eradicate forced labor in Uzbekistan over the past 4-5 years – there are so many people involved and others have already thanked them …
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December 2, 2019 Tashkent, Uzbekistan Today, Charge d’affaires Alan Meltzer delivered opening remarks at an event organized by USAID’s Judicial Reform in Uzbekistan Program marking the internationally recognized 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign. Acting Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Women and Gender Equality Sayyоra Baratova, Deputy Prosecutor General of …
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson November 25, 2019 On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the United States is proud to reaffirm its …
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PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 27, 2019 Freedom of religion is a cherished American value and a fundamental freedom. The Founding Fathers understood religious freedom not as the state’s creation, but as the unalienable birthright of human beings. Today, we commemorate the 21st anniversary of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act …
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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Inter-Agency Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and International Organization for Migration (IOM) held an informational campaign on Tashkent’s Broadway to recognize World Day against Trafficking in Persons. “Trafficking in persons, also known as modern slavery or human trafficking, violates the most basic …
Read More» Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion. In May the parliament approved a religious freedom “roadmap” to implement all twelve of the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur on Religion or Belief Ahmed Shaheed. It simplified rules for registering religious organizations and their reporting requirements. The government established a …
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JUNE 20, 2019 UZBEKISTAN: Tier 2 Watch List The Government of Uzbekistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. These efforts included taking substantive actions towards ending its use of forced adult labor during the annual cotton harvest, including by increasing remuneration to pickers, partially …
Read More» Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 Uzbekistan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uzbekistan is a constitutional republic with a political system dominated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his supporters. In 2016 former prime minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev won the presidential elections with 88 percent of the vote. The Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe’s Office …
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Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo Secretary of State Washington, DC November 23, 2018 Violence against women is a global issue that affects millions of people annually. Every woman and girl deserves a life free from violence. The United States is committed to advancing gender equality and preventing and responding to all forms of violence against women and girls, …
Read More» On October 27, the United States observed International Religious Freedom Day.This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1998 enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act, co-sponsored by then-Senator and now Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback. Freedom of religion is at the very core of the American experience and is a fundamental human …
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On September 20, 2018 the U.S. Department of Labor published the 17th edition of its annual Findings on the Worst Form of Child Labor (TDA Report.) The TDA report includes an assessment of government action to advance efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Countries are assessed as having made significant, moderate, minimal …
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OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report Tier 2 Watch List UZBEKISTAN: Tier 2 Watch List The Government of Uzbekistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government made key achievements during the reporting period; therefore Uzbekistan was upgraded …
Read More» BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR Uzbekistan Report May 29, 2018 Executive Summary The constitution provides for freedom of religion or belief and separation of government and religion. Constitutional rights may not encroach on lawful interests, rights, and freedoms of other citizens, the state, or society. The law allows for restricting religious activities when necessary …
Read More» The Embassy of the United States of America expresses its deepest condolences over the passing of Vasila Inoyatova. Ms. Inoyatova was a trailblazing advocate of human rights in Uzbekistan. She overcame numerous obstacles to register her non-governmental organization, Ezgulik, as the only officially recognized independent association dedicated to the protection of human rights in Uzbekistan. …
Read More» The United States welcomes the release on May 7 of journalist Bobomurad Abdullaev, ending a seven-month legal fight. We applaud court officials for a trial that was substantially open and transparent and complied with Uzbekistan’s judicial procedures. The court’s decision also noted “numerous procedural violations” on the part of case investigators. The United States urges …
Read More» BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Report April 20, 2018 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uzbekistan is a constitutional republic with a political system dominated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his supporters. On December 4, 2016, former prime minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev won the presidential elections with 88 percent of the vote. The Organization for Security …
Read More» John J. Sullivan Acting Secretary of State Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Press Briefing Room Washington, DC April 20, 2018 MS NAUERT: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for coming, especially on a Friday. Today the State Department released the 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices . Promoting freedom – promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms are central to who …
Read More» The United States welcomes the release of civil society activist Gaybullo Jalilov. Jalilov, who was sentenced in 2009 on security related charges and for membership in an unregistered religious organization, always maintained his innocence. In 2013, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Arrest and Detention called for Jalilov’s release. The United States is encouraged …
Read More» The United States welcomes the release of journalist and activist Dilmurod Saidov, who was sentenced in 2009 for 12 years for bribery and other criminal charges. He always insisted on his innocence. We congratulate President Mirziyoyev for releasing dozens of prisoners of conscience since assuming the presidency in September 2016. He also has taken important …
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December 19, 2017 – U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Pamela Spratlen, provided opening remarks today at a conference to mark the successful conclusion of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Reintegration for Trafficking Survivors Project, implemented by the non-governmental organization Istiqbolli Avlod. The two-day conference on “Combating Human Trafficking – Best Practices on Reintegration” brings …
Read More» Press Statement Rex W. Tillerson Secretary of State Washington, DC December 10, 2017 Sixty-nine years ago today, in the aftermath of World War II, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to recognize and elevate the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all individuals, and that these rights are the foundation …
Read More» October 16, 2017 The United States applauds the release of Ganikhon Mamatkhanov. This latest release follows the recent releases of several other prisoners of conscience, and is an additional positive step that demonstrates the Government of Uzbekistan’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards. Incarcerated since 2006, Mamatkhanov worked to defend the rights of farmers …
Read More» October 7, 2017 The United States welcomes the ongoing releases of long-held prisoners of conscience. Today, we note the release of civil society leader Agzam Turgunov, who has been in prison since 2008. This represents the third release in less than a week, an important concrete step that again puts into action President Mirziyoyev’s intentions …
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October 4, 2017 The United States applauds the release of journalist Salijon Abdurakhmanov. This is the second release of a long-held prisoner of conscience in Uzbekistan in as many days, following the release yesterday of human rights defender Azam Farmonov. Mr. Abdurakhmanov has been imprisoned since 2008. The United States and international human rights groups …
Read More» October 3, 2017 The United States welcomes the release of human rights defender Azam Farmonov. The news follows the release of Muhammad Bekjanov, Murod Juraev, Erkin Musaev, Jamshid Karimov, and other long-held prisoners of conscience. We applaud these positive steps and hope they signal future releases and a more open approach to civil society. Multiple …
Read More» Bureau Of International Labor Affairs Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports Uzbekistan No Advancement – Efforts Made But Complicit in Forced Child Labor In 2016, Uzbekistan made efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, but was also complicit in the use of forced child labor. The Government expanded the monitoring activities of both the ILO-led Third Party Monitoring …
Read More» Special Briefing Ambassador Michael Kozak, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Via Teleconference August 15, 2017 MS NAUERT: Well, welcome to our call today with Ambassador Mike Kozak of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Ambassador Kozak will talk about the 2016 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom, which Secretary Tillerson released about …
Read More» Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Uzbekistan Executive Summary The constitution provides for separation of religion and state. It guarantees freedom of conscience and states everyone has the right to profess or not to profess any religion. The law provides for freedom of worship and freedom from religious persecution, but provides for restricting religious activities …
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Tashkent, July 28-29, 2017 – USAID organized a two-day seminar aimed at strengthening partnership with media to combat human trafficking. The USAID Reintegration for Trafficking Survivors Project was led by and international expert and organized by Istiqbolli Avlod. The seminar welcomed media and NGO’s from around the country. The seminar was organized to encourage mass-media …
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May 12, 2017 The U.S. Embassy takes note of the first-ever visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights May 10-11 and the successful visit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly President May 7-10. These visits come at an important time and afford the government the opportunity to …
Read More» Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 Uzbekistan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uzbekistan is an authoritarian state with a constitution that provides for a presidential system with separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch under former President Islam Karimov dominated political life and exercised …
Read More» The United States embassy welcomes the release last week of journalist Jamshid Karimov. The news followed the release of Muhammad Bekjanov and other long-held prisoners. These positive steps seem to foreshadow future releases and a more tolerant approach to civil society in general. So, we were disappointed to learn of setbacks with other activists, such …
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U.S. Ambassador Spratlen and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia Dan Rosenblum presented counter trafficking manuals, literature, and equipment to the National Human Rights Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan at a ceremony in Tashkent On February 24, U.S. Ambassador Pamela Spratlen, along with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia Dan Rosenblum, presented manuals on …
Read More» The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent welcomes the release of former editor of the “Erk” newspaper Muhammad Bekjanov after almost 18 years in prison. We are happy to see that he has been reunited with his family. We regard Mr. Bekanjov’s release as a positive step on the part of the government of Uzbekistan, and we …
Read More» Ambassador Pamela L. Spratlen UN Human Rights Day Remarks (As Delivered) December 9, 2016 Residence of EU Ambassador Eduards Stiprais (Latvia) (Begin transcript)Ассалом aлейкум, добрый вечер, and good evening to everyone! I would like to begin by, of course, welcoming the Ombudsman to this event – it is a pleasure to see you; and I …
Read More» Executive Summary March 19 began as an ordinary day for 27-year old Farkhunda Malikzada. Farkhunda lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, a city that had already endured decades of warfare and still existed under the constant threat of terrorist attacks by the Taliban. Despite this, Farkhunda lived a happy and optimistic life, according to her family. She worked as …
Read More» Today, the United States remembers the events that took place in Andijon eleven years ago and renews its expressions of heartfelt sympathy to all who suffered during and as a result of that tragedy. The United States consistently encourages reconciliation, accountability and respect for the rights of all citizens as the best means to ensure …
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