Baseline study on the penitentiary system of the Republic of Uzbekistan

This report ‘Strengthening the penitentiary system of the Republic of Uzbekistan: Legislation and practice’ presents the findings of baseline research examining the context of closed institutions in Uzbekistan, including governance structures, ongoing reform initiatives and trends in the rate of imprisonment. It includes a review of all relevant national policies and legislation on torture prevention in closed institutions, and adherence to international obligations and standards that Uzbekistan has undertaken a commitment to.

The publication reflects the work carried out by the Authorized Person in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)” to prevent the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment through regular visits to places of detention. It contains an overview of key changes in the criminal justice system, information on the implementation of human rights in the penitentiary system, and the role of the Ombudsman in protecting the rights of persons in custody. It also reflects the information and analytical data collected by the Ombudsman as a result of monitoring visits to penitentiary institutions in 2017-2020.

This publication has been produced as part of the project “Strengthening the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan” funded by United Nations Democracy Fund.