Uzbekistan – Information for Consideration by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) at its 77th Session in February 2025

Equality Now collaborated with NIHOL Initiative’s Development and Supporting Centre, Social Welfare and Education Center White Sail, Public Unity Yuksak Salohiyat, Women’s and Youth Center Tumaris of Navoi region, NGO Sogdiana of Navoi region, Civic Initiatives Support Center of Karakalpak regional branch, Kibray district society of women with disabilities Opa-singillar, Centre for Scientific, Social and Humanitarian Initiatives Oila, NGO Istiqbolli Avlod to produce this information  for the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ahead of its review of the follow-up report of Uzbekistan in February 2025. 

The submission details persistent issues in Uzbekistan concerning gender-based violence against women and girls, specifically regarding sexual violence, child and forced marriage, and human trafficking. It highlights legal and procedural shortcomings that hinder survivors’ access to justice and calls for reforms to align national laws with international human rights standards. Despite some legislative progress, the report emphasizes the need for stronger laws, improved enforcement, enhanced data collection, and greater support services for victims.

What’s included in the submission?

• Concerns regarding laws, procedures, and practices that hinder women and girls, survivors of sexual violence, from accessing justice
• The issue of child and forced marriages, noting that these harmful practices remain a significant concern in Uzbekistan. It highlights the prevalence of these practices and the legal framework that allows for exceptions to the minimum age of marriage
• The gaps in combating trafficking in women and girls. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, it points out shortcomings such as the failure to amend a Supreme Court resolution in line with updated legislation and international standards
• The lack of adequate support services and protection for women and girls who are survivors of violence, including domestic and sexual violence, child and forced marriage, and trafficking

Who’s it for?

• Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Law and policymakers 
• Legal professionals
• Government institutions

Key recommendations

We asked the CESCR Committee to address the above-mentioned issues during its review of Uzbekistan’s follow-up report at its 77th Session and to urge Uzbekistan to:

•  Amend its laws to ensure that the definitions of sexual violence crimes align with international human rights standards, explicitly including a consent-based definition of rape

• Set the minimum age of marriage at 18 without any exceptions and to enforce the prohibition of child and forced marriage. This includes conducting comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate communities, schools, and local leaders about girls’ rights and the negative consequences of these practices

•  Strengthen investigations and prosecutions of trafficking in women and girls, provide better training for criminal justice actors and lawyers, ensure that perpetrators receive adequate punishments, and guarantee that survivors have access to sufficient support services