Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 28 April 2025, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Uzbekistan announced the launch of five new civil society projects under the "Support to Civil Society Organisations in Uzbekistan" initiative.

The total funding for the projects, provided by the EU and partner organizations, amounts to nearly 2.9 million euros.

The new initiatives aim to support Uzbekistan’s reform program by strengthening civil society's contribution to political dialogue, promoting gender equality, legal awareness, media literacy, and the protection of digital rights.

The event was attended by representatives of the government, international partners, and civil society activists, confirming their joint commitment to developing an open and inclusive society in Uzbekistan.

EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar emphasized that the launch of the projects reflects the EU's commitment to encouraging active citizen participation in issues of justice, gender equality, and digital rights, and underlined the importance of fostering a democratic and resilient society.

Director of Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Centre Akmal Saidov highlighted the significance of the projects for advancing reforms under the "Strategy—2030" and deepening cooperation between Central Asia and Europe.

The new initiatives will be implemented in Tashkent, Karakalpakstan, Namangan, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and other regions of the country, combining national outreach with targeted local engagement.

The launched projects include:

EQUALITY — Strengthening civil society in protecting women's rights, implemented by ACTED in cooperation with Uzbek partners.

SHIELD — Supporting human rights and legal awareness, implemented by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Development Strategy Center.

Human Rights in Action — Promoting change with the involvement of youth and NGOs, implemented by DVV together with the International Social-Educational Center "Barkaror Hayot."

Uzbekistan Digital Rights and Media Initiative (UDRMI) — Implemented by the Center for the Development of Modern Journalism in cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Legal Policy Research Center.

Empowering Civil Society for Inclusive Development in Uzbekistan — A project of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation together with the Yuksalish Movement.

The projects are expected to enhance the capacity of civil society activists, support vulnerable groups, and strengthen interaction between civil society and government institutions.