Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 29-31 July 2024, the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Department for Execution of Sentences under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan and with the support of the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, organized a three-day training session. 

The training focused on applying gender-sensitive approaches to preventing torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, and punishment in closed institutions and detention centers.

The Bangkok Rules, officially known as the "UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders," were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010. These rules represent a significant step towards ensuring a gender-sensitive approach in criminal justice and guaranteeing that the specific needs and rights of women prisoners are considered.

During the three-day training, participants not only learned about the core principles of the Bangkok Rules but also developed skills and knowledge for their effective implementation. They discussed best practices and methods for creating a safe and supportive environment for women prisoners and increased their awareness of the rights and needs of women in detention facilities.

The training was attended by 28 employees from the penal system of the Jizzakh, Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Tashkent regions, as well as representatives from the Women's Rehabilitation and Adaptation Center of the Syrdarya region under the National Social Protection Agency of the President of Uzbekistan.

Participants received practical knowledge on international practices regarding the treatment of minors and women in penitentiary institutions, in accordance with the UN Rules on the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules).

In his opening remarks, Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and Director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan, highlighted key aspects of the ongoing human rights reforms in the country. He emphasized that the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan will not only contribute to the effective eradication of torture but also enhance the country's international reputation as a staunch supporter of its international human rights obligations.

A. Saidov also spoke about the legislative, institutional, educational, and monitoring frameworks established to uphold and protect citizens' rights and freedoms. He outlined the systematic work being done to develop international and regional human rights protection mechanisms and to cooperate with international human rights organizations.

During the opening ceremony, other speakers included Andrew Yurkowski, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Project Coordinator’s Office in Uzbekistan; Burkhonkhodja Akromov, Lieutenant Colonel of the Department for the Execution of Sentences under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan; and Dilnoza Muratova, Deputy Director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan.

Children’s Ombudsman Surayyo Rakhmonova presented on the role of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights in ensuring the protection of children’s rights in closed institutions and detention centers. Oliy Ilmurodova, Director of the Center "Barkaror Hayot," discussed the role of civil society in rehabilitation programs based in penitentiary institutions and in supporting former inmates after their release.

Throughout the sessions, participants examined issues related to ensuring the right to health and hygiene in detention facilities, the role of prison staff in promoting gender-sensitive approaches, and the rehabilitation of special categories of women and girls who have served their sentences.

The training was organized as part of the OSCE Project Coordinator’s project in Uzbekistan, "Promoting Sustainable Development of the National Human Rights Protection System in Uzbekistan."

At the end of the three-day training, all participants will receive certificates.