Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 21-22 April, a training session on the topic "Forensic Documentation of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment in Accordance with the Istanbul Protocol" was held in Termez.

The event was organized as part of a joint project between the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan.

Medical specialists from the Department of the Execution of Punishments under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as forensic experts from the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Expertise, participated in the training.

The goal of the event was to raise awareness among specialists about international standards for effectively documenting torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol.

At the opening, the participants were addressed by the Director of the National Human Rights Center, A. Saidov; Senior Project Advisor to the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, E. Yurkovski; International Prison Reform and Human Rights Consultant, Representative of the International Penitentiary Foundation IPPF for CIS countries (Spain), A. Shambilov; International Expert on the Istanbul Protocol, member of the Working Group on the Development of the Istanbul Protocol, Professor of Forensic Medicine, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tbilisi State Medical University (Georgia), Rusudan Beriashvili; as well as heads of regional branches of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Expertise and representatives of penitentiary institutions from the Surkhandarya region.

A. Saidov noted that from 2020 to 2024, with the support of the OSCE, more than ten training events have been held on the effective examination and documentation of torture cases. These training sessions are part of the Action Plan dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Torture.

Modern Uzbekistan demonstrates significant achievements in the humanization of the penitentiary system and the strengthening of human rights, actively implementing international standards in the treatment of prisoners. A number of important legislative acts have been adopted in the country aimed at improving detention conditions and ensuring the rights of detainees.

As noted by A. Saidov, freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and torture is a fundamental right, enshrined in both international documents and national legislation. The new version of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan explicitly prohibits the use of torture and cruel treatment under any circumstances and without exceptions.

During the training, participants became thoroughly familiar with the provisions of the Istanbul Protocol, studied key international documents and national legislation related to the prevention of torture.

The participants also examined the specifics of Uzbekistan’s national legislation in the field of human rights, with a focus on torture prevention. They were provided with information on various mechanisms aimed at preventing torture both at the international and national levels.

Special attention was given to the issues of providing medical assistance to individuals who have been subjected to torture and the role of medical professionals in the documentation and prevention of torture.

Participants also discussed prospects for further interaction and cooperation on human rights compliance and torture prevention.

The next similar training is scheduled for 24-25 April in the city of Ferghana.