The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) hosted the final conference for its Legal Reform Program on October 3, marking a milestone in enhancing the rule of law in Uzbekistan. The event gathered over 150 participants, including representatives from the Oliy Majlis, the Ministry of Justice, and various international and national organizations, to reflect on the program’s achievements and impact.
Since the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between USAID and the Ministry of Justice in 2018, the program has provided essential support in areas such as gender equality, legislative improvement, legal education, and the fostering of an enabling environment for civil society. These components are crucial for reinforcing the rule of law by ensuring fairness, clarity, empowerment, accountability, and active citizen participation.
“USAID is proud to contribute to reinforcing the rule of law in Uzbekistan through its flagship project whose results have exceeded expectations. I am grateful to the Government of Uzbekistan and our numerous national counterparts who have been dedicated and tireless collaborators in our joint efforts,” stated Edward Michalski, USAID Deputy Mission Director in Uzbekistan.
The USAID Legal Reform Program reached several key milestones, including the establishment of Uzbekistan's first gender equality law and the revision of nearly 30 draft laws, policies, and regulations. Furthermore, the program developed approximately 50 educational courses that have been incorporated into the permanent curricula of undergraduate and graduate legal institutions across the country.
Furthermore, the program has empowered legal institutions, including the Ombudsperson’s and Business Ombudsperson’s offices, through donated equipment, enhancing their capacity to serve clients effectively. Notably, over 900,000 individuals from vulnerable groups received free legal aid, restoring their rights, while more than 7mn people benefited from the USAID-supported legal advice portal, advice.uz. The program trained around 15,000 specialists to promote gender equality and empower women.
Additionally, the USAID Legal Reform Program has left behind a valuable collection of enduring resources—such as textbooks, handbooks, research reports, and legal document analyses—that will continue to benefit professionals in diverse sectors.
In partnership with national stakeholders, the program has updated legal education in Uzbekistan to align with international standards, making justice more accessible to all citizens. It has also led initiatives to promote equal opportunities for both women and men and to eliminate violence against women, establishing a strong foundation for the future of justice and equality in Uzbekistan.
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