A series of specialized training courses led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has strengthened the professional capacity of investigative judges across Uzbekistan, with a focus on safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in partnership with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the sessions were held on April 27–28 in Khiva and April 30–May 1 in Samarkand.
The training brought together judges from Bukhara, Khorezm, Samarkand and Karakalpakstan, providing a platform to enhance their ability to uphold international human rights standards, assess evidence effectively, and deliver fair, well-reasoned judicial decisions.
Led by two international judicial experts, the courses combined practical case studies, interactive discussions and experience-sharing sessions. Participants explored how global human rights principles can be applied within Uzbekistan’s legal framework, while also examining best practices from other countries.
International expert Claudia Fenz praised the engagement and professionalism of participants, noting their active involvement in discussions. She emphasized that continuous judicial training is essential to ensuring the effective protection of fundamental freedoms and strengthening public trust in the justice system.
The programme placed particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups and preventing violence, including violence against women and girls. Through hands-on exercises, judges were able to apply newly acquired knowledge to real-life scenarios, reinforcing practical skills alongside theoretical understanding.
