Human Rights in Uzbekistan: Progress within Limits under Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Since assuming office, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev promised wide-ranging reforms to improve Uzbekistan's human rights record and political freedoms.

Since assuming office in December 2016 following the death of long-serving leader Islam Karimov, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev promised wide-ranging reforms to improve Uzbekistan’s human rights record and political freedoms. Early actions raised hopes of democratization and increased respect for civil liberties. However, subsequent developments reveal a mixed trajectory, marked by initial progress followed by stagnation and regression in several areas. This study employs qualitative and quantitative analysis of data from multiple reports, including those from Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, and international observers, to evaluate the evolution of political freedoms and human rights during Mirziyoyev’s tenure from 2016 to 2023.

Below is a structured synthesis of Uzbekistan’s progress and setbacks in human rights and political freedoms under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The analysis integrates key trends and milestones, followed by an extended discussion of results.

AreaProgressSetbacks
Political SystemAmendments allowed multi-term presidencies; constitutional changes promoted modernization narratives.No genuine opposition allowed; elections lacked competition; harassment of political dissenters.
Media and SpeechSome independent outlets gained traction; defamation laws are under review.Crackdowns on bloggers and journalists intensified; critical outlets were blocked or censored.
Judiciary and JusticeClosure of Jaslyk prison; limited judicial reforms.Endemic corruption; judiciary remains subservient to executive authority; persistent torture reports.
Civil SocietySelective NGO registrations; relaxation in some regulations.NGOs face stringent requirements; limited support for independent activism; targeted harassment.
Religious FreedomBlacklists reduced; improved tolerance of state-registered groups.Prosecution of independent worshippers; vague “extremism” laws used to suppress dissent.
Women’s RightsDomestic violence criminalized; sanctions for sexual harassment introduced.Deep-rooted cultural barriers; weak implementation of gender-related policies.
Forced LaborSystemic forced labor eradicated from the cotton sector; international boycott lifted.Isolated coercion persists; limited worker representation undermines the sustainability of progress.

Table 2: Notable Developments in Human Rights Progress and Challenges (2016–2023)

YearEventSignificance
2017The emergence of live television programs and critical media commentary addressing social issues, including corruption.Symbolized optimism for liberalization under Mirziyoyev’s leadership.
2018    Reform of the National Security Service (SNB)    The dismissal of SNB chief Rustam Inoyatov after 23 years in power, along with the prosecution of senior officials for torture, marked a significant break from decades of entrenched impunity.
  2019  Jaslyk prison closed.Signaled intent to reform criminal justice.
Internet censorship heightened; critical journalists targeted.Highlighted reversal of initial progress in freedom of expression.
2020  Torture case prompts rare accountability.The prosecution of officers implicated in the torture and death of Alijon Abdukarimov marked a rare instance of accountability.
2021Uzbekistan joins the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).Uzbekistan’s inclusion in the HRC presented an opportunity to strengthen its global human rights reputation.
2022Karakalpakstan unrest erupted; violent crackdown.Revealed deep-seated structural flaws in handling civil unrest.
  2023Domestic violence criminalized.Significant step toward addressing gender-based violence.  
Constitutional amendments extended presidential terms; snap elections held.Consolidated executive power under Mirziyoyev.

Discussion of Results

         Mirziyoyev’s presidency has been marked by a duality of promise and stagnation. Initial reforms raised expectations for genuine liberalization, but the regime’s authoritarian tendencies have largely endured, demonstrating the complexities of reforming an entrenched system.

The following findings can be underlined:

Duality of Reform and Authoritarian Resilience

Initial reforms under Mirziyoyev raised significant hope for political liberalization in Uzbekistan. The administration projected an image of change, particularly in its rhetoric about modernization and openness. However, many of these measures proved largely symbolic, failing to address deep-seated structural issues. The persistence of centralized power, coupled with the regime’s resistance to dismantling authoritarian frameworks, underscores a deliberate strategy to maintain control while projecting superficial reform. This duality reflects the challenges of transitioning from an entrenched autocracy to a genuinely pluralistic system.

Superficial Political Reforms

The constitutional amendments of 2023 exemplify the tension between reform narratives and practical outcomes. While framed as progressive modernization efforts, these changes primarily served to consolidate Mirziyoyev’s grip on power by enabling him to extend his presidency. The absence of competitive elections and the systematic exclusion of opposition parties reveal a calculated prioritization of regime survival over inclusive governance. This approach reinforces the perception that political reforms are implemented selectively to safeguard the administration’s dominance rather than to democratize the system.

Erosion of Media Freedoms

Uzbekistan’s brief period of expanded media freedoms early in Mirziyoyev’s tenure was followed by a swift regression. Crackdowns on critical journalists and bloggers, coupled with increasing censorship, illustrate the administration’s intolerance of dissent. Independent reporting, a cornerstone of public accountability, has been undermined by prosecutions and harassment of those who challenge the state narrative. This erosion of media freedom highlights the regime’s broader strategy of controlling public discourse and limiting transparency.

Judicial Weakness and Impunity

The closure of Jaslyk prison, a notorious symbol of human rights abuses, was a step forward in criminal justice reform. However, this progress is overshadowed by the judiciary’s persistent subservience to executive control. Torture and ill-treatment continue unabated, with limited accountability mechanisms to address such abuses. The lack of justice for the 2022 Karakalpakstan violence, where excessive force was used against protesters, further exemplifies systemic failures in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.

Constrained Civil Society

Civil society remains tightly controlled, despite selective approvals for NGO   registrations. Stringent bureaucratic barriers, coupled with targeted harassment, stifle the growth of independent advocacy groups. The Justice Ministry’s repeated refusal to register organizations like Human Rights House reflects the administration’s commitment to restricting non-governmental spaces. This environment inhibits the development of a robust civil society capable of championing marginalized groups and holding the government accountable.

Incremental Religious and Gender Rights Reforms

Modest progress has been made in reducing harassment of state-registered religious groups and addressing gender-based violence through the criminalization of domestic violence. However, these measures remain insufficient for achieving meaningful change. Vague extremism laws continue to target independent worshippers, while cultural resistance and weak enforcement mechanisms hinder the implementation of gender-related policies. Such incremental reforms fail to address the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality and repression.

Labor Rights as a Notable Achievement

The eradication of systemic forced labor in the cotton sector stands out as one of Mirziyoyev’s most significant achievements. This progress, marked by the lifting of an international boycott, demonstrates the potential for meaningful reform when paired with sustained domestic and international pressure. However, isolated incidents of coercion and the absence of independent trade unions highlight the need for continued structural changes to sustain these gains and empower workers.

Superficial International Engagement

Uzbekistan’s increased engagement with international bodies, including the EU and UN, reflects an effort to enhance its global standing. However, the implementation of human rights recommendations has been superficial, undermining the potential of these partnerships to drive substantive change. Limited progress on issues such as torture prevention and press freedom underscores the administration’s reluctance to embrace accountability and reform beyond symbolic gestures.

Enduring Authoritarian Status Quo

The administration’s reluctance to dismantle entrenched authoritarian structures remains a fundamental barrier to democratization. Persistent media suppression, the lack of political pluralism, and judicial subservience perpetuate the status quo, undermining the credibility of reform efforts. Without addressing these systemic issues, Uzbekistan risks reinforcing a cycle of stagnation and symbolic progress.

Future Reforms Require Domestic and International Pressure

Sustainable progress in Uzbekistan will require a coordinated effort from both domestic civil society and international actors. Pressure must focus on judicial independence, media freedom, and accountability mechanisms to ensure reforms extend beyond symbolic gestures.

Conclusion
          The evolution of human rights and political freedoms under Mirziyoyev reflects a pattern of selective reform constrained by authoritarian resilience. While the administration has taken steps to address specific issues, such as forced labor and domestic violence, the broader picture reveals a government unwilling to relinquish control. Without addressing structural barriers—such as judicial subservience, media suppression, and the absence of political pluralism—Uzbekistan risks perpetuating its authoritarian status quo.
         Future reforms will require not only political will but also pressure from international actors and domestic civil society to prioritize genuine democratization over superficial stability.

Aram Terzyan
Aram Terzyan
Aram Terzyan, PhD, is research director of the Los Angeles-based Centre for East European and Russian Studies.