Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 31 October , a roundtable was held in Tashkent on the topic “Gender-Sensitive Strategies for Managing Penitentiary Institutions: Best Practices and Key Issues.”

The event was jointly organized by the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Department of Execution of Sentences.

The roundtable was conducted as part of the approved "Roadmap" for implementing OSCE projects in Uzbekistan for 2023-2024.

The main focus was on ensuring gender equality in the management of closed institutions and enhancing the effectiveness of human rights protection using international experience, particularly from Norway, and advanced methodologies. Discussions also highlighted the prospects for managing such institutions and strengthening dialogue on current issues in this area.

Participants included staff from the Department of Execution of Sentences and penitentiary institutions. The opening remarks were delivered by Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan, Zilke Kloever, Acting Coordinator of OSCE Projects in Uzbekistan, and Burkhanhodja Akromov, a responsible employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Department of Execution of Sentences.

A. Saidov emphasized that recently, through the expansion of rights and legal interests of inmates, there has been sincere remorse for their crimes, leading to the formation of respectable members of society. He noted that inmates are now granted rights such as voting, pension and social insurance rights, education, employment, and access to quality healthcare.

Regarding recent reforms related to the rights and interests of inmates, he pointed out that four outdated colonies, including "Tashturma" and "Zhaslyk," which had a negative reputation among inmates and the public, have been closed. Since January 1, 2019, probation activities aimed at guiding convicts toward a healthy public life have been initiated.

Currently, the number of convicts serving sentences in correctional institutions in the country is 68 per 100,000 residents, the lowest figure among the Commonwealth of Independent States, resulting from reforms aimed at ensuring human rights and the rule of law.

Z. Kloever remarked that “Today’s meeting provides an important platform for knowledge exchange, developing cooperation, and studying best practices in managing penitentiary institutions. The OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan aims to support initiatives promoting human rights in the penitentiary system. This roundtable is an excellent example of how international cooperation can lead to significant progress. By working together, exchanging views, and relying on the diverse experiences of various legal and social systems, we can identify approaches that promote dignity and reduce recidivism while respecting the unique cultural, legal, and social conditions of the host country.”

B. Akromov reported on practical measures for adapting inmates to public life and protecting their rights, mentioning that 69 separate offices for lawyers have been established in investigative isolation and closed-type colonies.

The event also discussed foreign experience in this area. Doris Bakken, head of the Bretthwait prison and detention center in Norway, presented Norway’s experience in managing women’s prisons.

D. Bakken explained how elements such as gender-sensitive services for women, training programs, and healthcare services can assist women in successfully reintegrating into society after incarceration. She detailed the importance and effectiveness of activities, training processes, and counseling in Norway’s women’s prison.

Additionally, Gulrukh Karimova, head of the women’s correctional facility, presented on the policies and practices of managing women’s prisons in Uzbekistan. She discussed opportunities for education, vocational training, and psychological support created in the women’s colony, as well as rehabilitation programs.

The discussions included experts such as Dilnoza Muratova, Deputy Director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan, and Azamat Shambilov, a representative of the International Penitentiary Foundation and an international consultant on prison reform and human rights.