Uzbekistan Takes Steps to Protect Whistleblowers with Council of Europe’s Support

===========================================================

Strengthening Whistleblower Protection Laws

The Council of Europe has launched a significant initiative to help Uzbekistan improve its whistleblower protection laws, aligning them with European and international standards. As part of the “Promoting Transparency and Action against Economic Crime” action in Central Asia, the Council provided technical support to national authorities.

Analysis of Current Legislation

An analysis of Uzbekistan’s current legislation identified gaps where the country can further align its laws with European and international standards. The analysis also provided recommendations for improvement.

Training Session for Officials

A training session was held in Tashkent from February 26 to 28, bringing together 33 participants from national authorities, including representatives of:

Anti-Corruption Agency
Public Council
Experts group
Working group responsible for drafting a new law on whistleblower protection

Expert Opinion and Further Support

As a result of this initiative, Uzbekistan’s officials gained improved knowledge of international standards and good practices in other jurisdictions regarding whistleblower protection. The Council will also provide an expert opinion on Uzbekistan’s new draft law on whistleblower protection, following a request from the Anti-Corruption Agency.

Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024

This project is part of the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024, a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. The programme aims to strengthen capacities to fight and prevent economic crime in five Central Asian countries:

Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan