Uzbekistan’s new law, signed by President Mirziyoyev, targets “undesirable” foreigners and stateless people, penalizing actions viewed as damaging to the nation. It allows a ban for up to ten years based on broad and vague criteria, leading to fears of misuse against critics. Human rights groups warn that such legislation undermines free expression and calls for immediate revision to adhere to international norms.
On November 15, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev enacted a controversial law aimed at identifying and prohibiting “undesirable” foreign citizens and stateless individuals whose actions or words are deemed damaging to the reputation of Uzbekistan. This law encompasses a spectrum of ambiguous definitions, from inciting discord to undermining national dignity, enabling authorities to interpret it broadly. Any foreigner or stateless person categorized as “undesirable” faces bans of up to five years in Uzbekistan, alongside restrictions on financial activities such as real estate acquisitions. The potential misuse of these vague provisions poses a significant threat to basic freedoms, particularly for journalists and human rights advocates, who may unknowingly contravene these laws when critiquing the government.
In a backdrop of growing concerns for human rights, a coalition of 29 organizations urged the president to reconsider the law, highlighting its infringements on free speech. Despite potential justifications for addressing violence and discrimination, it is crucial that laws respect the fundamental right of free expression. The broad strokes of Uzbekistan’s legal framework risk silencing dissenters—facilitating a culture of fear that stifles any semblance of critique or discourse.
Uzbekistan has sought to present itself as a proponent of human rights, as seen in its participation in UN treaties, with officials like Akmal Saidov representing the nation on esteemed platforms. However, many remain skeptical of these intentions, especially given the contradiction between policies and promises made during the Universal Periodic Review in which Uzbekistan had pledged to enhance freedom of expression and foster a safer environment for NGOs and human rights defenders.
With a recent history of stringent control over speech and expression, Uzbekistan’s new legislation reflects a persistent practice of imposing limitations on rights and freedoms. This law emerges from an intricate narrative where activists and journalists often face harsh penalties for voicing dissent or critiquing governmental policies. As the country paradoxically attempts to align with international human rights standards while enacting restrictive laws, this creates a conflicting landscape where voices of opposition are met with substantial risks.
The introduction of Uzbekistan’s law targeting “undesirable” foreigners symbolizes a larger struggle between state authority and individual freedoms. Despite claims of upholding human rights, the law’s vague language poses a serious threat to free speech and expression, particularly for those most vulnerable to oppression such as journalists and activists. To align with global standards, it is crucial for Uzbekistan to suspend this law and revise it to genuinely support the principles outlined in international human rights agreements.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
