Country Study of Uzbekistan

In the eight years since the independence of Uzbekistan, the foundations for the basic institutions of a parliamentary democracy have been laid. Now these institutions need to be strengthened and assisted to function effectively and efficiently. The legal framework inherited from the time before Uzbekistan’s independence is being gradually adjusted to the needs of the new situation. It is manifest, moreover, that a growing number of international observers are beginning to respond to Uzbekistan’s unique situation and needs with greater understanding. Being the country of the Soviet totalitarian past, Uzbekistan still experiences some human rights problems, e.g., the judiciary is not fully independent, is corrupt and lacks public confidence; there is a shortage of a culture of rights and constitutionalism, the government officials are sometimes intolerant towards the mass media and independent human rights NGOs.