On 5 May 2010, the European Union and Uzbekistan held the fourth round of human rights dialogue in Brussels in the framework of the Sub-Committee on Justice, Home Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues.

The discussions were open and constructive. The dialogue focused in particular on the following issues: access to justice, including the implementation of ‘habeas corpus’ in law enforcement practice and ensuring equal, unimpeded access of citizens to legal assistance, the situation of human rights defenders and civil society, freedom of thought, conscience and religion (including in the fight against extremism), freedom of expression and information, children’s rights and combating child labour, prison conditions and reform and modernization of the system of the execution of sentences.

The cooperation in international human rights fora, including the UN and the OSCE was also addressed. The EU raised a number of concerns in relation to the situation of persons affected by the Andijan events, as well as a number of individual cases of concern. The parties also exchanged ideas on how EU and Uzbekistan could increase their practical cooperation in the area of human rights.

Direct link to the press release