OSCE training in Tashkent on integrating the issue of sexual and gender-based violence into the monitoring of places of detention

The integration of the issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) into the monitoring of places of detention was the focus of a three-day training course organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) from 1 to 3 March in Tashkent.

OSCE participating States committed to the absolute prohibition of all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as to respect the safeguards concerning the liberty, security and dignity of the person. Integrating a gender perspective in detention not only helps prevent violence, but is also indispensable to protecting the human rights of detainees from admission to release.

The training – designed for the staff of the Office of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis (National Parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) and the Expert Group on the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture – aimed to integrate the issue of SGBV into detention monitoring, identify risk situations, and advise how to follow up on cases of SGBV in places of deprivation of liberty. Thirty participants took part in the event.

“The Government of Uzbekistan is carrying out reforms in order to provide protection of rights and legal interests of women and girls, to support social protection for women in need and to ensure gender equality in the society. In addition, necessary steps are being taken to combat domestic and gender-based violence.” said the Ombudsperson of Uzbekistan, Feruza Eshmatova.

Hans-Ullrich Ihm, Acting OSCE Project Co-ordinator, assured that the PCUz will continue to assist the host country in its efforts to prevent and combat torture in line with the OSCE principles and commitments.