In a positive development, Uzbekistan has taken steps to improve prison conditions and engage with international diplomats. UK Ambassador Timothy Smart, EU Ambassador Charlotte Adriaen, and US Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Poletes recently visited a prison colony in Uzbekistan's Chirchik district [76fa7f24]. During the visit, the diplomats had the opportunity to tour medical care and therapy facilities, as well as workshops where prisoners produce garments and furniture. They acknowledged the openness of the prison staff and the improvements made in recent years [76fa7f24].
This visit marks a milestone in the engagement between Uzbekistan and the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It demonstrates Uzbekistan's commitment to improving prison conditions and its willingness to engage with the international community [76fa7f24].
Furthermore, Uzbekistan has announced its intention to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and improve the justice sector [76fa7f24]. This is a significant step towards preventing torture and other forms of ill-treatment in prisons and detention centers. Ratifying the OPCAT will allow independent international and national bodies to regularly visit and monitor places of detention in Uzbekistan [76fa7f24].
The visit by the UK, EU, and US diplomats, along with Uzbekistan's commitment to ratify the OPCAT, highlights the country's efforts to address human rights concerns and improve its justice system. It is an important step towards building trust and cooperation with the international community [76fa7f24].