EU Launches Five New Projects to Boost Civil Society Development in Uzbekistan
EU Invests €2.9 Million to Bolster Civil Society in Uzbekistan
On April 28, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uzbekistan announced significant funding – totaling nearly €2.9 million – for five new civil society projects aimed at supporting Uzbekistan’s reform initiatives and enhancing the role of civil society in various critical areas.
Focus Areas of Initiatives
The newly launched projects emphasize gender equality, legal awareness, and media literacy, reflecting the EU’s commitment to fostering a more active civil society that can contribute to political dialogue and social change.
Details of the Projects
The funded initiatives are as follows:
EQUALITY: This project seeks to strengthen civil society’s efforts in protecting women’s rights and empowering women. It is spearheaded by ACTED in collaboration with the Social Protection and Education Center "White Sail" and the Rise Information and Consultation Resolution Center "Seedling."
SHIELD: Focused on promoting human rights and legal education, this initiative sees the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) working alongside the Development Strategy Center.
Human Rights in Action: Led by DVV International in partnership with the Barbarage International Social and Educational Center, this project aims to drive change through youth participation and NGO involvement.
Uzbekistan Digital Rights and Media Initiative (UDRMI): This project, implemented by the Center for the Development of Modern Journalism together with the Legal Policy Research Center in Kazakhstan, emphasizes the importance of digital rights and media literacy.
- Empowering Civil Society for Inclusive Development in Uzbekistan: Coordinated by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in collaboration with the Rise movement, this initiative aims to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations throughout the country.
Nationwide Impact
These projects are designed to have a national impact while also targeting specific regional communities. Activities will take place in cities including Tashkent, Karakalpakstan, Namangan, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya. Each initiative will bring together both European and Uzbek organizations, aiming to support vulnerable groups and foster collaboration between civil society and government bodies.
Statements of Support
EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar emphasized the importance of these projects in empowering citizens and creating a more just, open, and resilient society. “A vibrant civil society is essential for building a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future,” he stated.
Akmal Saidov, Director of Uzbekistan’s National Center for Human Rights, praised the initiatives as a significant step in deepening cooperation between Central Asia and Europe. He thanked all contributors involved in this vital work, highlighting the importance of rights-based development.
Through these initiatives, the EU aims to empower civil society leaders, promote rights awareness, and support the ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic frameworks in Uzbekistan.
