MFA comments on reaction of foreign authorities on closure of Jasliq prison 

The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan noted the prompt reaction of a number of states and international organizations to the decision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to liquidate the specialized colony No.19 Jasliq. 

As noted in a comment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, official representatives of a number of international organizations, government agencies, political circles, and the media emphasize the importance of this document for protecting human rights and respect for its dignity.

“Uzbekistan highly appreciates the recognition and support by the international community of consistent reforms in the field of protecting and ensuring human rights as a key part of the comprehensive reforms undertaken by the head of our state in all areas of the country’s life and reaffirms their commitment to continue cooperation with international, governmental and non-governmental organizations in this direction,” the MFA notes.

Acting Assistant Secretary of US for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells said on her Twitter account that the US welcomes Uzbekistan’s decision to close the notorious Jasliq prison. “Much work remains to be done to improve human rights in Uzbekistan, but the elimination of this place of oppression is an important step towards reform”.

The US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs said: “We pay tribute to Uzbekistan for announcing the closure of the Jasliq prison, which the human rights community has asked for over the past 20 years”.

The UN coordinator in Uzbekistan Helena Fraser also welcomed the decision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “As part of this process, the UN is ready to further assist Uzbekistan in reforming its prison system and applying non-custodial sanctions and measures in accordance with the principles of human rights and UN standards and norms in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice”.

The European Union states the followings on closure of the Jasliq penal colony: “As indicated in the Actions Strategy of Uzbekistan on five priority areas for 2017-2021, the rule of law and respect for human rights are inalienable conditions for the accelerated economic and social development of Uzbekistan. The confidence of both foreign and domestic economic operators in ongoing reforms and their willingness to invest in the economy of Uzbekistan depend on continuous progress in this area. The EU is ready to support events that will further raise our relations to a new level”.