LocationsUNDP Launches Training Series to Strengthen Support for survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Uzbekistan
October 22, 2024
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is launching a series of training sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity of professionals addressing domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan. These trainings on Effective Interaction and Communication with Women and Children Victims of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence; as well as Classification of Crimes against Women and Children Victims of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence will take place from 21 to 26 October 2024. The initiative is funded by the Government of Finland as part of UNDP’s project ‘Strengthening Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan’.
The alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Uzbekistan necessitates immediate action. In 2023 alone, 21,871 protection orders were issued to women, with 85% of perpetrators being family members. Cultural norms and stereotypes, particularly in rural areas, significantly contribute to the perpetuation of violence. Addressing these issues is paramount for creating a safer environment for women and children.
The recent amendments to the Law on the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence and the adoption of the Roadmap of Measures for 2023-2024 by the Government of Uzbekistan signify a commitment to improving the legal framework for protecting victims of violence. In alignment with these initiatives, UNDP is organizing two three-day training sessions for representatives of the Ombudsperson office, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the listeners of the Higher School of Judges. The first session will run from 21 to 23rd October, specifically for the Ombudsperson office and CSOs, while the second session will take place from 24 to 26th October for the Higher School of Judges. The training program covers a wide range of topics related to:
- Protection of the survivors of violence.
- Classification of crimes against women and children.
- Gender-based violence case management.
- Skills for effective communication with the survivors.
- Detection of lethality risks when providing support to the survivors.
The training modules were developed by Latvian experts from the Marta Center, renowned for their extensive experience in providing comprehensive support to survivors of gender-based violence. These trainings aim to:
- Enhance the potential of the Ombudsperson office in representing public interests and addressing human rights violations. The office will be better equipped to identify crimes related to harassment and establish effective complaint procedures.
- Increase judges' sensitivity to GBV issues, ensuring they have the necessary information to address victims' needs and hold offenders accountable effectively. Judges play a crucial role in enforcing laws, sanctioning protection orders, and making decisions about alimony and pre-trial detention.
- Boost the efficiency of NGOs’ work and their lawyers in providing frontline services to survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
By empowering the Ombudsperson office and judges with the necessary skills and knowledge, these trainings will contribute to a more sensitive and effective judicial response to GBV cases. They will also support NGOs in providing sensitized frontline services to the survivors and in monitoring judicial processes to ensure accountability.
UNDP remains committed to fostering a society where the rights of women and children are protected and upheld. Together, we can work towards a future free from domestic and gender-based violence.
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