Peer Exchange: Kyrgyz CSOs share best practices with Uzbek counterparts

Over October 12 and 13th, UPR Info’s In-country Programme (ICP), the Centre for Civil and Political Rights (CCPR), and the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia facilitated a peer exchange between Kyrgyz and Uzbek CSOs allowing Kyrgyz representatives to share their experiences with the UPR and best practices. Kyrgyz and Uzbek civil society and Ombudsperson Institute representatives gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the workshop. 

UPR Info, CCPR, and OHCHR began with introductory presentations on Uzbekistan's UPR timeline, the role of CSOs and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) before inviting the Kyrgyz experts to share their work. They discussed the progress achieved, challenges they have faced in their UPR engagement and the importance of including a gender perspective in their work. The interactive workshop allowed Uzbek and Kyrgyz civil society members to connect with each other and share best practices for engagement with the UPR. 

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are both target countries for the In-country Programme but are currently at different stages of engagement. As Kyrgyzstan is currently in the mid-term stage, members of civil society have already participated in various workshops and were able to share helpful information with members of Uzbekistan’s civil society prior to Uzbekistan’s review this November.