French Embassy in Uzbekistan: “Situation with Human Rights Activists Remains Troubling”

Despite some progress on human rights in Uzbekistan as seen by the abolition of the death penalty, the release of seven human rights activists and the introduction of habeas corpus in 2008, the overall situation with human rights still worries the EU, the French Embassy in Uzbekistan stated in an open letter after the European Union Heads of mission gathered for a July 28-29 meeting in Tashkent.

The meeting focused on implementation of the European Union strategy for Central Asia in education, water resources management and rule of law. The gathering was also a preparation for the forthcoming EU-Central Asia forum on Security Issues that will be held September 18 in France, which currently holds the presidency of the European Union.

Jean-Pierre Jouyet, minister of state for European Affairs, attended the meeting and met with the Uzbek Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Norov, and members of civil society.

In particular, Jouyet met with Mutabar Tajibaeva, director of the renowned human rights organization, Burning Hearts Club.

Tajibaeva was arrested after criticizing the government for the Andijan events, when hundreds of peaceful protesters were reportedly killed by Uzbek military forces.

She was convicted in 2006 and released conditionally on June 2 this year. Right now, Tajibaeva’s medical condition is critical, however, she is not able to leave her city to receive professional medical care.

Jouyet pledged to do everything in his power to ensure that Tajibaeva receives necessary medical care and can also receive the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders that is to be bestowed upon her at the end of the year, the open letter by the Embassy states.

In the meeting with Vladimir Norov, minister of state for European affairs, the two discussed EU-Uzbekistan relationships and EU expectations ahead of the re-examination of sanctions in October. Results of all the discussions will be considered in EU decision-making on sanctions against Uzbekistan imposed in 2005 in response to the Andijan massacre.

Originally posted and written for: Ferghana.ru

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