Uzbekistan is Developing Its First National Strategy Against Organized Crime

On February 14-15, 2024, the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) – in collaboration with the Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention: from Theory to Practice - convened the second meeting of the Working Group to develop a National Strategy against Organized Crime in Uzbekistan.

Back in May 2023, following the UNODC Multistakeholder Meeting on Strategies to Prevent and Combat Organized Crime for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus held in Tashkent on 9-10 March 2023, the Government of Uzbekistan – emphasizing the importance of a strategic response to countering organized crime in strengthening national legislation, law enforcement, and regional cooperation - requested UNODC's support in developing a national strategy against organized crime.

UNODC’s technical assistance is based on the “4 Ps” approach as highlighted in the “Organized Crime Strategy Toolkit for Developing High-Impact Strategies”, namely: (i) ensuring the inclusion of measures focused on prevention of organized crime; (ii) pursuing organized criminal groups and their illicit activities; (iii) protecting the most vulnerable; and (iv) promoting partnerships and cooperation at all levels. This methodology was acknowledged as a best practice in Resolution 11/2 of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

The workshop brought together the key stakeholders who are also members of the Working Group, comprising professionals from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Prosecutor’s Office, Supreme Court, National Guard, University of Public Safety, Ministry of Public Health, and other relevant entities, along with a civil society representative.

Ms. Oliya Ilmuradova, from the NGO Barqaror Hayot, stated: "I firmly believe that the role and voice of civil society are crucial in the development of the Strategy. By fostering stronger public-private partnerships, we can significantly contribute to the successful implementation of the National Strategy. This collaboration will play a key role in ensuring security across various sectors of the economy and enhancing the overall well-being of our society."

This was echoed by Ms. Kamola Ibragimova, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer: “Organized crime is a social phenomenon. It occurs within society, involving its members and impacting individuals and communities. That’s why a whole-of-society approach to devising and implementing a strategy against organized crime matters.”

The meeting focused on various aspects of developing and finalizing the national strategy against organized crime. This included deliberations on actions within key strategic directions and brainstorming on timelines and mechanisms for adopting the strategy, including prior public consultations. Lastly, UNODC sensitized the Working Group to the need for a robust implementation, monitoring, and evaluation mechanism underpinned with quantitative and qualitative indicators.

This collaborative effort signifies steps towards strengthening Uzbekistan’s capacity to combat organized crime, with UNODC playing a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and providing technical assistance to develop a comprehensive and effective national strategy. It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan is the first among Central Asian countries to launch the process of drafting its inaugural national strategy against organized crime, aligning with UNTOC and international best practices.

Mr. Saydullo Azimov, Prosecutor of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan highlighted: “Organized crime is a serious threat to the nation’s stability and security in many countries including Uzbekistan. The National Strategy for Combating Organized Crime is a comprehensive effort to unite government agencies, civil society, and international partners in one interagency cooperation mechanism."

The strategy is being developed with the substantive assistance of the UNODC Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention: from Theory to Practice, and with financial support from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.