In the face of escalating global threats from transnational crime and complex challenges in criminal justice, effective and human right-compliant legal cooperation has become particularly important. In Central Asia and the South Caucasus, where countries are implementing systemic reforms, integrating international standards is essential for enhancing justice and protecting human rights. Implementing the EU standards is a key step toward improving legal practices, ensuring transparency and fairness in criminal cases, and strengthening human rights protection systems in these regions.
Against this backdrop, a two-day national seminar on the application of the EU standards in international criminal justice cooperation took place in Tashkent on 15-16 August 2024. The event gathered experts from the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan, the Academy of Law Enforcement, judges of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan.
The participants enhanced knowledge and practical skills in working with the legal systems of EU member states and in the field of human rights protection. Practical sessions helped practitioners to understand the theoretical aspects of the EU standards, and to learn how to apply this knowledge in practice.
During the seminar, international experts Temur Tsindeliani and Carmen-Paloma González Pastor conducted interactive presentations and group practical sessions, sharing valuable experiences and best practices in legal enforcement and human rights protection within international justice.
The seminar marked a significant step in strengthening international cooperation in criminal justice and human rights protection. It facilitated the introduction of new approaches, the enhancement of practices, and the establishment of a foundation for developing training modules on international standards, thereby helping to improve the skills of specialists and enhance coordination among countries in the fight against transboundary crime.
Deputy Head of the International Legal Department at the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan Mr. Nozim Khodjaev emphasized the importance of close collaboration with UNODC, noting involvement of the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan in over ten projects aimed at combating organized crime.
The activity was organized jointly by the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan and UNODC within its initiative Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC). The initiative is financially supported by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
