The Council of Europe through the Action on “Promoting Transparency and Action against Economic Crime” in Central Asia (CA TAEC) supported the national authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan in improving its legislative framework related to whistleblower protection by developing and delivering a technical paper on “Analysis of the whistleblower protection acts in the legislation of Uzbekistan” and organising a two-day training for the national authorities in Tashkent on 26-28 February 2024.

The technical paper analysing Uzbekistan’s current legislation identifies the gaps where Uzbekistan may have further steps for aligning its legislation with European and other international standards and provided recommendations for its further improvement. Moreover, 33 participants from relevant national authorities of Uzbekistan have improved their knowledge of international standards and good practices in other jurisdictions regarding the protection of whistleblowers. Both events were attended by the representatives of the Anti-corruption Agency (ACA), the Public Council and Experts group and the working group (ministries and agencies) which is assigned for drafting a new law on whistleblower protection.

Upon request of ACA, the Action will provide further support to Uzbekistan by providing an expert opinion on the new draft Law. 

This activity was organised by the Action on “Promoting Transparency and Action against Economic Crime” in the framework of the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024, a joint initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe. The Action is aimed at strengthening capacities to fight and prevent economic crime in five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan).