§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote the development of human rights in Uzbekistan. [136588]
§ Mr. RammellWe remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Uzbekistan and continue to raise our concerns both bilaterally and with EU partners. In addition, there are two particular ways in which we can monitor reform and exert pressure. The first is a set of benchmarks against which political and economic reforms will be measured, agreed in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) strategy for Uzbekistan. These will be reviewed by the EBRD later in the year. The second is the UN Special Rapporteur's Report on Torture in Uzbekistan, which referred to torture as "systematic". We shall continue to press the Uzbek authorities to implement his recommendations.
The UK is willing to provide assistance in the area of judicial reform and to assist Uzbekistan with broadening the investigative capacity of its police. Testing the Uzbek authorities' willingness to work with others to reform their behaviour is crucial. In Tashkent we are currently working with Human Rights organisations, the OSCE, UNDP and other embassies to push Uzbekistan to develop and implement a National Action Plan to Combat Torture.