Strengthening Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan
The problem:
In Uzbekistan, significant reforms have been initiated to enhance access to justice and strengthen the rule of law, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. However, there remains a pressing need to evaluate the effectiveness of these reforms in ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have equitable access to legal services. The current justice system faces several challenges, including limited availability of free legal aid (FLA), insufficient institutional capacity of legal service providers, and gaps in the protection of human rights, especially among marginalized populations. These issues contribute to a lack of awareness and accessibility to legal resources, leaving many individuals without the necessary support to navigate legal challenges. Moreover, there is a critical need to assess the specific legal needs of these vulnerable groups to ensure that reforms are responsive to their unique circumstances. This assessment is crucial for identifying the types of legal issues commonly faced by these groups, the effectiveness of current legal services, and the areas where further improvements are necessary. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the rule of law by ensuring that all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, can access justice and have their legal rights protected.
The solution:
InfoCapital Group (ICG) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive Legal Needs Assessment survey under the "Strengthening Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan" project. The survey aimed to gather detailed insights into the legal challenges faced by vulnerable populations across all regions of Uzbekistan, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. ICG began with a meticulous preparation phase, developing a detailed plan for the survey that included clear objectives and timelines. The data collection phase involved conducting surveys with up to 70 respondents in each region (Total: 1000 respondents), ensuring a representative sample of the target vulnerable groups. This data collection was pivotal in understanding the specific legal needs, challenges in accessing justice, and any regional disparities in legal service provision. Following the data collection, ICG performed a comprehensive analysis to identify key legal challenges, the availability and effectiveness of legal aid, and areas where legal services could be improved. The findings were compiled into a detailed draft report, which included statistical representations, analysis, and actionable recommendations for enhancing legal services and access to justice. The draft report was presented to stakeholders for feedback, which was then incorporated to ensure the report's relevance and accuracy. The final phase involved the development of a comprehensive final report and a presentation, providing stakeholders with a clear roadmap for improving legal services and strengthening the rule of law in Uzbekistan. Through this process, ICG contributed to the ongoing efforts to make justice more accessible and responsive to the needs of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
