Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan

The Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan (HRSU) and Front Line presented a joint letter in Geneva on 15th December calling for the release of 14 imprisoned human rights defenders and 4 imprisoned family members. Abdujalil Boymatov, Deputy Chair of the HRSU presented the letter to the office of Margaret Sekaggya, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, and also met with representatives of six of the other special procedures. The visit coincided with the Human Rights Council discussing the Universal Periodic Review of Uzbekistan.

Read the joint letter to Margaret Sekaggya, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

Front Line is gravely concerned by reports that Ihtiyor Hamroev, a human rights defender and member of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan was subjected to torture and ill treatment while detained in Prison 64/78 in the Djizak region, on 26 and 27 December 2006.

On 26 December 2006, Ihtiyor Hamroev reportedly complained of stomach pains related to an ulcer and asked the prison guard on duty to call for a doctor. The head of the prison was made aware of his condition. On the following day, 27 December 2006, Ihtiyor Hamroev was allegedly handcuffed and severely beaten by prison guards. Reports claim that he was repeatedly kicked in the stomach, and was subsequently dragged by the hair across the floor. He was then transferred to an isolation unit for 24 hours. Ihtiyor Hamroev's health deteriorated considerably after the incident and he was transferred to Zafarabad district hospital where he was given a medical examination.  

Brussels, 29 November 2006 – Irish EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy has cut the ribbon to formally open the EU Office of Front Line, on 29 November, the first-ever International Women Human Rights Defenders Day. “I'm pleased to open the Front Line's office in Brussels, since this Irish-based international organisation has demonstrated the vital role human rights defenders can play, and the need to work for their protection”, stated the EU Commissioner.

Founded in Dublin in 2001, Front Line provides support and security for human rights defenders. This support is provided through a grant programme, training, advocacy, research, a fellowship programme. Front Line regularly publishes reports on the situation of human rights defenders.

Front Line has established an office in Brussels to more effectively follow-up on the EU Guidelines for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders adopted under the Irish Presidency in June 2004 and to more effectively lobby the Commission and other EU institutions on behalf of human rights defenders.

Human rights defenders at risk in Uzbekistan