In recent years, Uzbekistan has taken significant steps toward enhancing legal culture and raising awareness among its population. Recognising the importance of a fair and prosperous society, the government has prioritised legal education and has implemented various reforms to foster a more legally conscious public.
A clear reflection of the nation’s commitment to improving legal awareness is evident in the numerous legal acts introduced over the past years. These reforms have been underpinned by the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who on December 7, 2019, emphasised the necessity of improving legal culture, especially from an early age, to foster respect for the law across all societal levels. His remarks were made at a ceremonial meeting marking the 27th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Constitution.
To further institutionalise this commitment, the Uzbek government has adopted over 10 key legal acts designed to boost legal culture. These include laws such as the Law on the Prevention of Crimes, the Law on the Provision of Legal Assistance at State Expense, and the Law on the Dissemination of Legal Information and Ensuring Access to It. These measures aim not only to regulate but also to encourage public engagement with legal matters. Notably, the Presidential Decree on the Radical Improvement of the System for Increasing Legal Awareness and Culture in Society has laid the groundwork for the development of systemic, interconnected legal education spanning individuals, families, and society at large.
A significant development in this effort was the establishment of Advice.uz, a national informational and legal system designed to provide free legal consultations. Since its launch in 2019, the platform has served as an accessible resource for legal information, available to both Uzbek citizens and foreign nationals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that citizens have the tools to understand and exercise their legal rights effectively.
In 2019, the government also registered the non-governmental institution Madad, which offers free online legal assistance. This initiative was created to bridge the gap in legal services and to ensure that even vulnerable populations have access to legal support. The continued development of these services reflects Uzbekistan’s dedication to ensuring that all citizens are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the legal system.
Another key milestone was the adoption of a comprehensive program in 2022-2023 aimed at improving legal culture in the country. This program focuses on educating citizens about human rights, women’s rights, and children’s rights, with courses set to be implemented in higher educational institutions and training centres for public servants. These educational initiatives have been tailored to increase legal awareness among all age groups, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with a strong legal foundation.
The country’s legal reforms have also extended to the legislative framework. For the first time, legal assistance provided by the state has been clearly defined, ensuring that low-income individuals can access professional legal support free of charge in certain circumstances. This initiative has been instrumental in increasing access to justice and protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens.
More Read
The role of civil society institutions, particularly the mahalla (local community councils), in enhancing legal culture has also been emphasised. The mahalla system, an integral part of Uzbek society, has been leveraged to reach grassroots communities with legal education and awareness programs. In addition, mobile court hearings and open dialogues with legal scholars have become common in educational institutions and civil society settings, helping to further embed legal literacy in the daily lives of citizens.
Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve legal awareness are not only focused on educating the public but also on professionalising the legal system. The government has introduced ongoing training for civil servants, ensuring that state officials are well-versed in the laws they are tasked with upholding. This initiative aims to create a legal framework that is both fair and efficient, providing a strong foundation for the country’s development.
In summary, Uzbekistan is making remarkable strides in improving the legal literacy and awareness of its population. Through a series of legislative, educational, and institutional reforms, the government is working to create a society where the rule of law is respected, and citizens are empowered to assert their rights. These efforts reflect the country’s commitment to developing a legal culture that underpins its socio-economic reforms and ensures that all citizens can actively engage with and benefit from the legal system.
