Evaluation Report: Final Independent Project Evaluation of Strengthening Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has implemented a rule of law project funded by Finland in Uzbekistan in 2022-2025. UNDP Uzbekistan worked closely with civil society organisations and government authorities. According to the evaluation, the project supported Uzbekistan's own development objectives and delivered concrete results.
The central objective of the Rule of Law project has been to support the establishment of a free legal aid system in Uzbekistan. Through the project, Finland has supported Uzbekistan in reforms related to legal aid and the justice system. Key beneficiaries include groups in vulnerable position living in remote areas—such as women living in rural areas and persons with disabilities—whose awareness of their rights and access to legal services is often limited. The project has contributed to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Uzbekistan.
According to the evaluation, the project has been highly relevant and has supported the reform of Uzbekistan’s justice sector. The project’s activities to improve the legal protection of women, young people, persons with disabilities, and people living in rural areas have been effective. The strong ownership of the Ministry of Justice supports the sustainability of the project’s results, although limited resources may hinder the continuation of activities once the donor funding ends.