Uzbekistan

Introduction

Uzbekistan’s framework governing the right to information is poor and lies well below the global average. Although the law applies broadly, this benefit is nullified by a problematic exceptions regime. Many of the provisions do not comply with international standards and there is no public interest override. Additionally, the legislation is missing a trump provision, meaning that other legislation can generate exceptions to disclosure in addition to the right to information law. Other troublesome portions of the law include vague rules relating to access fees, the absence of a promotional measures mandate, and its exceptionally flawed appeals process. There is neither an internal or external reconsideration system set up by the legislation, meaning that the appellant must appeal to the more expensive judiciary, creating substantial access to justice issues.

Local Expert: Nozima Kamalova