On April 13–14, 2026, a two-day training on "The Forensic Medical Documentation of Torture and Other Forms of Ill-Treatment in Accordance with the Istanbul Protocol" was held in Khiva.

The event was organized as part of a joint project between the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the national human rights protection system.

The event was also organized by the the Department for the Execution of Sentences under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Medicine.

The goal of the training is to increase the awareness of medical staff from the Department for the Execution of Sentences under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Medicine regarding international standards for the effective documentation of torture and ill-treatment in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol.

During the event's opening remarks, heads and specialists from the organizing agencies delivered speeches, emphasizing the profound relevance of the topic to strengthening legal guarantees for citizens.

In his speech, A. Saidov, Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights, focused on the systematic implementation of international standards into national practice. He noted that since 2017, Uzbekistan has been undertaking consistent work to prevent torture and ill-treatment, and stressed that high-quality forensic medical documentation is the foundation of a just legal system. He also emphasized that the effective application of the Istanbul Protocol requires close inter-agency cooperation between law enforcement bodies, medical institutions, and the expert community.

The OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador A. Karttunen, in his speech, focused on the central element of the Istanbul Protocol - the victim-centered approach. The Ambassador noted the importance of the reforms being implemented in the country and the role of the OSCE in strengthening the capacity of state institutions in accordance with international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules. At the same time, he emphasized that the work of medical workers in this process is an important ethical mission.

Olimov, Chief Specialist of the Medical Department of the Department for the Execution of Punishments under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, drew the participants' attention to the specifics of working in places of deprivation of liberty. He emphasized the key role of medical personnel in the timely detection of cases of ill-treatment and pointed out the need to ensure full objectivity and independence of medical examinations.

The head of the Khorezm branch of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Forensic Medicine, A. Masharipov, emphasized the role of expertise as one of the primary tools for ensuring legality. He noted that improving the professional level of specialists and implementing international standards directly affects the protection of human rights. A. Masharipov emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of scientific validity and the independence of expert activities, as well as the importance of such training events for the practical application of acquired knowledge in the regional branches of the center.

The practical part of the training was conducted under the guidance of international experts—international consultant on prison reform and human rights, representative of the International Penitentiary Fund A. Shambilov, and international expert on the Istanbul Protocol, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tbilisi State Medical University R. Beriashvili, who was directly involved in the development of the Istanbul Protocol.

The participants were presented with the updated second edition of the document, developed based on ten years of global experience. Experts analyzed the protocol structure in detail, covering ethical standards, interview methods, recording physical evidence, and assessing psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Particular attention was paid to the role of primary care physicians, who are often the first to contact victims and form a evidence base.

During the training sessions, participants studied in detail the techniques for building trust between a doctor and a patient, as well as the skills of active listening and non-verbal communication. Experts explained the importance of using open-ended questions at the initial stage of the interview and the risks of re-traumatization when conducting a conversation incorrectly. Mechanisms for managing patients' strong emotional reactions, such as "flashbacks," and the need to provide the victim with a sense of control over the examination process were discussed. It was emphasized that a lack of trust in the information storage system may hinder the disclosure of important details necessary for the investigation.

The training concluded with a discussion on further steps to improve the torture documentation system in Uzbekistan. Participants proposed ensuring the absence of video surveillance in reception rooms to maintain confidentiality, as well as taking measures to eliminate the shortage of qualified personnel.

Press Service of the National Center of the

Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights

UzDaily.com