EHRA, ECOM, SWAN and EWNA are deeply concerned about the recent dramatic increase in cases of intimidation and torture of LGBTQI+ community, including sex workers and trans people and call for interventions from international and UN agencies.
Official data from the state system indicates sharp increase in the number of cases under Article 120 from 23 cases in 2020 to 71 cases in the first nine months of 2025.
The situation of LGBTQI+ people in Uzbekistan in 2026 (more details in English and Russian) is characterized by increasing risks related to the application of Article 120 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan criminalizing consensual sexual relations between men and provides basis for punishment in the form of restriction of liberty for a period of one to three years, or imprisonment for up to three years.
A particular concern are cases of arrest based on Article 120 in 2026, when law enforcement officers carry out mass detentions, demand that detainees unlock their phones, use personal information for threats and pressure, and subsequently refer detainees for forced invasive forensic medical examinations, including anal examinations, which are cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and, in some cases, as torture [1].
Also, there is an indication of lawyers being “recommended” no to accept LGBTQI+ related cases as it might result in the loss of practice license.
Article 120 is not only a discriminatory criminal provision, but also an infrastructure of systemic vulnerability that creates conditions for raids, threats, corruption, torture, and the impossibility of an effective complaint. Recognizing this, UN human rights mechanisms, and especially the UN Committee Against Torture, have recommended Uzbekistan repealing Article 120 of the Criminal Code and expressed concern that the criminalization of consensual same-sex relations contributes to violence, torture, extortion and discrimination against LGBT persons [2].
More information about the situation in Uzbekistan in English and Russian.
[1] – OHCHR https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/BornFreeAndEqualLowRes.pdf
– Between Law and Reality: Report on Human Rights Violations against LGBT People in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2025 https://ecom.ngo/en/library/lgbt-rights-violations-report-eeca-2025/
– WMA Resolution on Prohibition of Forced Anal Examinations to Substantiate Same-Sex Sexual Activity –https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-resolution-on-prohibition-of-forced-anal-examinations-to-substantiate-same-sex-sexual-activity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
– Independent Forensic Expert Group – https://irct.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IFEG-Statement-Anal-Examination.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[2] Committee against Torture Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Uzbekistan, para 64 CAT/C/UZB/CO/5 https://docstore.ohchr.org.