RESILIENT project update #4, Sep’26: civic space & marginalised communities, EECA

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From regional pressures to country realities: civic space and marginalized communities in EECA

Project RESILIENT Update, September 2026

The RESILIENT project involves ongoing monitoring of the regulatory landscape in 10 Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. With this update the project team would like to draw your attention to the developments related to the civic space and affecting health and rights marginalized communities: people living with HIV (PLHIV), people using drugs (PUD), LGBTQI+, sex workers (SW) and organizations involved in HIV responses. Check out previous updates. Update covers the period of June – August 2026. Developments affecting civic space are presented first, followed by updates related to marginalized communities and civil society organizations working with them.

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Regional context | Armenia | Azerbaijan | Belarus | Georgia | Kazakhstan | Kyrgyzstan | Moldova | Tajikistan | Ukraine | Uzbekistan

Regional context

The period is marked by 2026 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS (22–23 June, New York) and a new Political Declaration, United to End AIDS by 2030 adopted. The Declaration calls for strengthening domestic financing while ensuring responsible transitions that do not disrupt essential services, including integrated HIV/TB responses. It explicitly commits governments to protecting an enabling civic space for civil society, addressing punitive legal barriers and discrimination, and recognising community leadership as indispensable to effective HIV responses.

In addition to restrictions of the civic space the EECA region is facing additional structural challenges that threaten the sustainability of HIV and TB responses and community-led interventions. According to the Global Fund’s GC8 transition timelines, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Moldova are among the countries scheduled to receive their final country allocations under Grant Cycle 8 (GC8), for HIV and/or TB programmes. This places increasing responsibility on national governments to ensure adequate domestic funding, including sustainable financing mechanisms for civil society and community-based organisations, and increasing threat to civil society and communities that this will be de-funded. A particular challenge will be preserving essential community-led prevention, outreach, harm reduction, human rights advocacy and support services for key populations, especially in countries where restrictive legislation and limited civic space already undermine CSOs’ ability to operate and access public funding. It is particularly challenging because in restrictive environments, although national legislation may formally allow governments to contract NGOs to deliver HIV services, procurement rules, complex tendering procedures, unrealistic financial requirements and restrictive policy environments can make these mechanisms practically inaccessible to civil society and community-led organisations (International Journal of Drug Policy, UNAIDS, APH).

Another significant challenge is the substantial restructuring of UNAIDS, including the reduction of its country-level presence, when advocacy of the rights of marginalized communities is very needed. UNAIDS has historically been a key institutional advocate for the rights and meaningful participation of marginalised communities, often providing critical political support and a platform for dialogue between governments and civil society. Its reduced presence risks weakening this support precisely when communities face growing uncertainty and increasingly restrictive operating environments.

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ARMENIA

Civic space

● Election-period pressure and shrinking space for political participation and critical voices
OSCE ODIHR concluded that although voters had a genuine choice and the process was generally well run, the campaign was highly confrontational and marked by divisive rhetoric. Civil Society Institute Armenia report documented a cumulative pattern of political pressure, hostile rhetoric, selective law-enforcement action and restrictions on critical voices in the pre-election environment.

According to the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPFE) the pressure on independent media and freedom of expression, particularly in the politically sensitive electoral context, continues. During April–June 2026, 43 cases of violations of the rights of journalists and media were recorded in Armenia, including one case of physical violence, 31 cases involving various forms of pressure and 11 violations of the right to receive and disseminate information. Nearly one quarter of these cases occurred during the campaign preceding the 7 June parliamentary elections and on election day.

● Persistent legal uncertainty around CSO grant funding despite a positive legislative amendment
On 3 July 2026, Armenia’s parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Procurement introducing a legal definition of a “grant” and more clearly distinguishing grants from procurement contracts. While this might be a positive development, the underlying problem remains unresolved because Armenia’s Tax Code may still allow donor-funded CSO activities to be treated as economic activity/service provision for VAT purposes. According to CSO Meter, this creates uncertainty, administrative burdens and potential financial risks, and can even discourage organisations from seeking larger grants.

Marginalised communities

● Anti-LGBTQI+ and “traditional family values” rhetoric and increased hostility towards LGBTQI+
In June-August 2026 no political party or parliamentary faction has formally introduced legislation concerning “lgbt-propaganda” restrictions. Nevertheless, the anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and traditional/family values themes are frequently referenced in public discourse and exploited during election cycles, such as the June 2026 National Assembly elections.

On 27 July, CIVICUS published an interview with Pink Armenia documenting coordinated disinformation ahead of the elections. It included AI-generated images falsely depicting a Pride event, impersonation of Pink Armenia, a lookalike website/domain, false claims about LGBTQI+ curricula and same-sex marriage, and narratives portraying LGBTQI+ organisations as instruments of foreign agendas. CIVICUS/Pink Armenia linked these campaigns to increased hostility towards LGBTQI+ people and broader anti-democratic narratives.

In August 2026, Right Side NGO organised a meeting aimed at strengthening regional networks of LGBTQI+ people in Armenia. Participants from different regions, including asylum seekers and refugees, highlighted persistent challenges faced by LGBTQI+ people outside the capital. These included discrimination, social isolation and the lack of safe spaces, as well as limited access to legal, social and psychological assistance. It illustrates how the limited availability of community-based support structures can increase the vulnerability and isolation of LGBTQI+ people, particularly those facing intersecting forms of marginalisation.

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AZERBAIJAN

Civic space

● Escalating crackdown on independent media and civil society
An Azerbaijani court on 27 July 2026 sentenced nine journalists, media workers, and civil society activists to between 12 and 15 years in prison. It is the harshest verdict since the government began its ongoing crackdown on independent journalism. Azerbaijan’s restrictive regulatory framework has largely excluded independent media and civil society groups from lawful avenues for operating and accessing funding, forcing many to work at the margins of the law and leaving them vulnerable to retaliatory prosecutions on spurious financial charges.

● Growing security concerns and self-censorship among CSOs working with marginalized communities
According to perceptions shared by CSO representatives in informal discussions, cooperation with governmental institutions has become more sensitive and potentially unsafe, particularly for independent organizations and groups working with stigmatized or criminalized populations. Organizations may be required to provide extensive information concerning their staff, funding, activities, venues, participants and beneficiaries. CSOs working with PLHIV, people who use drugs, sex workers and LGBTQI+ people are particularly concerned that personally identifiable information could be transferred to law-enforcement or other state institutions, expose beneficiaries to stigma or investigation, or trigger additional inspections. Therefore, organizations working with marginalized communities commonly avoid collecting unnecessary personal information; use unique identification codes instead of names; organize some consultations in closed or non-public formats; avoid publishing participants’ photographs, identities or exact locations; limit the visibility of activities involving highly stigmatized populations; adopt more neutral terms for them; avoid certain topics.

● Centralization of state NGO financing through a “single window” mechanism
As stated in previous March-May 2026 update, in April 2026, the state NGO support agency announced work on a centralized information system intended to coordinate and track NGO funding. On 22 June 2026 a procedure was approved by Decision No. 188 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It coordinates government financing of NGOs – including grants, state orders, subsidies, and competitive and non-competitive financing – through a “single window” mechanism operated jointly with the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Agency).  

Marginalised communities

● Stigmatizing language toward marginalised communities in state-administered HIV funding
n early practical application of the new coordinated “single window” approach is an announced by the Ministry of Health and the Agency for State Support to NGOs a Global Fund-financed grant competition for NGOs implementing HIV-prevention projects among key populations. It further increases the chilling effect described in “civic space” section. The competition explicitly covers people who inject drugs and includes projects that appear to target sex workers and MSM. However, instead of using the terms “sex workers” and “MSM,” the announcement uses the more indirect wording “women leading a non-traditional lifestyle” and “men leading a non-traditional lifestyle”, “Preventive work and organization of HIV, syphilis, HBV and tuberculosis screenings among men living a non-traditional lifestyle and gender non-conforming men“.

● Lack of accountability following the police raid on an LGBTQI+-friendly venue
As reported in previous updates, on in the night of 26–27 December 2026 police raided the LGBTQI+-friendly club “Labyrinth” in Baku. Around 100–106 people were detained. Human rights groups criticized the raid and described it as part of broader pressure on marginalized groups. Authorities stated that the operation was related to suspected drug use or administrative violations, though activists argued it targeted LGBTQI+ people specifically. By the end of August 2026 there is no publicly confirmed independent investigation into the allegations.

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BELARUS

Civic space

● Continued dismantling of independent civil society
The number of CSOs in Belarus has continued to decline as a result of forced liquidation, pressure to self-liquidate, criminalization of independent civic activity, and the broader restrictive legal environment. By the end of June 2026, cumulative institutional losses had increased further to at least 2,044 NGOs and forced and voluntary liquidation continued in July 2026. Although the rate of liquidation has slowed compared with the peak period of 2021–2024, this should not be interpreted as an improvement in civic space. According to Lawtrend the consequences of the mass liquidation campaign remain systemic: the infrastructure for civic participation, legal and social assistance, independent education, charitable work and advocacy has been significantly dismantled. Registration of new organizations remains highly restricted.

Marginalised communities

● New “LGBT propaganda” ban and expanded censorship
On 19 June 2026 a new explicit restriction on so-called “LGBT propaganda” entered into force in Belarus: the Law of the Republic of Belarus of 15 April 2026 No. 138-Z “On Amendments to Codes on Issues of Administrative Liability” introduced Article 19.16 of the Code of Administrative Offences. The provision penalizes dissemination of information intended to create positive perceptions of homosexual relationships, gender transition or childlessness, with higher sanctions where minors have access to such information. The actual effect of the law is yet to come, but it is already clear that:

  • The notion of “promotion” is broadly framed, the provision can affect educational, health, research and human-rights information concerning LGBTQI+ people;
  • It significantly increases risks for LGBTQI+ organizations, activists, health professionals and others sharing neutral, educational or rights-based information about LGBTQI+ people; and therefore
  • Increases incentives for self-censorship among LGBTQI+ organizations and other actors providing related health, educational or rights information.
  • Restrictions also continued through the designation of websites and social-media accounts as “extremist materials”: in June and July, numerous civil society information resources were added to the Republican List of Extremist Materials.  Sharing or distributing materials included on this list can therefore carry legal risks.
  • June 2026 EUAA report notes increased LGBTQI+ surveillance, arbitrary arrest and detention, and mistreatment in detention.

Overall, CSOs and community-led organizations working with marginalized communities continued to avoid publicly promoting topics that could expose them to legal or security risks. This particularly affects LGBTQI+ rights and identities, harm reduction and drug-use information, documentation of state abuses, and advocacy involving organizations or media designated as “extremist”.

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GEORGIA

Civic space

● Anti-government protests and severe situation of CSOs
Anti-government protests, although at a smaller scale than initially do continue, alongside advocacy through European and international mechanisms, as well as the pressure on CSOs, journalists and activists, including attacks by unidentified groups and a lack of effective investigations. Most recently, according to stakeholder reported information, TBpeople received a notification of a monitoring inspection and a request to submit documentation (based on Georgian Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, Article 8).

According to CIVICUS Monitor “July 2026 Watchlist – Georgia” 96% of surveyed organisations reported acute financial difficulties and 94% had reduced their activities, with some ceasing operations altogether.

Marginalised communities

● Organisations serving marginalised communities: sharp decline in activities and self-censorship
Based on stakeholder reporting and also numerous international observations (Human Rights Watch, CIVICUS Monitor, OMCT), further tightening of the conditions for CSOs, hence also for organisations working with marginalised communities, including restrictions on international funding, government inspections and oversight, and the risk of beneficiaries’ sensitive data being disclosed, has led to a sharp decline in the activities of CSOs working with marginalised communities in Georgia: generally organisations have not been dissolved or wound up due to the risk of tax audits and fines; instead, they have gone into hibernation.

The Human Rights Watch reports interviewing 15 Georgian activists, lawyers and NGO representatives and documented cases provide clear proof of CSOs serving marginalised communities inducing self-censorship:

  • Increasing self-censorship, particularly among organisations working on LGBTQI+ rights.
  • Grlz Wave, a queer feminist media platform, reported shifting to self-censorship, particularly concerning queer issues.
  • A social and healthcare organisation serving vulnerable communities suspended its advocacy activities, including a planned public awareness campaign on sexuality education, because of potential legal consequences.
  •  Authorities refused approval for foreign funding intended to support an LGBTQI+ organisation’s healthcare and harm reduction services for marginalised communities.

● Repressive law-enforcement practices against sex workers continue
In June 2026 an operation in Tbilisi and Kutaisi resulted in 14 arrests and the closure of nine establishments. Such operations tend to intensify ahead of elections and are linked to political and public messaging objectives. This is particularly concerning, since activities of human rights organisations traditionally providing legal assistance and protection for sex workers have been reduced as well, e.g. the suspension of free legal aid by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association

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KAZAKHSTAN

Civic space

The CIVICUS Monitor 2026 established the further shrinking of civic space, including constitutional changes, pressure on independent civil society. restrictions on LGBTQI+ advocacy.

● Constitutional requirement for greater transparency for foreign funding
Even though, there is no separate law on foreign agents, the new Constitution, adopted in March 2026, entered into force on 1 July 2026. Among other it requires information on funds and assets received by NGOs from foreign states, international/foreign entities and foreign individuals to be publicly accessible. It enshrines at constitutional level the requirement for greater transparency regarding foreign funding of non-governmental organisations.

● Electoral restrictions limiting political and civic participation
On 11 June 2026 Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 305-VIII “On introducing amendments and additions to certain constitutional laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan with to bring them into line with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and improve the Republic of Kazakhstan’s legislation on elections and the Public Prosecutor’s Office” was adopted. It substantially revised Kazakhstan’s electoral framework. Among other changes, it eliminated independent candidacies, allowing only political parties to nominate candidates to the new 145-member parliament, and expanded the prohibition on foreign funding to any election-related activities. The practical impact of these changes became apparent during the Kurultai elections on 23 August 2026. The OSCE/ODIHR noted that the vaguely formulated foreign funding restrictions and their inconsistent interpretation by the authorities created undue impediments for domestic election observers and discouraged some civil society organisations from participating. ODIHR concluded that the revised electoral framework limited political participation and electoral competitiveness, while the elections took place in an environment lacking political pluralism.

Marginalised communities

● Anti-LGBT propaganda law in practice
The entry into force in March 2026 of legislation banning so-called LGBTQI+ propaganda, further narrowed space for free expression and advocacy on LGBTQI+ issues:

● Proposed decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed removing criminalization of unlawful handling of drugs without the intention to supply entrenched in Article 296 of Criminal Code and transferring it to the Administrative law. As of August 2026,  regulatory policy consultation paper had been put out for public consultation.

● Stigmatising official rhetoric targeting sex workers and LGBTQI+ people
On 15 June 2026, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the detention of alleged organisers and ultimate beneficiaries of Kyzdar.net, an online platform advertising paid sexual services. Separately, on 19 June, the Specialised Interdistrict Criminal Court of North Kazakhstan Region convicted six members of an organised group for facilitating commercial sexual services through the platform. Importantly, the Ministry explicitly highlighted that, among approximately 9,000 profiles on the platform, more than 500 allegedly belonged to people of what it termed “non-traditional sexual orientation” and “transvestites”, and linked the advertised services to the risk of spreading infectious diseases. This official framing raises concerns about the further stigmatisation of LGBTQI+ people and sex workers, particularly through the association of marginalised identities with criminal activity and infectious disease. While the available information does not establish direct criminalisation on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, such rhetoric risks reinforcing discriminatory narratives and undermining trust in public-health institutions and access to HIV prevention services.

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KYRGYZSTAN

Civic space

● Online monitoring by state authorities constitutes a documented risk for CSOs
On 21 July 2026, the head of the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration, D. Orunbekov, published a post on Facebook directed against people who had criticised the authorities’ policies, in particular Kyrgyzstan’s relations with China and the rise in external debt. The post was accompanied by collages featuring specific individuals – politicians, activists, human rights defenders, media representatives and NGO representatives. These included their full names, photographs, dates of birth and links to their social media accounts. Moreover, Orunbekov warned of possible criminal liability for posts and comments such as ‘China is taking over’, ‘land is being sold off’ and ‘external debt has skyrocketed’.

Marginalised communities

● CSOs serving and representing marginalized communities continued to self-censor
Self-censorship includes changed terminology, abandoning open information campaigns, moving activities into closed formats, making social-media accounts private, and marking materials “18+”). CSOs and community-led organisations exercise particular caution when publicly promoting LGBTIQ+ rights, the rights of sex workers, harm reduction and the rights of people who use drugs, as well as advocacy for the decriminalisation of certain practices associated with key populations. Educational, informational and advocacy materials on such issues may not be published, may be removed or may not be produced at all – particularly for online distribution – due to fears of sanctions, content blocking or increased scrutiny from state authorities. This limits access to relevant information for key populations, including sex workers and people who use drugs.

● Mandatory premarital HIV testing proposed
The draft law on mandatory premarital HIV-testing(“On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic (to the Family Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Acts of Civil Status”) remains pending as of end-August 2026.

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MOLDOVA

Civic space

● Restrictions on inclusive civil society participation in policymaking
Draft Law No. 266 of 22 July 2026 “On Public Participation in the Decision-Making Process” has passed 2 Parliamentary readings as of end of August 2026. It removes the possibility of submitting recommendations orally during public consultation meetings, as well as the obligation on public authorities to consider such recommendations. Furthermore, the amendment narrowed the circumstances in which repeated public consultations must be held. These changes may hinder the participation of citizens and civil society organisations in public consultations and reduce civil society’s ability to influence the content of draft legislation, reduce accessibility and inclusivity of public participation.

Marginalized communities

● Potential restrictions on online harm-reduction and drug-prevention information
On 28 August 2026 the Law No. 173 (on amendments to certain regulatory acts on the prevention and suppression of the illicit trafficking in drugs, narcotic and psychotropic substances, ethnobotanical substances, precursors or analogues of narcotic or psychotropic substances) of 30 July 2026 was enacted.. The Law does not explicitly prohibit accurate medical information, HIV prevention or harm-reduction services, however its broad wording creates a potential risk that CSO prevention content could be interpreted as facilitating drug use. The provision prohibits the registration or use of accounts on social media, online platforms, web portals, applications, messaging services, email and other IT tools for the purpose of ‘promoting or facilitating the use’ of drugs, psychotropic substances, ethnobotanical products or their analogues.

● Safe and peaceful conduct of Chișinău Pride
On 21 June 2026, the Chișinău Pride 2026 March – a major public event promoting LGBTQI+ rights – organised by GENDERDOC-M, took place in the centre of Chișinău. It was dedicated to equality, safety, non-discrimination and the recognition and legal protection of same-sex couples’ families. It took place without any serious incidents; security was provided by the police.

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TAJIKISTAN

Civic space

● Continued pressure on civil society and human rights defenders
Civil society operates in an environment where fundamental freedoms are formally guaranteed but increasingly constrained in practice. Pressure is exercised on independent journalists, human rights defenders and CSOs, including intimidation, politically motivated prosecution and imprisonment, self-censorship and restrictions on independent expression. The environment for CSOs is affected by restrictive and inconsistent administrative practices, including non-transparent registration and licensing procedures, which have contributed to organisations and media outlets closing. Donor funding has also reduced, domestic resources are limited and narratives portraying CSOs as being under foreign influence are common. (EUSEE, IPHR). Several articles from June-August 2026 depict the grave situation of civic space in Tajikistan:

  • Tajik Civil Society Coalition against Torture published an article on 24 June 2026 summarising the UN Committee against Torture’s concluding observations: intimidation, threats and persecution of human rights defenders, minority representatives, civil society activists, lawyers, journalists and their families, particularly in connection with developments following the 2021–2022 GBAO events.
  • Civil society organisations continued operating (18 August 2026), providing legal assistance, publishing human-rights materials and engaging with international mechanisms, but  simultaneously restrictions on access to official information, insufficient engagement by authorities in public discussion of sensitive human-rights issues, and limited financial and technical resources are in place.
  • On 7 July 2026, Human Rights Watch reported on the deportation of opposition activist Asadullo Boboev from Germany to Tajikistan and his detention following his return. HRW describes a broader pattern of transnational repression of Tajik activists and government critics and says that it generates fear and self-censorship among activists and diaspora communities.

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UKRAINE

Civic space

● Concerns over rights restrictions in the draft Civil Code
The draft new Civil Code of Ukraine (Bill No. 15150), adopted in the first reading on 28 April 2026, remained under preparation for its second reading during the reporting period. The draft continued to attract significant criticism from civil society and human rights organisations over its potential implications for the rights of women, children, LGBTQI+ people and people with disabilities, as well as freedom of expression and other fundamental rights. In June, the Council of Europe found that many of the proposed changes showed negative tendencies inconsistent with Council of Europe and EU standards. Concerns included excessive protection of reputation and digital rights, insufficient distinction between public and private persons, vague provisions, inadequate safeguards against SLAPPs, and potential restrictions on journalistic activity, access to information and public scrutiny. The Council of Europe recommended substantial further refinement of the media-related provisions.

Marginalized communities

● Progress towards decriminalising consensual adult pornography
Draft Law No. 15294 (‘Draft Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding the strengthening of liability for the production and distribution of child pornography’) was registered on 3 June 2026 and passed its first reading on 14 July. Despite its title focusing on child pornography, it would also decriminalizes consensual creation, possession, transmission, sale and distribution of pornographic content between adults, while retaining or strengthening liability for child pornography, coercion, exploitation, pimping and trafficking. As of 27 August, it was being prepared for the second reading.

● Growing LGBTQI+ mobilisation and restrictions on LGBTQI+ peaceful assembly and expression
According to LGBT Human Rights Nash Svit Center “LGBTQ situation in Ukraine in first half of 2026” Public LGBTQI+ mobilisation became increasingly visible in Ukraine in 2026. Following the first Odesa Pride March since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on 17 May, LvivPride held a public human-rights action in central Lviv on 7 June, while approximately 5,000 people participated in the KyivPride Equality March on 21 June — the largest Pride march in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. The events called for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, stronger protection against hate crimes and revision of discriminatory provisions in Draft Civil Code No. 15150. Public LGBTQI+ actions also took place in a number of other Ukrainian cities.

At the same time, Nash Svit has documented violations of the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression during protests against the draft law 15294 in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Lviv, Khmelnytskyi and Lutsk. In some cases, police officers demanded that posters or symbols relating to LGBTQI+ issues be removed. The most telling incident occurred in Lutsk, where the city authorities, the police and an SBU officer attempted to prevent or relocate a demonstration organised by the NGO ‘Insight’.

● No news to draft laws with “anti-lgbt” and “anti-drug” propaganda
The status of the previously introduced “Anti-lgbt propaganda” (Draft Law No. 6327) and“anti-drug propaganda” (Draft Law No. 5496) has notchanged. The latter was included in the Verkhovna Rada agenda on 1 September 2026.

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UZBEKISTAN

Civic space

● Detention and alleged ill-treatment of a human rights defender
Human Rights Watch reports the case of Zhavokhir Muminovis – a member of the Ezgulik Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, one of the oldest registered human rights groups in the country. He has published information about rights violations and other developments in Uzbekistan on his Telegram channel, including about alleged corruption and police abuse in his home region of Kashkadarya in southwestern Uzbekistan. Z. Muminovis was detained on 5 June 2026 on charges of committing “extortion on an especially large scale” (an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years). On 10 June he told his lawyer that he had been beaten and choked following his detention. On 6 July 2026, Uzbek Forum reported that it had received a copy of the forensic medical report confirming that Z. Muminov had sustained multiple injuries whilst in police custody. As of end of August there is no information that Z. Muminov has been released.

● Formal recognition and regulation of the right to strike
Law No. ZRU-1150 “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Strengthening of Guarantees of Citizens’ Labour Rights” from 11 June 2026, was adopted. It strengthens guarantees of citizens’ labour rights. The Law introduces into the Labour Code a formal right to strike and establishes procedures for organising and conducting strikes. Where a collective labour dispute cannot be resolved through conciliation procedures, workers may decide to strike; participation must be voluntary and the decision is subject to prescribed collective decision-making and notification procedures. At the same time, the new framework establishes restrictions on strikes and administrative and criminal liability for violations of strike legislation. The amendments enter into force on 12 September 2026.

● New framework for NGO participation in social service provision
On 23 July 2026, Uzbekistan adopted the Law “On Social Work” — ZRU-1159, establishing a unified legal framework for social work and formally recognising NGOs as participants and potential providers of social services. The Law provides for accreditation and a Register of Social Service Providers, with these provisions due to become operational from 1 January 2027, and establishes state oversight of social-service provision. For civil society and community-led organisations serving marginalised populations, the new framework may create both opportunities and potential risks: formal participation in the social-service system could provide greater recognition and opportunities for cooperation, while accreditation, state oversight and participation in inter-agency information systems warrant monitoring from the perspective of organisational independence and protection of sensitive beneficiary data.

● Expanded state oversight of online information and digital resources
On 24 July 2026, Presidential Decree No. PF-141 was adopted, aimed at improving strategic planning and state oversight in the field of digital technologies. Among its stated priorities is strengthening state oversight in the fields of information and mass communications, telecommunications, digital technologies and publishing. The Decree expands and specifies the oversight functions of the relevant state Inspectorate, including over information resources, databases, digital services, mass media and publishing. It also provides for mechanisms to require the removal of information prohibited under Uzbek law and for maintaining a register of Internet resources containing such information. While the Decree does not specifically target civil society, the expansion of state oversight over online information and digital resources warrants monitoring from a civic-space perspective, particularly given the importance of online platforms for CSOs, activists and informal initiatives.

Marginalized communities

● Further strengthening of punitive drug policy
On 11 June 2026, Uzbekistan adopted Law No. ZRU-1151 (Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. ZRU-1151 ‘On the Introduction of Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of Liability Measures for the Illegal Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Their Analogues, Psychotropic Substances and Potent Substances’), introducing extensive amendments to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Code of Administrative Responsibility concerning narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and potent substances. The Law, which entered into force on 12 June, systematises and strengthens criminal and administrative liability for a broad range of drug-related activities. Liability continues to apply to possession and other drug-related acts without intent to sell, while the Law introduces a new administrative offence for consumption of drugs or potent substances in public places, punishable by a fine or administrative detention of up to 15 days. It also regulates offences concerning drug-related “propaganda”, which may push organizations to organizations to avoid direct language about safer drug use, overdose, rights during detention and safe access to assistance.

● Article 120 remains the major barrier to health services for LGBTQI+ people
Serious concerns were expressed over the continued and intensified enforcement of Article 120 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan that criminalises consensual sexual relations between men and is used to persecute trans women. It also, constitutes a well-documented structural barrier to public health, with direct consequences for HIV prevention and treatment outcomes.

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