Uzbekistan has been elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for the 2027–2029 term, marking a historic first for the country. The unanimous decision was made at a session of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, reflecting Uzbekistan's growing diplomatic engagement on the global stage.
Within the Asia-Pacific regional group, five countries competed for four seats: Uzbekistan, China, Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia. India withdrew its candidacy just before the voting, and Uzbekistan's nomination was unanimously supported by all ECOSOC members. The Commission, established in 1992 in Vienna, is the principal UN body setting global policy on crime prevention and strengthening the rule of law, with members including the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
Membership opens new opportunities for Uzbekistan: participation in developing international norms and standards on crime prevention, enhancing its reputation as a responsible partner in human rights protection, and expanding practical cooperation with the UN and leading foreign organizations. Additionally, the country can more actively attract international expert and technical assistance to modernize its national justice system, potentially addressing ongoing reform needs in this area.
The three-year membership term will begin on January 1, 2027. To ensure effective participation, an action plan will be developed with the involvement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Supreme Court, and other agencies. In June 2026, a delegation from Uzbekistan will participate in the 35th session of the Commission in Vienna and present the country's priority directions, allowing for preparatory engagement ahead of the formal term.
Recall that Uzbekistan was elected as a member of ECOSOC for the 2025–2027 period in the summer of 2024, indicating a consistent pattern of increased international activity. However, challenges remain in translating this diplomatic achievement into tangible improvements in domestic justice and crime prevention efforts.
Source: podrobno.uz