Measures to further deepen reforms in the judicial and legal system were discussed
Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with judicial system leaders to discuss the results of judicial and legal reforms and their priorities.
At the meeting, the draft "Justice 2030" Strategy, aimed at developing court operations through 2030, was presented.
In recent years, reforms have been consistently implemented to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, protect human rights through the courts, and expand access to justice. However, an analysis of public complaints and judicial practice revealed that issues remain in the system that require resolution.
In this regard, it was noted that the reforms should primarily result in citizens being able to apply to court without unnecessary difficulties, promptly restore violated rights, and be confident in the fairness of the decision.
The "Justice 2030" strategy was developed based on public input, dialogue with academics, practicing lawyers, and attorneys, as well as best international practices. It identifies 57 objectives, and the Action Plan for its implementation for 2026–2028 outlines 160 specific measures. It also sets 33 goals to be achieved by 2030.
In particular, to improve the objectivity of lower court decisions, five interregional courts will be established starting July 1, 2027. Regional courts will retain appellate and cassation courts, while the powers of the review court will be transferred to the interregional courts. This will eliminate the practice of courts reviewing their own decisions and reduce the need for citizens to appeal to capital courts.
Considering that civil courts hear matters directly related to people's daily lives and are the most frequently approached by citizens, their activities will be gradually expanded to nearly all districts and cities by 2030, as needed, to bring these courts closer to the public. All courts will provide the ability to obtain information, submit applications, and use digital services using a "one-stop shop" approach.
If a submitted application falls within the jurisdiction of another court, it will not be returned to the citizen; the court will forward it to the appropriate court. If minor deficiencies are identified, the court will actively assist the applicant in resolving them.
To promptly resolve economic disputes, a "proactive management of economic cases" standard will be introduced. This will eliminate the need for entrepreneurs to go through various courts and resubmit documents.
Recognizing that human freedom is the highest value, a "reasonable suspicion" (Prima Facie) standard will be introduced to strengthen human rights guarantees during the investigation and inquiry stages. When considering sanctions, the investigating judge will be able to verify the legality of the detention, the sufficiency of grounds for suspicion or charges, and request any necessary additional materials. This will prevent the unjustified restriction of a person's liberty.
To ensure uniformity in judicial practice, an open "Register of Precedents" will be maintained, including decisions of the Presidium of the Supreme Court.
To relieve judges of organizational functions unrelated to the administration of justice, the institution of judicial administration will be introduced starting in 2028.
The "Digital Court" concept will be fully implemented in all courts, and the my.sud.uz portal and its mobile app will be improved. Plans are underway to increase the share of appeals filed electronically to at least 50 percent, ensure audio recording of 100 percent of court hearings, and increase the number of users of the Supreme Court's information systems by at least fivefold.
Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the use of mediation and conciliation procedures, maintain an open registry of administrative acts deemed unlawful, and increase the number of crime categories for which cases are heard by jury to at least three.
At the meeting, a design for a special uniform for court staff was also reviewed. This will allow citizens to easily recognize court staff and will promote greater professional responsibility.
Furthermore, proposals for further improving constitutional proceedings, enhancing the effectiveness of judicial bodies, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and enhancing the qualifications of judicial personnel abroad were considered.
The head of state approved the draft Strategy and signed a corresponding Decree aimed at implementing the reforms envisaged therein.
In recent years, reforms have been consistently implemented to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, protect human rights through the courts, and expand access to justice. However, an analysis of public complaints and judicial practice revealed that issues remain in the system that require resolution.
In this regard, it was noted that the reforms should primarily result in citizens being able to apply to court without unnecessary difficulties, promptly restore violated rights, and be confident in the fairness of the decision.
The "Justice 2030" strategy was developed based on public input, dialogue with academics, practicing lawyers, and attorneys, as well as best international practices. It identifies 57 objectives, and the Action Plan for its implementation for 2026–2028 outlines 160 specific measures. It also sets 33 goals to be achieved by 2030.
In particular, to improve the objectivity of lower court decisions, five interregional courts will be established starting July 1, 2027. Regional courts will retain appellate and cassation courts, while the powers of the review court will be transferred to the interregional courts. This will eliminate the practice of courts reviewing their own decisions and reduce the need for citizens to appeal to capital courts.
Considering that civil courts hear matters directly related to people's daily lives and are the most frequently approached by citizens, their activities will be gradually expanded to nearly all districts and cities by 2030, as needed, to bring these courts closer to the public. All courts will provide the ability to obtain information, submit applications, and use digital services using a "one-stop shop" approach.
If a submitted application falls within the jurisdiction of another court, it will not be returned to the citizen; the court will forward it to the appropriate court. If minor deficiencies are identified, the court will actively assist the applicant in resolving them.
To promptly resolve economic disputes, a "proactive management of economic cases" standard will be introduced. This will eliminate the need for entrepreneurs to go through various courts and resubmit documents.
Recognizing that human freedom is the highest value, a "reasonable suspicion" (Prima Facie) standard will be introduced to strengthen human rights guarantees during the investigation and inquiry stages. When considering sanctions, the investigating judge will be able to verify the legality of the detention, the sufficiency of grounds for suspicion or charges, and request any necessary additional materials. This will prevent the unjustified restriction of a person's liberty.
To ensure uniformity in judicial practice, an open "Register of Precedents" will be maintained, including decisions of the Presidium of the Supreme Court.
To relieve judges of organizational functions unrelated to the administration of justice, the institution of judicial administration will be introduced starting in 2028.
The "Digital Court" concept will be fully implemented in all courts, and the my.sud.uz portal and its mobile app will be improved. Plans are underway to increase the share of appeals filed electronically to at least 50 percent, ensure audio recording of 100 percent of court hearings, and increase the number of users of the Supreme Court's information systems by at least fivefold.
Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the use of mediation and conciliation procedures, maintain an open registry of administrative acts deemed unlawful, and increase the number of crime categories for which cases are heard by jury to at least three.
At the meeting, a design for a special uniform for court staff was also reviewed. This will allow citizens to easily recognize court staff and will promote greater professional responsibility.
Furthermore, proposals for further improving constitutional proceedings, enhancing the effectiveness of judicial bodies, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, and enhancing the qualifications of judicial personnel abroad were considered.
The head of state approved the draft Strategy and signed a corresponding Decree aimed at implementing the reforms envisaged therein.
Powered by Froala Editor