A new shelter for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) was opened on October 31 in Fergana, marking a significant step in expanding protection and support services for women and girls in one of Uzbekistan’s most densely populated regions with high reported rates of GBV, UNDP Uzbekistan reported.
The shelter was constructed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the premises of and in cooperation with the NGO “Mehrjon”, in partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Justice, local authorities, and with financial support of the Government of Finland. It will provide a safe environment for women and their children, offering comprehensive social, legal, and psychological services, as well as reintegration and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring a comfortable environment for recovery and empowerment of victims of violence.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of joint efforts to protect the rights and dignity of women: “In Uzbekistan approximately 40,000 cases of gender-based violence are reported annually, with almost all GBV survivors being women. The establishment of this new shelter for survivors of GBV in the Fergana region stands as a powerful symbol of partnership, compassion, and resilience. This achievement has been made possible through the strong collaboration of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, local authorities, and our dedicated civil society partners, particularly ‘Mehrjon’.”
Ms. Feruza Eshmatova, the Authorised Person of Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman), noted: “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges in Uzbekistan today. Beyond its devastating physical and psychological consequences, gender-based violence undermines family well-being, and limits women’s participation in the economic, political, and public life of our country. Addressing this issue requires continued joint efforts by the state, civil society, and international partners, to ensure that every woman and girl in Uzbekistan can live free from fear and violence.”
