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The Law Enforcement Academy and the Supreme School of Judges, in collaboration with UNESCO, have launched a regional training on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and the Safety of Journalists in Samarkand. This training is part of a series of capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening the law enforcement and judicial sector’s role in upholding international standards on these fundamental rights.

Held on March 10-11, 2025, the training brings together prosecutors, judges, and journalists from Samarkand region. International experts Joan Barata Mir a lawyer and scholar and Sabin Ouellet a former prosecutor are leading discussions on key topics such as international legal standards and frameworks for freedom of expression, the right to access information, and the protection of journalists.

The training covers crucial aspects, including:

• International and regional standards on freedom of expression and its legitimate limits;

• The role of prosecutors and judges in assessing restrictions on freedom of expression;

• Hate speech and applicable international standards;

• The right of access to information and the responsibilities of state institutions;

• Media freedom, journalist safety, and protection against impunity;

• The digital context of freedom of expression, including internet access, regulation, and the impact of AI on human rights.

In addition to expert-led sessions, participants engage in case studies and interactive discussions to analyze real-world scenarios and explore practical applications of international legal norms. The event also features a dialogue session between prosecutors, judges and local journalists/bloggers, fostering open discussions on challenges and solutions in media- law enforcement and judiciary relations. 

Background information: 

The Regional trainings are organized with the support Law Enforcement Academy and the Supreme School of Judges under the media program titled “Empowering the Government and Citizens of Uzbekistan by Strengthening Access to Information, Accountability of Institutions, and Media Competence” (AIM).  Funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and UNESCO, implemented with the Agency of Information and Mass Communication this program aims to improve the legal and institutional frameworks related to media competence, freedom of expression, and access to information in Uzbekistan. Through these collaborative efforts, UNESCO and its partners aim to ensure that the judiciary and law enforcement sectors are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape.