New mechanisms for tackling criminogenic neighborhoods in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is implementing new mechanisms to address crime-prone neighborhoods, as outlined in President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's decision, "On measures to create a safe environment in the republic's neighborhoods in 2025 and further increase the efficiency of the system of early prevention of crimes."

The decision prioritizes "early crime prevention in every neighborhood" as a key task for responsible agencies and institutions in 2025. To achieve this goal, a series of roadmaps and a comprehensive program of targeted measures have been approved to foster safe environments and enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention systems.

A Republican interdepartmental coordination working group will be established under the General Prosecutor's Office to oversee the implementation of these programs and roadmaps. This group will monitor progress and ensure adherence to the outlined strategies.

Scientific organizations and educational institutions are conducting studies using scientific approaches to understand and address challenges in crime-ridden neighborhoods. Starting in 2025, neighborhoods with severe crime rates will be assigned to district (city) sector heads, National Guard security chiefs, and deputy chiefs of internal affairs bodies for focused intervention.

To ensure accountability, officials' activities will undergo critical review at multiple levels: monthly before the Minister of Internal Affairs, quarterly before the Prosecutor General, biannually before the Prime Minister, and quarterly reports will be submitted to the President.

This multi-tiered approach underscores the government’s commitment to creating safer neighborhoods and strengthening the early crime prevention system.