“Ezgulik” Human Rights Society is honored with the “Liberty-Equality-Fraternity” award in France

Uzbekistan’s only registered independent human rights organization, “Ezgulik” Human Rights Society, has been honored with the French “Liberty-Equality-Fraternity” Prize. The National Advisory Commission on Human Rights of the French Republic announced the award.  

This year marks the 37th edition of the Human Rights Prize, established in 1988 by the CNCDH to acknowledge civil society's contributions to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The award, presented annually, recognizes five winners, each receiving €14,000, along with special distinctions for five other projects.  

The prize celebrates actions that protect civilians in conflict-related situations, emphasizing the importance of international humanitarian law. This year’s theme commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.  

“Ezgulik” was recognized for its efforts to inform Uzbek civilians about the forced recruitment of Uzbek workers and prisoners in Russia into the Russian military. The organization was founded in 2002 and continues to play a critical role in human rights advocacy in Uzbekistan.  

Other laureates include the Mandella Center (Cameroon), Citizens Organization (Haiti), Ludirlena PÉREZ CARVAJAL Organization (Colombia), and Caesar Organization (Syria).  

The award ceremony will be held in Paris on December 10, International Human Rights Day. Abdurakhmon Tashanov, head of “Ezgulik,” will receive the prize from the French Prime Minister.