Civil society organization representatives in Uzbekistan have completed a targeted training programme designed to strengthen mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) skills, with the goal of improving access to free legal aid and expanding access to justice for vulnerable groups.
The two-day training, held in the Tashkent region, focused on building the capacity of organisations that provide primary legal assistance to citizens. It aimed to equip participants with practical tools to resolve disputes more efficiently and reduce reliance on lengthy and costly court processes.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve access to justice, particularly for women, persons with disabilities, young people, and residents of remote areas who often face barriers in navigating formal legal systems. Organisers highlighted that mediation offers a more accessible and user-friendly alternative for resolving disputes at the community level.
Mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution are increasingly being promoted as effective mechanisms for handling family, workplace, and neighbourhood conflicts. These approaches rely on dialogue facilitated by a neutral third party to help disputing parties reach mutually acceptable agreements without going to court.
Uzbekistan already has a legal framework supporting mediation, including national legislation on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. However, experts noted that implementation at the local level remains limited, making capacity-building initiatives for civil society organisations particularly important.
The training programme included both theoretical and practical components, covering communication skills, negotiation techniques, conflict analysis, and mediation simulations. Participants also reviewed international best practices and explored how ADR methods can be integrated into free legal aid services.
The initiative is expected to strengthen citizen-centred dispute resolution systems and improve access to justice by making legal support more efficient and responsive to community needs. It is implemented under a United Nations Development Programme initiative in partnership with national institutions and supported by international development cooperation.
