A grant of UZS 500 million awarded to the Ezgulik Human Rights Society for an anti-corruption initiative will not be disbursed, after the contract underpinning the funding was canceled and the money returned to the Ministry of Finance.

The announcement was made by Abdurahmon Tashanov, head of the Ezgulik Human Rights Society, who said the organization had won the grant through a parliamentary fund competition aimed at supporting anti-corruption projects.

According to Tashanov, on March 5, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting of the National Council on Combating Corruption. During the meeting, the president emphasized the importance of close cooperation between parliament and non-governmental organizations, as well as broader engagement of civil society in monitoring compliance with anti-corruption conventions.

It was stated that UZS 10 billion would be allocated annually to support new projects in this area. Subsequently, the Public Fund for the Support of Civil Society Institutions under the Oliy Majlis announced a competition.

Ezgulik participated with a project titled “Formation of 14 permanent anti-corruption volunteer groups in the regions” and was declared a winner. The project was described as a social order from the Anti-Corruption Agency and envisaged training journalists and bloggers in anti-corruption activities.

On September 15, 2025, Abdulhakim Eshmurodov, chair of the Senate Committee on Judicial and Legal Issues and Combating Corruption, presented the grant certificate to the organization. The ceremony was covered by the media.

However, on December 30, 2025, the parliamentary fund canceled the contract related to the grant. The allocated UZS 500 million was returned to the Ministry of Finance, and no funds were transferred to the organization.

According to Tashanov, the fund explained that the Anti-Corruption Agency had not signed the contract. The agency has not provided public clarification on the matter.

Tashanov said the organization intends to file a civil lawsuit against Abdulhakim Eshmurodov, arguing that the situation damaged the organization’s honor, dignity, and business reputation.

In addition, Ezgulik plans to submit a complaint to an administrative court against the leadership of the Anti-Corruption Agency.

“Even if the president’s anti-corruption policy and appeals are not necessary for the Senate or the Anti-Corruption Agency, they are necessary for us, because it is the people and the nation who suffer from corruption,” Tashanov said.

About the organization

The Ezgulik Human Rights Society was established in 2002. It is a non-governmental organization focused on protecting human rights and promoting democratic values in Uzbekistan. The organization monitors, analyzes, and seeks to address human rights violations.

In 2024, Ezgulik was awarded the international Liberty, Equality, Fraternity prize by France.

Source: kun.uz