Human rights in Central Asia and the UK Government’s response examined by MPs

Published: 11 July 2023

Event recording

The Foreign Affairs Committee held evidence session on human rights and security in Central Asian countries. This forms part of the Committee’s inquiry into the UK’s engagement with Central Asia.

Professor Luca Anceschi, Professor of Eurasian Studies (Central & East European Studies), provided evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Committee hears from expert witnesses in two panels. The first panel discuss the current human rights situation in Central Asian states, which is potentially worsening, as well as the implications of this for UK foreign policy. This panel is likely to cover topics such as women’s rights and reports of human rights abuses in the countries of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, and attitudes towards ethnic minorities, such as Uighurs.

The second panel will focus on security and governance in the region. The Committee will assess the current threats to peace, security and stability in Central Asia. Questions are likely to cover resources pressures, drugs trafficking and policies towards Afghanistan and the Taliban.

Watch the full meeting on the UK Parliament website.


First published: 11 July 2023