Day 12
Uzbekistan
During recent meetings of the UN Human Rights Council, Uzbekistan was urged to pay attention to its human rights abuses of activists, journalists, and bloggers. The report also said there was insufficient action to uphold the rights of women, children, and people with disabilities. They were also urged to pursue justice and accountability following the 2022 protests in Karakalpakstan that have never been followed through. Pray that action will be forthcoming and that those with the power to enact laws and pursue change will do so (The Bible, 2 Chronicles 19:7).
Source: Uzbekistan: Take Action on Rights Abuses Raised at UN Review (HRW)
Uzbekistan is a former USSR state. Once renowned for its cotton harvests, at present, deals with serious environmental problems. Agriculture lands have reduced drastically, and only the Fergana Valley is fertile enough to sustain farmlands. Central and Western Uzbekistan are arid desert territories that are sparsely populated. Although the country is secular, conversion from Islam to Christianity has no legal ground. The government exercises control over churches, and only these congregations are immune to persecution. Most converts keep their faith a secret to avoid isolation by family and community. The Persecution Ranking stays the same despite attacks on individuals due to increased attacks, raids, and imprisonment of pastors/church leaders/congregations from unrecognized Churches. Moreover, Muslim convert girls/women face family-approved abductions and marriage to Muslim men.
