Legislative Acts Establishing Citizens’ Rights to Obtain Information and Data:

1. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan;

2. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information”;

3. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Principles and Guarantees of Freedom of Information”;

4. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Openness of the Activities of State Authorities and Administration Bodies”, as well as other legislative acts.

First of all, it is necessary to define the concept of “information.” According to the legislation, information is data about persons, objects, facts, events, phenomena, and processes, regardless of their sources and forms of presentation.

Thus, information may be understood as all data existing in the world, in particular information about persons, objects, facts, events, phenomena, and processes.

Citizens’ rights to access information are enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In accordance with this article, everyone has the right to seek, receive, and disseminate any information of their interest, except for information directed against the existing constitutional order and other restrictions established by law.

The State protects the right of everyone to seek, obtain, verify, disseminate, use, and store information.

How can one request information?

Everyone has the right to request information directly or through their representatives by submitting an oral or written request, including an electronic request submitted through information systems.

Are state bodies obliged to ensure citizens’ right to access information?

State bodies, bodies of citizens’ self-government, public associations, enterprises, institutions, organizations, and officials are obliged to provide everyone with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with legislative acts, as well as documents, decisions, and other materials that affect their rights and legitimate interests.

Access to information is ensured through the publication and dissemination of legislative acts and relevant materials.

When may access to information be restricted?

According to current legislation, access to information may be restricted only in accordance with the law and solely for the purpose of protecting human rights and freedoms, the foundations of the constitutional order, the moral values of society, as well as ensuring the protection and security of the country’s spiritual, cultural, and scientific potential.

How is openness and transparency of information defined?

Information must be open and transparent, except for confidential information.

The following do not constitute confidential information:

1. Legislative acts defining the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as the legal status of state authorities and administration bodies, bodies of citizens’ self-government, public associations, and other non-governmental non-profit organizations;

2. Information on environmental, meteorological, demographic, sanitary-epidemiological conditions, emergency situations, as well as other information necessary to ensure the safety of the population, populated areas, production facilities, and communications;

3. Information contained in open collections of information and library institutions, archives, departmental archives, and information systems belonging to legal entities operating within the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

What measures are taken in case of unlawful refusal to provide information?

Persons who have been unlawfully denied access to information, as well as those who have received inaccurate information in response to their requests, have the right to claim compensation for material damage or moral harm in accordance with the procedure established by law.