European Union Supports Research on the Role of Investigative Journalism in Strengthening Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Ecosystem
10 June 2026 – The Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan hosted a roundtable discussion to present the findings of the study “The Role of Investigative Journalism in Strengthening Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Ecosystem: Challenges and Solutions,” conducted jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union (EU). The study examined the current state of investigative journalism in the country, identified key challenges, and developed recommendations for strengthening its role as an important tool in combating corruption. The event brought together representatives of government institutions, media organizations, civil society, academia, and international organizations.
The research combined a sociological survey with a comparative analysis of national media legislation and international standards related to investigative journalism. A total of 152 journalists and media professionals from all regions of Uzbekistan participated in the study through online surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews.
According to the findings, access to information remains one of the main challenges facing investigative journalists. Nearly half of the respondents reported difficulties obtaining information from public institutions on issues of public interest. At the same time, more than one-third identified refusals to provide information in response to official requests as a major obstacle to conducting investigations. Respondents also highlighted delays in receiving information, incomplete responses, and difficulties accessing information on sensitive topics.
The study also identified concerns related to the legal protection and safety of journalists. Around 70 percent of respondents believe that existing mechanisms do not provide sufficient protection for journalists engaged in investigative reporting.
Another key challenge is the level of professional capacity and legal literacy among journalists. Sixty-nine percent of respondents indicated a need to strengthen their legal knowledge. Fact-checking, source verification, and the use of digital investigative tools were identified among the most important skills requiring further development.
To address these challenges, the study recommends strengthening the legal framework for investigative journalism, improving protection mechanisms for journalists and whistleblowers, expanding access to information of public interest, developing professional training programmes, supporting media self-regulation, and enhancing the financial sustainability of media organizations.
Participants discussed practical steps for implementing these recommendations and explored opportunities for further cooperation among media, public institutions, civil society, and international partners.
The research and roundtable were organised within the framework of the joint project of the Anti-Corruption Agency and UNDP, funded by the European Union, “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan.” The contents presented reflect only the point of view of the authors and are not the official position of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UNDP, and the European Union.
For additional information and media inquiries:
Fotima Turgunboeva, UNDP Uzbekistan, at fotima.turgunboeva@undp.org