Uzbekistan's recent law imposing mandatory HIV tests on long-term returnees and foreign workers has stirred concern among European Parliament members including Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska and others. They question whether these measures align with Uzbekistan's commitments under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The law could impact foreign workers, returning citizens, and vulnerable groups, potentially triggering reactions from human rights advocates, employers, and the EU itself.
This response addresses a parliamentary question submitted by a coalition of MEPs: Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (EPP), Brando Benifei, Marc Angel, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, and Robert Biedroń (all S&D or Renew). They raised concerns over the law's compliance with international standards on non-discrimination, right to health, and protections for vulnerable groups.
While the answer from Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič notes ongoing EU engagement with Uzbekistan through GSP+ frameworks and human rights dialogues, it refrains from detailing concrete changes or deadlines. The document pledges continued discussion and monitoring, including in upcoming GSP+ reports, but stops short of prescribing immediate policy alterations or enforcement mechanisms.
The policy direction suggests cautious diplomatic pressure aiming to reconcile Uzbekistan's law with WHO/UNAIDS guidelines and human rights standards, emphasizing voluntary, confidential testing rather than punitive compulsory measures. This reflects a balance between upholding EU human rights priorities and maintaining constructive dialogue with Uzbek authorities.
Stakeholders affected include Uzbek foreign workers facing testing costs and employment restrictions, returning citizens subject to mandatory testing, EU regulatory bodies overseeing GSP+ compliance, and NGOs advocating for human rights and health protections. Foreign workers may see reduced access to employment or additional financial burdens, whereas the EU maintains oversight leverage to encourage reforms. NGOs may welcome advocacy efforts, but the ambiguity around enforcement details leaves their effectiveness uncertain.
An institutional follow-up is expected with Uzbekistan's law scrutinized in the forthcoming GSP+ monitoring report. Additionally, the European Commission and High Representative will likely continue dialogue with Uzbek authorities on this issue, signaling ongoing scrutiny and potential future policy appeals.
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