Uzbekistan’s new law on mandatory HIV testing and compliance with GSP+ commitments
23.9.2025
Question for written answer E-003678/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Marc Angel (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Robert Biedroń (S&D), Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D), Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)
On 1 August 2025, the Senate of Uzbekistan adopted legal amendments introducing compulsory HIV testing for citizens returning from abroad after 90 days, as well as for foreign nationals and stateless persons seeking employment. Those testing positive may be denied employment rights or residency, and foreign workers must pay for the test themselves.
These measures raise serious human rights and public health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) stress that HIV testing must be voluntary, confidential, and linked to treatment. Mandatory testing with punitive consequences risks reinforcing stigma, restricting healthcare access, and contravening international standards.
As a beneficiary of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), Uzbekistan has committed to effectively implementing 27 core international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and conventions prohibiting discrimination in employment.
In this context:
- 1.How does the EEAS assess the compatibility of Uzbekistan’s new law with its GSP+ obligations, particularly on non-discrimination, the right to health, and protection of vulnerable groups?
- 2.Will the VP/HR raise this issue with the Uzbek authorities, urging revision or repeal in line with WHO/UNAIDS recommendations and human rights standards?
- 3.Will this matter be addressed in the Commission’s forthcoming GSP+ monitoring report on Uzbekistan?
Submitted: 23.9.2025