On December 2, 2024, the United States announced sanctions against former officials of the Government of Uzbekistan. The individuals targeted are Yulduz Khudaiberganova, Anvar Kuryazov, and Aybek Masharipov. These actions were taken under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program due to their involvement in human trafficking and acts of physical and sexual violence against children at a state-run orphanage in Urgench, Uzbekistan.
The Department of State has also designated these officials for gross violations of human rights under Section 7031(c). During their time in office, they were involved in repeated physical abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking of orphaned children.
"Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government," stated Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson. This aligns with President Biden’s Memorandum on Promoting Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. The U.S. calls on Uzbekistan to prevent such abuses by its officials and pledges to use all available tools to impose consequences on perpetrators.
The Treasury's sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 13818, which supports the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act targeting serious human rights abusers worldwide. More details can be found in the Treasury's press release.
The designations by the Department of State follow section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024.
