(Washington, D.C.) The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) will hold a briefing examining the human rights situation and state of civil society in Uzbekistan three years after Andijan. The briefing will take place on Tuesday, May 13 2008.

On May 13, 2005, Uzbek security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Andijan. Hundreds were killed, and in the subsequent crackdown, restrictions were imposed to further stifle dissent. Despite sanctions by the European Union and the United States, Tashkent has refused to allow any independent investigations of the tragedy. While the human rights situation remains dire, the Government of Uzbekistan continues to pursue engagement with the EU and U.S., positioning itself as a key strategic ally in regional energy and security concerns.

Panelists will explore prospects for democratization in Uzbekistan and the possibilities of improving U.S.-Uzbek relations. Additionally, they will discuss the need for reforms in cotton production, Uzbekistan's largest source of income.

Panelists include:

Ms. Shahida Tulaganova, documentary film maker who launched the Uzbek-language newspaper "Siyosat"

Ms. Juliette Williams, founding director of the Environmental Justice Foundation
TO READ Juliette Williams' speech to the Commission CLICK HERE

Ms. Masha Lisitsyna, Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division

Dr. Eric McGlinchey, Assistant Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University

Since 2005 EJF has campaigned to clean up cotton production with a focus on Central Asia specifically Uzbekistan.

EJF's award winning documentary (7 minutes) "White Gold - The True Cost of Cotton" reveals the extent of environmental damage and human rights abuses caused by the cotton industry of Central Asia, mainly to supply European demand.

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is calling on governments, retailers, buyers and consumers to refuse to buy cotton sold by Uzbekistan produced by forced labour at devastating environmental cost.