Telling the full story of these 25 years would require volumes.
But it is important to reflect on where it all began.
In the early 2000s, our Director, Nodira Karimova, participated in a project organized by the Women’s Committee. During one of the events, she met an expert from the Netherlands. A pivotal idea emerged from their exchange: in Uzbekistan, there was a critical need to raise awareness among young people about their rights, particularly in relation to violence and exploitation.

This idea resonated deeply. An initiative group was formed— bringing together individuals committed to working with youth in a purposeful and values-driven way. A strategic decision was made to focus on awareness-raising, protection, and support for young people.


On May 16, 2001, NGO “ISTIQBOLLI AVLOD” was established as the Tashkent City Youth Information Center—marking the beginning of a journey that would later expand far beyond its original mandate. It was at this stage that the organization’s long-term direction began to take shape.

A key turning point came with a request from a partner NGO in Kyrgyzstan, the Women’s Assistance Center. Colleagues reached out seeking support in identifying an organization working on human trafficking and the protection of survivors.

During these exchanges, Ms. Roza Aitmatova, the Center’s Director, shared alarming information: young women from Uzbekistan were being transported through Kyrgyzstan to Dubai for sexual exploitation.

At that time, the full scale of the issue was not yet clear to us. Understanding came later—through real cases and the lived experiences of those we encountered in our work.
This realization led to the first concrete steps.

In response, NGO “ISTIQBOLLI AVLOD” initiated its first programmatic interventions:

• awareness-raising campaigns among youth on the risks of trafficking and exploitation;
• the establishment of Uzbekistan’s first national hotline providing information and counselling support—offering, for many, it became a vital opportunity to seek help and avoid facing their challenges alone;
• the establishment of the country’s first shelter for women and girls affected by trafficking and violence—providing a safe and confidential space for protection, recovery, and rehabilitation;

These interventions marked a significant shift.
NGO “ISTIQBOLLI AVLOD” became the first NGO in Uzbekistan to address human trafficking in a comprehensive and structured manner.

Over the years, the organization has built its work on early leadership, evidence-based responses, and a strong commitment to filling critical gaps in protection and support services.

This is how our organization was shaped—through first decisions, strategic action, and a willingness to lead where systems were still emerging.
This is our story.
This is our journey.
This is our impact.

The year 2025 came to a close on an unexpected and inspiring high.
Out of 165 applications submitted from around the world, our organization was selected as one of five laureates of the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize “Liberty – Equality – Fraternity”, awarded by the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) under the Prime Minister of France.

Receiving this prestigious award marked a significant and uplifting milestone at the end of 2025, and a meaningful prelude to 2026 — a milestone year marking the 25th anniversary of the NGO "ISTIQBOLLI AVLOD"

The 2025 Prize focused on the issue of child exploitation and trafficking—one of the most urgent and priority challenges in the field of human rights protection.

The jury gave particular recognition to one of our core areas of work: the provision of legal assistance by our lawyers to minor girls who have experienced exploitation. This support is ensured throughout all stages of investigation and judicial proceedings, helping to safeguard the rights and well-being of child survivors.



The award ceremony was presided over by Ms. Aurore Bergé, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of the French Republic, responsible for gender equality and the fight against discrimination.
In her remarks, she highlighted her strong appreciation for our commitment to promoting a fair, humane, and professional justice system for children—one in which no child is left alone during investigation and trial processes.


International recognition of our work is both an honor and a responsibility. This award reflects the collective efforts, professionalism, and dedication of our entire team. We extend our sincere gratitude to our staff, partners, and all those who have supported us along this journey.

We enter 2026 with gratitude, renewed commitment, and readiness to continue advancing our mission.

Violence against children often remains hidden.
It is rarely spoken about. It is not always recognized.
But that does not mean it does not exist.

The Into the Light Index, developed by the international research institute Childlight, provides, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of the true scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse — within families, across communities, and increasingly in digital spaces.

📌 One in five children experiences sexual solicitation or unwanted sexual contact online before the age of 18.
📌 Millions of children worldwide are subjected to abuse that remains undisclosed and unreported.
📌 Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are increasingly being misused to create and distribute harmful content that threatens children’s safety.

This is not a distant or isolated issue.
It is happening here and now — across all regions, including countries with advanced education systems and widespread access to technology.

The Into the Light Index is more than a collection of data points.
It represents real children’s experiences, translated into evidence.
It is a critical tool to help governments, civil society, and international partners recognize hidden risks, acknowledge the scale of the problem, and take informed, coordinated action.

We will continue to share key findings, insights, and recommendations from the Into the Light Index to ensure that child protection remains at the forefront of public and policy agendas.

📖 The full report is available on the official Into the Light platform by Childlight.

Because awareness is the first step toward safety.
And silence is no longer an option.

In our country, this issue is already being discussed.
In recent years, significant progress has been made: violence against women is no longer a taboo subject, laws strengthening the protection of rights have been adopted, and more and more women are speaking openly and publicly about their experiences and demanding justice.

This is an important and necessary step forward.

However, violence against girls still remains less visible.
It is discussed less often, more quietly, more cautiously.
Yet it is a painful and alarming reality of our time — one that requires focused attention and concrete action.

Violence against girls is unacceptable.
There are no justifications for it.
It is not a norm, not a “private matter,” not a tradition, and not a problem that can be postponed.

Violence against girls is not a series of isolated incidents.
It is a reality that affects families, schools, communities, and the future of an entire generation.

Yes, the conversation has begun.
But there is still a distance between words and real change.

Real action goes beyond discussion.
It means prevention, protection, support for survivors, accountability, and systemic solutions.
It means refusing to look away and refusing to allow silence to carry the burden of blame.

We raise this issue because we believe that when society clearly and unequivocally says “no” to violence, girls gain a real chance at safety, dignity, and a childhood free from fear.

We will continue to speak about this consistently, honestly, and with renewed focus.
Because a troubling reality requires not just words — but real action.

When individuals consider employment opportunities abroad, they often rely on those who appear willing to help. In many cases, these are acquaintances, friends, or even relatives. Such trust can feel reassuring and safe—after all, the support comes from familiar sources.

However, this very trust can also become a point of vulnerability.

Seeking employment abroad without proper documentation or through unverified channels may lead to irregular migration, exposing individuals to significant risks.

Irregular migration poses a high risk.
Individuals may find themselves without legal status, formal employment contracts, or access to legal protection. In such circumstances, they are unable to exercise their rights or seek assistance in cases of legal violations.

Irregular migration results in a loss of rights.
The absence of legal documentation increases vulnerability to exploitation by employers, intermediaries, and criminal networks. This may lead to forced labour, non-payment of wages, coercion, and violence.

Irregular migration is a dangerous pathway.
It may result in detention, deportation, financial penalties, and serious risks to health and safety. In the most severe cases, individuals may become victims of human trafficking.
For this reason, it is essential to access reliable information in advance, carefully verify job offers, and avoid promises of “quick earnings without documentation.”

If you have doubts or questions, seeking professional advice can help prevent risky situations.
Awareness is the first step toward safety.

We live in an era of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and global connectivity.
The world is becoming faster, smarter, and increasingly technology-driven.
And yet—
human trafficking and exploitation have not disappeared.

It may seem unimaginable.
How can humantrafficking beings exist in the 21st century, in a world defined by technological progress?

The reality is that it does exist.
And increasingly, technology itself is used as a tool for recruitment, control, and exploitation.
People are no longer “sold” in physical marketplaces—they are targeted through screens.
They are not recruited through force or chains, but through promises of employment, education, and a better life.
Exploitation may appear “legal,” “normal,” or “temporary.” Yet in essence, it remains the same: the loss of freedom and human dignity.

Human trafficking is not a legacy of the past.
It is a hidden dimension of the modern world, where progress does not
automatically translate into protection.

Recognition of this reality is an important first step.
However, recognition alone is not sufficient.

A world defined by high technology must not coexist with modern slavery.
Where it does, inaction is not an option.

For more than two decades, our organization has been actively engaged in HIV prevention. Over this time, approaches, formats, and tools have evolved, yet one principle has remained constant: a people-centered approach grounded in respect for individual choice and dignity.
Our work began at a time when prevention efforts were often built on strict messaging and fear-based communication. Experience has shown that sustainable change can only be achieved where trust exists. For this reason,
our approach has consistently prioritized dialogue, support, and access to clear, reliable, and user-friendly information over pressure or coercion.

A System That Makes a Difference

Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive and sustainable HIV prevention system that integrates awareness-raising, counseling, case management, and modern testing approaches. Thousands of individuals have received support and gained the opportunity to take care of their health in a safe, confidential, and comfortable environment.
Today, more than 150 staff members of our organization are engaged in implementing activities under Global Fund–supported projects. They provide daily counseling, guidance, and support to individuals in need of information and services. This work is guided by the principles of confidentiality, respect, and professional responsibility.

Strong Team and Partnerships

One of our key achievements is the development of a strong and highly qualified team. All staff members undergo continuous training, strengthen their competencies, and enhance their professional skills. This enables the organization to implement modern, evidence-based approaches and to respond effectively to evolving challenges in HIV prevention.
We have also established strong and sustainable partnerships with government institutions, healthcare providers, international organizations, and civil society partners. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of prevention programs, expands outreach, and ensures continuity of care and support.

Over the years, we have built strong partnerships with government institutions, healthcare providers, international organizations, and civil society partners. This collaboration enhances the effectiveness of prevention programs, expands outreach, and ensures continuity of care and support.

Expanding Access

In 2021, we expanded our geographical coverage to 11 regions of Uzbekistan, increasing access to prevention services regardless of place of residence. Building on this progress, we launched a pilot initiative in Samarkand — an online ordering system for HIV self-test kits with home delivery. This innovative model allows individuals to access testing at a convenient time, in a familiar setting, and without unnecessary stress.

What Matters Most
For us, achievements are not defined solely by numbers or scale. They are reflected in the trust of the people we serve, the strength of our partnerships, and our ability to foster open, honest, and stigma-free conversations about HIV.
We believe that prevention is most effective when it is grounded in experience, respect, and humanity.
When the person — not the diagnosis — is at the center.
When choice remains with each individual.
And when caring for one’s health becomes a natural part of everyday life.

Violent extremism rarely emerges suddenly.
More often, it spreads like a fog—gradually, quietly, without loud slogans or visible warning signs. It blurs the lines between what is legitimate and what is dangerous, between protest and violence, between the search for meaning and pathways to harm.
Young people are particularly vulnerable in this context.

They are often in search of purpose, justice, recognition, and a sense of belonging. In the absence of support, critical dialogue, and positive alternatives, extremist narratives can appear simple, persuasive, and compelling.

The cost of this is too high.
We risk losing young lives, as well as the potential and future they represent—diverting the energy for positive change into pathways of harm and destruction.

However, violent extremism is not inevitable.
It is a challenge that can—and must—be addressed through timely, preventive, and coordinated efforts.

At our level, we can:

• promote open and honest dialogue, including on complex and sensitive issues;
• strengthen critical thinking and media literacy;
• support and engage young people, rather than exclude or marginalize them;
• create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and self-expression;
• reinforce the values of non-violence, respect, and human dignity.

Prevention does not begin with restriction—it begins with awareness, engagement, and shared responsibility.

Before the fog becomes a wall —we still have time to act. /