THE EVOLUTION OF THE THIRD SECTOR IN UZBEKISTAN: LAW, POLICY, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

초록

This article examines the role of the third sector in the formation and development of civil society in Uzbekistan from a legal and institutional perspective. The study is grounded in the concept of civil society as a fundamental element of a democratic state and focuses on the functions and capacities of non-governmental and non-profit organizations within the national legal framework. Particular attention is given to the evolution of the third sector in the context of reforms initiated under Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which have aimed to expand civic participation, strengthen public oversight, and modernize governance. The research employs normative legal analysis, comparative methods, and institutional assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of existing mechanisms regulating the interaction between the state and civil society institutions. The findings demonstrate that while Uzbekistan has established a formal legal basis supporting the activities of NGOs and other third sector entities, significant challenges remain in terms of administrative barriers, financial sustainability, and the degree of institutional independence. A distinctive feature of the Uzbek model is the integration of traditional community-based structures, particularly the Mahalla system, into the broader framework of civil society, creating a hybrid system of civic engagement. The article concludes that despite notable progress, further legal and institutional reforms are necessary to enhance the autonomy, effectiveness, and participatory potential of the third sector in Uzbekistan, ensuring its alignment with international democratic standards.