Our Team
The People Behind the Mission
Our team brings together leading experts in disability rights, international law, legal research, and community engagement. With diverse backgrounds and deep expertise, we are united by a shared commitment to advancing disability rights in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Dr. Borotov has over 25 years of experience in legal research and education, specializing in civil law, international law, and legal reform.
Background
- Doctor of Juridical Science (2008), Professor (2017)
- Head of Civil & International Law Sciences Department
- Former Professor at Tashkent State University of Law
- Author of 300+ scientific publications
Education
- Tashkent State Institute of Law, 1996
Professor Urinboyev provides expert guidance on international best practices in disability rights research and advocacy, strategic planning, and international partnerships. He brings a unique perspective bridging Uzbek and international academic expertise.
Background
- Associate Professor, Department of Sociology of Law, Lund University, Sweden (2013–present)
- Professor, Tashkent State University of Law (2024–present)
- Senior Researcher, Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Principal Investigator of multiple EU-funded research projects (Horizon Europe)
- Doctor of Science in Law (Uzbekistan), PhD in Sociology of Law (Sweden)
Current Projects
- “MARS: Non-Western Migration Regimes in a Global Perspective” (€1.584 million)
- “MOCCA: Multilevel Orders of Corruption in Central Asia” (€1.675 million)
- “Central Asian Law: Legal Cultures and Business Environments” (€1.110 million)
Education
- PhD in Sociology of Law, Lund University, Sweden
- Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development, Maastricht University, Netherlands
- Bachelor's degree in Jurisprudence, University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Uzbekistan
Dr. Umarkhanova oversees high-quality research on disability rights issues and leads the Center's knowledge management strategies, including the digital repository and open-access journal.
Responsibilities
- Conducting research on disability rights issues
- Developing knowledge management strategies
- Managing the digital repository and research database
- Leading the establishment of the open-access journal
- Ensuring effective dissemination of research findings
Background
- Doctor of Science: International cooperation in criminal matters
- PhD: International legal cooperation in extradition
- Dean, Faculty of International and Comparative Law, TSUL (2020–present)
- Training at The Hague Academy of International Law & UN Office at Geneva
Education
- Doctor of Science, University of World Economy and Diplomacy (2018)
- PhD, University of World Economy and Diplomacy (2010)
- LL.M., Tashkent State Institute of Law (2007)
- LL.B., Tashkent State Institute of Law (2005)
Dr. Saydakhmedov designs and implements capacity-building programs and coordinates community outreach and public engagement activities.
Responsibilities
- Designing and implementing capacity-building programs
- Coordinating community outreach activities
- Developing training curricula
- Organizing workshops and public engagement events
Background
- Judge of the Tashkent Regional Court (2021–present)
- Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor, Supreme School of Judges
- Former Chief Judge of the Boz Interdistrict Economic Court
- PhD in International Law
- Author of numerous books and 90+ scientific publications
Education
- PhD in International Law, University of World Economy & Diplomacy (2021)
- LL.M. in Diplomatic & Consular Law, UWED (2010)
- LL.B. in International Law, UWED (2008)
Behruz supports day-to-day project management, coordinates activities and communications, and assists in organizing events and preparing project documentation.
Responsibilities
- Assisting in project management tasks
- Supporting coordination of activities
- Preparing project reports and documentation
- Contributing to event organization
- Liaising with partners and stakeholders
Background
- Head of Department, Center for Legal Initiatives and Innovations, TSUL (2021–present)
- Former Interrogator, Bureau of the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan
- Local Consultant, UNDP Uzbekistan
- Initiator / Organizer of “Central Asian Legal Research Fellowship” at TSUL
- Lecturer, Criminal Procedure Law Department, TSUL (2020–2022)
Education
- LL.M., Pennsylvania State University, USA (2024)
- LL.M. in Criminal Investigation, Academy of the General Prosecutor’s Office (2020)
- LL.B., Tashkent State University of Law (2017)
Advisory Board
Expert Guidance and Oversight
The Center’s Advisory Board is currently being established and will include persons with disabilities, international experts, and representatives from disability rights organizations.
Planned Advisory Board Composition:
- At least 7 members
- Including 3 persons with disabilities
- International disability rights experts
- Representatives from local disability organizations
- Legal and policy experts
Institutional Partners
Our Collaborative Foundation
Institute of State and Law of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan
Director: Turgunov Murodjon Tursunbaevich
Tashkent State University of Law
A leading legal education institution in Uzbekistan, collaborating on research, training, and capacity building.
Join Our Team
Opportunities to Work With Us
We invite passionate individuals to contribute their expertise and help us strengthen disability rights in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Current Opportunities:
- Research Assistants & Fellows
- Training Facilitators
- Community Outreach Coordinators
- Consultants for Specialized Projects
Contact The Team
We are happy to hear from you
General inquiries
📧 info@islas.uz
For questions about the Center’s activities, events and publications.
Partnerships & cooperation
🌐 Contact form
For collaboration proposals, institutional partnerships and joint projects.
We aim to respond to all messages as soon as possible.