Sharifa Madrakhimova

Sharifa (Sharifakhon) Madrakhimova is an Uzbekistani journalist and human rights defender from the Fergana Region of Uzbekistan. Her work has included monitoring and reporting on rights issues ranging from labour rights to social issues, including issues affecting farmers and the cotton sector.

In 2025, Madrakhimova received the Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk for Europe and Central Asia.

Journalism and human rights work Madrakhimova works as a freelance reporter and has collaborated with media outlets in Uzbekistan.

In April 2024 Madrakhimova and fellow human rights defender Umida Niyazova were confronted outside Madrakhimova’s home by a pro-government blogger and another man, while a defamatory video about her was later published online.

Passport incident and travel restriction (2025) In May 2025, Madrakhimova was unable to travel to Dublin to attend the Front Line Defenders Award ceremony on 22 May, after her passport, returned to her following an Irish visa process, was found damaged. On 7 May 2025, Madrakhimova received her passport by courier with an Irish visa stamp, and the area containing the biometric chip had visible burn damage that invalidated the document. The biometric chip had been destroyed by fire and the replacement passport arrived after her scheduled departure date.

Madrakhimova believed the incident was connected to her work and Front Line Defenders called it intimidation and a violation of freedom of movement.

Awards and recognition Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk (Europe and Central Asia laureate), 2025.