Akmal Saidov: Uzbekistan Always Willing to Engage in Practical Dialogue with UN and its institutions

The delegation of Uzbekistan took part at the High-level Segment of the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

The delegation of Uzbekistan led by the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, Director of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) Akmal Saidov took part at the High-level Segment of the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

According to the NCHR, during the speech of the delegation of Uzbekistan, it was noted that our country is consistently implementing its policy in the field of human rights, an example of which, in particular, is the updated Constitution of the country adopted during a national referendum in 2023.

Uzbekistan has formally prohibited the use of the death penalty in its recently adopted new Constitution. Internationally recognized institutions of jurisprudence as the Miranda Warnings and Habeas Corpus are consolidated at the constitutional level. The Pro bono institute, which provides free legal assistance has been granted constitutional status.

Notably, for the first time, the Constitution guarantees the right to approach both international and national human rights bodies. Furthermore, it firmly establishes the status of national human rights institutions. The new Constitution for the first time enshrines the institution of constitutional complaints from citizens.

In recent years, Uzbekistan achieved substantial results in the human rights protection. Forced and child labor has been completely abolished in Uzbekistan. Particularly, the complete eradication of forced and child labor has been achieved. The new Constitution of the country now not only ensures the prohibition of child and forced labor but also institutes criminal liability for such offenses.

Implementing the National Human Rights Strategy over the past 3 years, the following results have been achieved:

First. According to the recommendations of the HRC and UN treaty bodies, the position of the Children's Ombudsman was established. Now our parliament is adopting Law on the Children's Ombudsman.

Second. In order to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, legal and administrative measures have been taken to improve the system of state support for persons with disabilities.

Third. The Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality until 2030 was approved.

Fourth. Uzbekistan openly condemns the use of torture, amendments have been made to the Civil Code to provide for the procedure for compensation for harm caused to victims of torture.

Fifth. According to the recommendations of the UN treaty bodies, the National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture was created according to the “Ombudsman Plus” model. Additionally, Children's Ombudsman, the National Centre for Human Rights, and the Business Ombudsman have been empowered to oversee penitentiary institutions.

Sixth. Uzbekistan actively participates in the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education. The country is implementing the National Programme for Human Rights Education. Training and special courses “Human Rights”, “Women’s Rights”, “Child’s Rights” are being introduced in the system of professional education and universities. Training courses are being opened on the rights of persons with disabilities, women, children and migrants. An Electronic Platform for Human Rights Education has been launched. Furthermore, permanent training courses on combating the use of torture have been launched for law enforcement officers and penitentiary institutions.

Seventh. Collaboration with business structures on human rights issues is essential as well. Particularly, human rights training courses for entrepreneurs are organized. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights is currently being developed.

Eight. The country is implementing consistent reforms in the political, judicial and legal spheres, increasing the role of civil society institutions, including on religious freedom. Uzbekistan places utmost emphasis on ensuring religious freedom within its borders, recognizing its historical experience of harmonious coexistence among diverse faiths and ethnic communities over the centuries.

Throughout its long history, Uzbekistan’s territory has been a home to a multitude of religions and belief. Traditional faiths in our nation have always coexisted peacefully. This harmony is not just a legacy, but a fundamental element of our traditions.

Ninth. The Election code has been modified to outline the process for conducting elections for the Legislative Chamber using a mixed electoral system that combines majority and proportional elements. Furthermore, there are adjustments being implemented to raise the minimum representation of women in the candidate nominations from political parties, increasing it from 30% to 40% of the total candidates.

Tenth. Currently, the world is facing a critical environmental situation. The triple planetary crisis - crises of the climate change, the loss of biodiversity and the environmental contamination are worsening. In such challenging conditions, while Central Asia continues to grapple with the Aral Sea tragedy, the region is becoming one of the most vulnerable parts of the world in the face of climate change. Uzbekistan is doing its best to mitigate the consequences of the Aral Sea tragedy, which remains a global problem.

“Uzbekistan is always willing to engage in practical dialogue with the UN and its institutions as well as broad and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries around the world. We have made significant progress in our interactions with the UN Special Procedures in a relatively short period of time”, - Akmal Saidov said at the end of his speech.