The Constitution of Uzbekistan: a foundation for modern statehood and human dignity

The 33rd anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a momentous occasion for the nation. For the first time in our independent statehood, a Constitution adopted through the will of the people stands as a cornerstone of modern governance. It embodies the rich experience of national state-building, addresses pressing societal and administrative challenges, and presents a carefully considered strategy for the relationship between the individual, society, and the state amidst complex global geopolitical developments. In essence, the renewed Constitution reflects our irreversible commitment to democratic reforms in both state governance and human rights.

Our Basic Law defines the path of national development, ensures that reforms remain irreversible, and serves as the guiding framework for the country’s statehood model.

The anniversary is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the Constitution’s role in daily life and its unmatched significance in safeguarding human dignity and justice. The President’s directive on celebrating Constitution Day at a high level reinforces this, highlighting the deep legal, moral, and strategic importance of the Constitution in modern society.

In today’s rapidly changing world, a country’s competitiveness, the effectiveness of governance, and the protection of human rights depend on constitutional norms and institutional mechanisms that meet contemporary needs. The revised Constitution embodies such modern legal approaches. It articulates principles such as human dignity, liberty, equality, social justice, popular sovereignty, and the rule of law, and establishes practical mechanisms for implementing these principles.

The Constitution’s impact extends to all sectors, uniting them under a single socio-legal system aimed at the overarching goal of ensuring human well-being. It serves as the foundation for consistent and sustainable reforms, from strengthening democracy and civil society to protecting entrepreneurship and expanding social protection. Positive changes in healthcare, education, science, culture, and sports all reflect the practical outcomes of these constitutional principles.

The core of these tasks is to convey the philosophy of the renewed Constitution, endorsed by the people, to every layer of society. It recognizes human dignity as the highest value, strengthens social solidarity, elevates legal culture, and unites the efforts of citizens to consciously and responsibly shape their future as a modern state founded on the rule of law – all under the noble ideal: “For the Motherland, for the Nation, for the People!”

The scholarly community and mentors in constitutional law play a crucial role in this process. Every academic study, legal insight, and educational initiative deepens public understanding of the spirit and essence of constitutional norms.

Practical mechanisms are also advancing these goals. For instance, “Law School” (“Huquq maktabi”) mobile application, developed under the President’s 24 May 2024 decree, enables citizens to acquire legal knowledge independently, conveniently, and in a modern format. With nearly 66,000 registered users, 32 educational courses, and over 33,000 users having completed courses and obtained certificates, the application is a clear sign of growing public interest in legal literacy. It is an effective, modern tool for strengthening legal culture, ensuring the rule of law, and enhancing citizens’ legal knowledge.

Tashkent State University of Law plays a vital role in educating the younger generation. Its faculty have developed “Foundations of State and Law” textbooks for students in grades 8–11, based on the revised Constitution, which help students understand its spirit and essence and develop practical skills to apply it in everyday life.

Ultimately, understanding the Constitution’s place in our lives and ensuring that its provisions are applied in all areas requires active civic engagement, a high level of legal culture, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The Constitution is more than a legal document; it is the moral benchmark of national development and the foundation that strengthens citizens’ trust in the state and society’s confidence in the future. Respecting it is not only a constitutional duty but also a civic responsibility in building the New Uzbekistan.