President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered an address at the 46th session of the Council.
On February 22, at the 46th regular meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered an address. The head of the state outlined the priority tasks of the future democratic transformations in the country and the work of the government within the Council. It was reported by the press office of the president.
The President of Uzbekistan noted that ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms will continue to be central to the reform of Uzbekistan.
In matters of gender policy, the country’s authorities aim to radically increase the role of women in the country’s public, political, and business life. The country is preparing to host a regional women’s business forum «Women leaders’ Dialogue in Central Asia» in 2021.
The head of the state paid special attention to work on ensuring the rights of persons with special needs, disabilities. Uzbekistan has put forward an initiative to create a Regional Council regarding the self-realization of persons with disabilities. An important step in this direction is the adoption of a new law on the rights of persons with disabilities.
Speaking about the problem of protecting the rights of youth, which makes up more than half of the population of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev proposed holding a World Conference on the Rights of Youth under the auspices of the UN, and also, consider the establishment of the institution of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of youth. The President noted that in the country 2021 is held under the motto of supporting youth and public health, as well as the main motto-principle until 2030 «Leave no one behind».
Work on eradicating forced and child labor will continue. The development and adoption of a law on the Children’s Ombudsman is underway.
The head of the state paid special attention to the problem of reducing the number of stateless persons. Mirziyoyev said that in 2020, 50 thousand compatriots received Uzbek citizenship, in 2021 it is planned to give citizenship to another 20 thousand people.
Besides, the head of Uzbekistan announced his intention to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, to develop the training system within contribution to the UN Voluntary Fund for Human Rights, to improve civil society institutions, and fully support freedom of speech in Uzbekistan.
The development of codes on non-governmental non-profit organizations and the media was also announced. The President of the country underlined that during the development of all normative documents, the proposals of the UN special envoys will be fully taken into account, including the ones on issues of freedom of religion or belief, as well as on the independence of judges and lawyers.
