On examining the National Report of Uzbekistan within the framework of the all round periodic review by the UN Human Rights Council

During the meeting of the third session of the Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which was held in Geneva, on the 11th of December 2008, the National Report of Uzbekistan was examined within the framework of the All Round Periodic Review (APR)

The delegation from Uzbekistan informed the Council of the massive reforms which have been carried out in the country in the political, economic, social and judicial spheres, as well as carrying out the activities of the Program dedicated to the 60 years of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

During the interactive dialog relating to the discussion on the report, 55 delegates took part. An overwhelming majority of those present, acknowledging the great progress made by Uzbekistan in the issues of providing and protecting human rights, expressed their full support for the reforms which were being carried out in the country in the political, economic, social and judicial spheres. The structural depth and consistent democratic reforms in Uzbekistan were emphasized and the decision to revoke the death penalty, and introduction of the institution of “Habeous Corpus”, as well as increasing the role of political parties in the democratization of society was highly appreciated. There was also the introduction of the institution of child ombudsman, as well as the renewal of visiting rights to the IRCC to places where sentences were being served, and also there was an increase in the number of NGO’s an the mass media.

Delegates from the UN member countries pointed out that the presentation of the national report reflected the progress made by the country in the sphere of democratic revitilization as well as adherence to the APR procedure and dialog with the Council.

In the given context, great emphasis was given to the cooperation of Uzbekistan with UNHCHR and the UN structural institutions, as well as the Ombudsman and the National Center for Human Rights.

The significant efforts made in the sphere of eradication of discrimination against women and children, and increasing the role of women in the socio-political life of the country were lauded, as was the promoting of right to education and spreading the culture of human rights through campaigns for increasing the knowledge of the people on human rights, including the national action plan dedicated to the 60th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Members of the HRC stated that the policies of Uzbekistan in the sphere of human rights were being carried out on the basis of the founding principles and norms developed by the UN.

At the time there was an indication of a joining of Uzbekistan as member in 2008, to the 7 important international documents in the sphere of human rights, those pertaining to change in the death penalty, providing rights to children, fight against human traffiking, transnational organized crime, corruption and others, along with this there was the National plan of action for 2007-2011 for the further betterment of lives of children and the corresponding special laws regulating the above mentioned issues.

The members of the Working Group welcome the statement by the Uzbek delegation pertaining to the fact that the country would use all its powers within the legal framework to further carryout the pursuance and punishment for the use of torture and other types of illegal treatment. In this regard, it was noted that Uzbekistan has undertaken appreciable measures in carrying out the recommendations given by the special speakers after their visit to the country in 2002.

As a result of the considerations and deliberations corresponding recommendations were undertaken, a majority of which were accepted by the Uzbek delegation.