| The 46th session of the Human Rights Council started its work on 22 February 2021 in Geneva with the High-Level Segment. Uzbekistan has participated at this meeting for the first time as a member of the UN HRC.
The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV took part in this event and delivered video statement.
In his speech, the President reiterated firmly commitment of Uzbekistan to its international human rights obligations and as a member of the HRC to protect and actively promote the universal principles and norms of the International human rights law.
He outlined the following priorities in human rights field:
- Firstly, ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms shall remain central in reforming Uzbekistan;
- Secondly, gender policy, especially radically increase the role of women in the public, political and business life of the country;
- Thirdly, special priority shall be given to ensure the rights of people with special needs. A Regional Council regarding the self-realization of persons with disabilities has been proposed to establish. Uzbekistan shall ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
- Fourthly, the protection of youth rights would be constantly in the focus of attention;
- Fifthly, in the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor, the Law on the Children’s Ombudsman shall be adopted and further activities with the International Labor Organization and the World Bank would be continued in terms of the eradication of forced and child labor;
- Sixthly, to hold together with the UN High Commissioner Office a Global Forum dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training.
- Seventhly, to support the proposal by the UN Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres for taking decisive steps to reduce the number of stateless persons. In 2020 50 thousand of compatriots have acquired citizenship of Uzbekistan, in 2021 more than 20 thousand people shall obtain it, as well.
H.E. Mr. Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV also prioritized intention of the country to further develop the civil society institutions, continue improvements in this field and provide comprehensive support to the freedom of speech in Uzbekistan.
Uzbek side intends to take a decision to extend a standing invitation to all mandate holders to visit Uzbekistan.
Special attention in the speech was given to continuation of strictly suppressing all forms of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment and intention of Uzbekistan to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. In this regard, Uzbekistan shall invite the Special Rapporteur on torture to visit the Republic for joint work.
In Uzbekistan 2021 has been declared the Year of Supporting Youth and Strengthening Public Health. In this respect the following preparations are underway in the country:
- to hold the World Conference on Youth Rights under the UN auspices;
- to present the draft Convention on Youth Rights at the tenth forum of the UN Economic and Social Council;
- and also to submit for consideration the issue of establishment the institution of a Special Rapporteur on Youth Rights.
|
