Mirziyoyev outlines human rights and freedoms a priority

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave a speech at the 46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, on Monday. Mirziyoyev spoke in detail about the priorities of deepening democratic transformations in the country and major directions of work within the framework of the Human Rights Council.

The event hosted the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, the heads of states, governments, foreign ministers and high representatives from about 150 countries of the world.

Uzbekistan attended the meeting for the first time as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev started his speech by emphasizing the priority of ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms in Uzbekistan. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development shall be implemented in Uzbekistan in accordance with the UN principle to ensure the rights and legal interests of every person.

The second topic the President touched upon was the issues of gender policy and that the country intends to radically increase the role of women in the republic. “This year Uzbekistan is planning to hold a Women Leaders’ Dialogue of Central Asian states and a Regional Women’s Business Forum in Uzbekistan”, said Mirziyoyev.

He also noted the special priority to be given to ensure the rights of people with special needs. A new Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has recently come into force in the country, in the near future the Parliament of Uzbekistan is set to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

President informed the participants about Uzbekistan`s successful accomplishment of profound work in terms of the eradication of forced and child labor jointly with the International Labor Organization and the World Bank.

“In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan as a member of the Human Rights Council shall protect and actively promote the universal principles and norms of the International human rights law” concluded Mirziyoyev.