UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk concludes his official visit to Uzbekistan

I have been warmly received over the past three days, and I have had frank and constructive discussions with a broad range of people from senior government officials to human rights defenders. This morning, I met President Mirziyoyev who elaborated on the reform process underway. A lot has been done on Uzbekistan’s transformation over the past six years and I deeply appreciate the President’s commitment to the centrality of human rights to the way forward. Human rights is a never-ending story.  

It is essential that human rights are central to everyone's day-to-day lives. During my visit to Uzbekistan, I met with a young woman, and using sign language, she shared her frustrations and disappointments. But she also expressed hope. She explained how, as a graduate of human rights, she felt that human rights validated her as a human being – that they were important for her self-worth. In sign, she explained: “I want the system to change so young people like me can have more opportunities.” As High Commissioner, it is my hope that under the new reforms, a new Uzbekistan will provide her, and all Uzbeks, the opportunity and ability to live a full and dignified life. I was deeply touched by her determination, and I also share her hope.

Uzbekistan has a colourful, rich but also very complex history. I last visited the country shortly after independence, and today I see very different country. You only need to look around Tashkent. Today, I see a vibrant country, full of opportunities.

Uzbekistan inherited structures without much regard for human rights. Over the last six years this has fundamentally changed. Presidential reforms have included significant legal reforms in a wide range of areas; the end of forced labour in the cotton fields; the granting of nationality to over 76,000 former stateless people; the return and reintegration of well over 500 women and children from camps in Syria and elsewhere -- I encourage other States to follow suit. There is strong cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, the Human Rights Council and my Office on a variety of issues, including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

During my visit this week, officials spoke about the magnitude of the challenges ahead. They also spoke of the difficulties they inherited. And let’s not forget, old habits die hard. Over time, human rights thinking and actions have become more ingrained into the country’s fabric. Reforms have accelerated, and I am fully aware this is an incremental process with work still ahead. No one should be left behind.

My Office appreciates the cooperation extended by the Government, including through my Regional Office for Central Asia, and its invitation strengthen it further. During my visit I have had a chance to share my observations and recommendations with the Government.   

During my visit, I raised the need to address a clear gender gap in all walks of life - from the political to public spheres. I welcome the strong commitment from the President and the Chair of the Senate to redress this imbalance. I was also encouraged to learn about plans to criminalise domestic violence. I have also encouraged legislation to decriminalise same-sex relations, in line with its international human rights standards. And my Office is ready to assist the country to change its legislation which criminalises HIV transmission in all circumstances.      

On the issue of torture and ill-treatment in detention, a zero-tolerance is key in law and in action. My Office has received assurances that Uzbekistan is working towards ratifying the key mechanism for monitoring and preventing torture, the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. I trust this will occur swiftly. Actions always speak louder than words. More broadly, a human rights perspective needs to be reinforced in the continuing reform process related to law enforcement and the administration of justice.  

I also discussed the importance for State institutions to create an environment that is truly conducive for full involvement of civil society in the overall reform process.

A vibrant civil society is a vital cog of the human rights wheel. It is crucial for non-governmental organisations to operate in an environment free from interference. Similarly, a pluralistic environment is essential to encourage a diverse representation of views and broaden civic space.

A free media and open digital space can provide an enabling environment for all to participate fully in the country’s development and growth. This includes further action on the protection of journalists and the media, as well as freedom of expression.

During my visit, I also travelled to the Republic of Karakalpakstan and its regional capital Nukus. Here, I had the privilege of engaging with youth at the Savitsky Museum and with community leaders and elders at a mahalla, or local neighbourhood, on the outskirts of the city. My encounters underscored a resourcefulness and determination, and real desire to bring human rights into every aspect of their lives.

Known as the ‘Louvre of the desert’, the museum provided a ‘shelter’ for art works that the then Soviet authorities deemed unacceptable. Many artists at the time had been imprisoned, exiled to labour camps or interned in mental asylums for much of their lives. This museum and its avant-garde art serve as a stark reminder of the pain and suffering endured by so many in this part of the world. It also pays homage to the importance of human achievement, resilience and preservation of local culture. Respect for cultural rights is an imperative for the growth of full and inclusive societies. Museums, such as these, have provided a crucial safe space for free thinking.

At the museum, I also engaged with some 600 students from around the country, and we shared views - in person and online - on range of issues, including disability rights, the digital divide, gender, the environment and climate change. Today, the people of Karakalpakstan face the harsh reality of environmental neglect. The drying up of the nearby Aral Sea, once the fourth biggest lake in the world, is a stark reminder of what is at stake globally.

I also had frank discussions with government officials and civil society on the events of July 2022 in Nukus. I reiterated my Office’s call for a transparent and independent ‘after action’ review, including accountability for the loss of lives. I also raised the importance of fair trial standards in this context, as well as how inclusive dialogue can build trust, with lessons learned for the future. 

As Uzbekistan maps out further reforms, my Office is prepared to offer support in strengthening the social contract, based on inclusion, participation and protection. Such undertakings, as I have seen in many country situations around the world, help build the way towards sustainable development, notably for the young.

In my meetings, I have encouraged everyone to look to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document which marks its 75th anniversary this year, as an inspiration to help build a path where human rights are central to their work and everyone’s lives.

As a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, the UDHR is a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and policies and a bedrock of the 2030 Agenda.

Human rights, when applied, act as guardrails and a blueprint for concrete action towards development, peace and security.

Let’s act in our own daily lives, to uphold human rights, working together for a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world - for this generation and those yet to come.

Katta rahmat (Thank you.)

ENDS