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Press Release
19 July 2024
Authorities in Uzbekistan launch the process of development of the UPR national action plan
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Speech
01 July 2024
Secretary-General's remarks upon receiving the Highest Order of the Dostlik Award
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Speech
27 June 2024
The multiplier effect of investing in health
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Uzbekistan
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Uzbekistan:
Publication
11 August 2023
Uzbekistan United Nations Country Results Report 2022
The 2022 UN Country Results Report presents key achievements and impact delivered by the 25 UN entities working together with the Government of Uzbekistan. This report showcases the many ways in which the UN system worked closely with a wide range of partners to turn the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into concrete results for women and girls, youth and vulnerable people across all regions of Uzbekistan under the overarching vision of a more just, equal and resilient society.
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23 January 2023
SDG dialogues at the Diplomat International School
The students of International Diplomat School were introduced the concept of Sustainable Development Goals on 24 October and 29 November 2022
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23 January 2023
Regional SDG dialogues 2022
The Regional SDG dialogues were held in November and December in Urgench, Bukhara and Andijan
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Publication
25 August 2022
Joint UN-Government Steering Committee and Partners' Meeting 2022
This presentation highlights key results of development cooperation between the UN and Government for 2022; informs about planned results of the UN Country Team and endorses the Joint Workplans for 2023-2025; reviews and endorses the implementation architecture of the Cooperation Framework (Results Groups, Technical Groups); and reviews Multi-Year Funding framework of the Cooperation Framework, including funding gaps and priorities for resource mobilization.
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Story
20 June 2024
Gender and Engineering: why embracing diversity is important
From the buildings we work in to the roads we travel, engineers design and create the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. In Uzbekistan, where development projects are underway, having a diverse pool of engineers is crucial. This means not only focusing on technical skills but also embracing gender diversity. Globally, engineering remains a male-dominated field, and Uzbekistan is no different. Traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and workplace biases often discourage women from pursuing engineering careers. This gender gap means that the engineering sector misses out on the diverse perspectives and ideas that women can bring. “Graduating in architecture and civil engineering, I've noticed the significant gender disparity in the industry. However, it is in this area that women are needed the most, as we bring unique perspectives for an inclusive design and infrastructure”, says Makhliyo Rakhimova, Associate Architect. UNOPS acknowledges the necessity of gender inclusivity in engineering, and the initiatives led by UNOPS in Uzbekistan are a good example. Supporting the government in efforts* to improve the healthcare system in the country, UNOPS recognizes the importance of integrating more women into engineering to ensure that projects are more inclusive and accessible. Their approach helps to address and eliminate biases, making healthcare facilities more user-friendly for women, children, and the elderly.“With over 15 years of experience in health technology topics, the project on procuring oncology equipment is incredibly close to my heart. Seeing firsthand the struggles of cancer patients I am even more dedicated to using my skills to bring new hope to patients and build trust in the improved healthcare system”, notes Jelena Perovic, Lead Biomedical Engineer. A personalized solution is the approach UNOPS biomedical engineers focus on during the definition and selection of adequate technology to provide patients suffering from oncology related diseases with high quality healthcare services. By understanding the full context of how, to whom, and by whom health services are delivered, the team ensures healthcare workers receive the right tools to provide timely and effective care in modern, patient-centered facilities. “When we build infrastructure, it has to work for everyone, which means thinking about what both men and women need, and female engineers are key to this”, says Nesrin Altunkaya, Lead Architect. Healthcare infrastructure impacts entire communities, thus infrastructure and design is another area where UNOPS recognizes female engineers. “These projects are about more than just building; they’re about creating a foundation for long-term development along with inclusivity. I believe that gender diversity brings impact that leaves no one behind”, - adds Munisa Sadiyeva, Associate Architect. Few people know that along with site infrastructure assessments, there is a special attention to a study of the beneficiaries and main users of the facilities. UNOPS experts ensure that assessment considers gender-specific infrastructure needs, including satisfaction of and access levels to healthcare facility infrastructure for men and women, as well as intersecting factors such as age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability status. All these factors influence the utilization of infrastructure services by men and women differently. “Women feel women. While designing, I always prioritize safety and accessibility of facilities, privacy and dignity of workers and inclusivity of patients - the aspects that directly affect the well-being of female beneficiaries of our projects”, explains Dinara Botirova, architect, member of UNOPS Design Management team. The role of female engineers extends beyond their technical expertise. Firstly, they ensure that gender-responsiveness is integral to all their projects, secondly, they serve as inspiring role models for future generations. “Knowing that my work inspires my niece to pursue a STEM education fills me with joy. I am proud of the importance of my own journey and the impact I can have on the next generation of female engineers”, says Adelya Ishmuxamedova, Civil Engineer. Presence and success of women in a traditionally male-dominated field demonstrate to young girls that they too can pursue and excel in STEM careers. It breaks down stereotypes, challenges and changes societal norms, and promotes gender equality in professional environments. “Empowering women with the right tools and opportunities doesn't just empower individuals; it empowers entire projects. Their insights, shaped by their lived experiences, double our capacity to deliver more inclusive outcomes”, - Dax Julius Dayanan, Head of Infrastructure Service Delivery. Integrating gender diversity into engineering is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic necessity. Women bring unique perspectives and ideas that consider and address specific needs of women, as they inherently understand the experiences and challenges faced by other women. In the context of UNOPS projects, their contributions are vital for creating inclusive healthcare facilities and resilient systems that cater to all community members. *In Uzbekistan, UNOPS is supporting the Ministry of Health in procuring and delivering highly specialized medical, diagnostic, radiological and ICT equipment, to significantly contribute to improved access and quality oncological healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations across Uzbekistan.Since 2022, UNOPS is working closely with the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee (SES) to strengthen Uzbekistan’s preparedness systems for future epidemics and is implementing the project to upgrade 54 existing laboratory and treatment facilities across the country through infrastructure works, procurement of diagnostic equipment and supplies, and ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system.
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Story
06 April 2024
World Health Day 2024: how UNOPS ensures "My Health, My Right" through its projects in Uzbekistan
For Uzbekistan, it aligns with national development priorities and goals, highlighting health as a critical driver for societal advancement and achieving sustainable development. To support health initiatives, UNOPS has embarked on a project* partnering with the Government of Uzbekistan to upgrade the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee (SES) laboratory facilities nationwide through infrastructure renovations and the procurement of essential diagnostic equipment and supplies. Bridging these undertakings with health rights, this article discusses how the project not only addresses immediate healthcare challenges but also embodies the key elements of health rights: availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality. Availability refers to the need for a sufficient quantity of functioning health facilities, goods, and services. To ensure these are available to all without any discrimination, it is essential to invest in quality healthcare infrastructure and the training of healthcare professionals, ensuring that both urban and rural populations have equal access to them. The UNOPS intervention in Uzbekistan supports the availability of healthcare services by upgrading laboratory facilities across the country, ensuring that all 13 regions have access to enhanced health infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities. By procuring essential diagnostic equipment and supplies, and establishing an ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system, this project aims to improve the capacity of healthcare providers to offer quality care but also strengthens the government's ability to effectively monitor and respond to future pandemics such as COVID-19. Accessibility in healthcare means that facilities, goods, and services must be accessible to everyone. They are within safe physical reach for everyone, including vulnerable or marginalized groups, and are economically affordable. It also includes the right to access and share health information securely, without unauthorized disclosure, and mandates non-discriminatory access to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunity to receive healthcare services. Through the project, UNOPS enhances healthcare accessibility by ensuring that any construction or renovation of infrastructure accommodates all categories of patients across all regions. This overlaps with economic accessibility improvements - having access to essential services within their own districts, there is no need for costly and time-consuming travel to regional-level facilities for patients. The integration of an ICT-based surveillance and monitoring system further supports timely and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a responsive healthcare system for all. Acceptability relates to respect for medical ethics, culturally appropriate, and sensitivity to gender. It requires that health facilities, goods, and services cater to the specific needs of diverse population groups and in accordance with international standards of medical ethics for confidentiality and informed consent. By modernizing and renovating laboratory facilities to be culturally sensitive and accessible to all, including gender-specific accommodations where necessary, UNOPS ensures that the infrastructure itself meets the diverse needs and expectations of the community. Additionally, UNOPS' capacity-building initiatives offer specialized training for healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency, ethical medical practices, and patient-centered care, including respect and confidentiality of information related to each individual being treated. This ensures that the services delivered are respectful, acceptable, and tailored to the unique cultural context of each community served. Quality entails that health facilities, goods, and services must be medically appropriate and of good quality. This element emphasizes the importance of skilled medical personnel, scientifically approved hospital equipment, safe and clean water, and adequate sanitation. UNOPS is committed to provide services that are not only available and accessible but meet a standard of quality that ensures effective and safe treatment and patient satisfaction. The project implemented in Uzbekistan ensures it covers all aspects of health care, including patient safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. The project's benefits extend across multiple layers of the country's healthcare landscape. It promises to provide the people and healthcare providers with access to quality and accessible healthcare services, as well as enhanced facilities and resources. Eventually, it will bolster the capacity of government agencies under the Ministry of Health to safeguard the health and well-being of the Uzbek population.___* Within the project on Emergency Response to COVID-19, UNOPS is supporting the Government of Uzbekistan in enhancing the country's resilience against the COVID-19 pandemic and future epidemics. To achieve this, UNOPS is supporting the implementation of a $160.7 million loan from ADB and AIIB to equip and refurbish the national laboratory system, establish an ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system, and expand treatment capacity for COVID-19 and future epidemiological cases.
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Story
26 January 2024
How UNOPS drives Sustainable Development through effective procurement practices
“Effective public procurement underpins nearly all sustainable development activities. Every Global Goal, every mission, every operation. Without efficient and sustainable purchasing of goods and services, addressing the world’s problems would be impossible,” says the UNOPS Director of Procurement Group, Ms. Anne-Claire Howard.UNOPS is a global leader in procurement services, employing best practices to drive sustainable development. In Uzbekistan, UNOPS has been implementing various projects*, aiming to enhance healthcare services through sustainable procurement practices. Procurement is deemed sustainable when it integrates requirements, specifications, and criteria accounting for environmental protection, social progress, and economic development. UNOPS experts are committed to implementing these practices within the projects in Uzbekistan, focusing on sustainable materials, social well-being, health, and safety policies, energy efficiency, promoting local employment opportunities, women-owned businesses, and labour rights. By evaluating the feasibility and impact of emerging technologies, such as advanced imaging systems, and smart healthcare management systems, UNOPS experts guide medical facilities toward transformative advancements. This fosters innovation, and drives progress in the healthcare sector, optimising working conditions and enhancing overall job satisfaction of healthcare workers. In turn, by ensuring the availability of sustainable and efficient medical equipment, patients benefit from improved diagnosis, treatment, and overall quality of care. Sustainable equipment promotes better patient results, reduces the risk of complications, builds trust in their healthcare providers, and enhances patient satisfaction. UNOPS is determined to build market capacity in developing countries, and promote women-owned businesses and micro, small or medium-sized enterprises as a way to foster sustainable development. Building a local supply base not only contributes to the economic development of the countries UNOPS operates in, but also advances sustainability initiatives by minimising transport-related emissions. UNOPS stays committed to environmental protection, paving the way for a greener future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. For the projects in Uzbekistan, UNOPS prioritises equipment procurement that incorporates energy-efficient systems, reducing operational costs and minimising environmental impact, so that healthcare facilities can reduce maintenance costs and allocate resources more efficiently. Transparency and integrity are at the core of UNOPS sustainable procurement practices. By establishing open and clear rules, UNOPS ensures fairness in the procurement process that fosters healthy competition among suppliers, allowing for quality and competitive responses from the local and international market place. For UNOPS, gender-responsive procurement serves as a potent tool to achieve socio-economic objectives, bridging wage gaps, creating employment opportunities for women, and mitigating gender-related labour imbalances. To implement this approach, UNOPS relies on three key pillars:Incorporating gender considerations into procurement processes.Ensuring an inclusive procurement process that does not discriminate against women.Procuring goods, services, and works that positively contribute to gender equality and the empowerment of women.Additionally, UNOPS recognizes the significance of inclusion. It involves procuring accessible goods and services to ensure that everyone, including persons with disabilities, can participate, making the procurement process itself accessible, and collaborating with disability-inclusive suppliers to promote inclusive and equitable participation in procurement activities.Recent Visit of Director of UNOPS Procurement GroupA recent visit (12-16 January 2024) of the Director of UNOPS Procurement Group to Uzbekistan, Ms. Anne-Claire Howard, highlighted the organisation's commitment to SDGs acceleration in the country. During this visit, UNOPS’ key stakeholders and partners engaged in discussions on how UNOPS' expertise in procurement can further advance sustainable development goals and the national priorities in Uzbekistan. UNOPS has established itself as a reliable long-term partner for the Government of Uzbekistan, actively supporting the implementation of healthcare reform efforts. With a shared vision for positive change and progress, the combination of UNOPS' global technical expertise and local presence, positions UNOPS as a reliable development partner, capable of effectively addressing emerging needs and delivering results that positively impact communities. By focusing on sustainable procurement practices, UNOPS aims to serve people better, protect the environment, build trust, drive equality, ensure human rights, and boost economic growth. These principles align with the organisation's overarching mission of advancing sustainable development and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in each country, UNOPS works.___* Within the project on Emergency Response to COVID-19, UNOPS is supporting the Government of Uzbekistan in enhancing the country's resilience against the COVID-19 pandemic and potential future epidemics. To achieve this, UNOPS is using a $160.7 million loan from ADB and AIIB to equip and refurbish the national laboratory system, establish an ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system, and expand treatment capacity for COVID-19 and other epidemiological cases.The Phase II of the project on Modernization of Oncological Institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan, financed by a $64.8 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is focused on strengthening the preparedness of the healthcare system in Uzbekistan through preventing and treating oncological cases in an effective and timely manner. Within this project, UNOPS is responsible for procuring and providing a range of medical, laboratory, radiological, and ICT equipment.
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Story
25 January 2024
Blossoming Hope: Aral Sea's Dried Bed Unleashes Healing Power through Beekeeping
At first glance, it seems improbable due to the harsh conditions, especially the lack of flowering plants crucial for beekeeping. However, a unique feature distinguishes the Aral Sea's surreal landscapes – a diverse vegetation cover fostering the growth of medicinal, forage, fruit, tannin, essential oil, and bee plants.
Venturing into the Muynak district, near the dried-up Aral Sea bed and its haunting ship cemetery, tourists are drawn to the area. It's here that our beekeeper heroines, like Zamira Zhaulybayeva reside.
A Life-changing discovery
Zamira's day begins with the fragrant, rich taste of honey collected by bees from wild medicinal plants in the Aral Sea desert landscapes. This honey, a life-changing discovery, becomes the main treat on her family's table. Her family, aware of the honey's healing properties, sees it as a panacea for many diseases.
The story traces back to 1997 when Zamira's husband, Zhenis Boldykov, assisting beekeepers in Bukhara, developed a fascination for beekeeping. The family's dream of a bee apiary took root, and by 2022, within UN Joint programme (UNDP, UNFPA and FAO) funded by the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security, Zamira's family received the necessary equipment for beekeeping in the Aral Sea region.
Despite the challenges of a harsh climate, Zamira's family perseveres, leaving most honey to help the bees adapt. Zamira's dedication extends beyond beekeeping to plant-growing, contributing to the unique fodder base for bees. The honey obtained from desert plants, including sandy Acacia and Cistanche, possesses a special flavor and aroma, serving as a natural medicinal collection.
Zamira envisions promoting the unique honey of the Aral Sea globally, capitalizing on Muynak's popularity among tourists. She believes that the natural bee product, collected in this extraordinary region, is a step into the future for environmental sustainability.
Finding hope in tiny bees
Another beekeeper, Alimash Myrzayeva, faced life challenges, including a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. The Joint Programme by UNDP, UNICEF, and FAO “Empowering youth towards a brighter future through green and innovative development of the Aral Sea region” provided an opportunity for her to venture into beekeeping. The initiative not only helped her rebuild her life but also provided her with a newfound purpose and a way to combat her illness.
She did not immediately decide to participate in the project, "my husband nudged me into it, fortunately he had the experience in the family," she recalls. Then Alimash successfully turned over a new leaf of her fascinating life. "These amazing tiny creatures literally cured my soul, allowed me to forget about my illness," recalls Alimash.
Alimash's journey into beekeeping, guided by experienced beekeepers, resulted in successful honey extraction, highlighting the potential of the Aral Sea region. Like Zamira, Alimash aims to develop beekeeping in the region, leveraging its rich flora. The honey they produce is not just a treat but a form of prevention against diseases.
In conclusion, Zamira and Alimash, along with other participants in the Joint Programme, emerge as trailblazers in beekeeping, harnessing the rich flora of the Aral Sea region. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that honey from medicinal plants could be the panacea for many diseases, offering hope and prosperity to the community, the region, and the country.
Note: The analysis in the Aral Sea region revealed that 161 species of medicinal plants grow in the Amu Darya delta, 85 species of medicinal plants grow on the Ustyurt Plateau. The data has not been updated in recent years.
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Story
17 January 2024
Uzbek village becomes digital
Sitting in a field in the heart of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, Shaodatkhon Oripova’s greenhouse isn’t just the simple structure it used to be. It’s now alive with digital sensors connected to the internet, through which the 62-year-old farmer can control the temperature, humidity, light and soil moisture.
“In the past,” she said, “a lot of my earnings would disappear into paying for utility bills and buying fertilizers,” says the mother of three, whose farm produces herbs, tomatoes, lemons, corn and clover.
Now, Shaodatkhon can better regulate these inputs through the sensors. If anything needs to be adjusted in the greenhouse, her mobile phone buzzes to alert her.
These sensors were particularly useful over the summer when extreme heat and lack of water impacted production from her greenhouse. While other farmers sustained great losses, she was able to maintain her production at close to last year’s levels.
Shaodatkhon has been used to the hard work and highs and lows of farming. “I was born into a family of farmers, and I have been a farmer my whole life, but it has not been easy,” she said.
It is a different type of farming now. Shaodatkhon describes how every day is a new learning experience with digital technology. She can now free up more time for other things such as marketing her produce, spending time with her family and improving her education and quality of life.
Shaodatkhon is one of the farmers taking part in the Smart Farming for the Future Generations project of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It is closely aligned with the Digital Villages Initiative, which was introduced in the villages of Novkent and Yuksalish in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan in 2023.
The Digital Villages Initiative is a flagship programme of FAO aiming to transform at least 1 000 villages around the world into digital hubs. The initiative seeks to foster rural transformation and empower communities through digitalization and participatory approaches to combat hunger, poverty and inequality. The Digital Village Initiative helps farmers access technology to boost production, access rural services and improve livelihoods.
But it’s not just farmers who are getting involved. FAO is also offering training programmes to local young people. A coding camp helped train youth in replicating smart sensor devices. In the culmination of the training programmes, a Digital Villages Hackathon took place in November 2023 yielding an array of innovative agritech solutions to the challenges faced by rural people in the Fergana Valley.
The continuation of regular collaborative innovation workshops, known as “living labs”, also provides a vital platform for exchange among farmers, experts and innovators. During these sessions, farmers like Shaodatkhon and her family discuss the challenges they face, for example heating the greenhouse against the biting winter cold. Other topics brainstormed with a range of local actors and experts have included water scarcity, a lack of infrastructure and limited access to reliable extension services.
As technologies develop at breakneck speed, Shaodatkhon says she looks forward to further innovations in areas such as smart irrigation and renewable energy solutions for her greenhouse.
FAO is scaling up the Digital Villages Initiative, in Central Asia and beyond, working closely with rural communities to understand their most pressing problems and desired outcomes, identify the agricultural technologies best suited to the community and support them on their digital transformation journeys.
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Press Release
22 July 2024
Authorities in Uzbekistan launch the process of development of the UPR national action plan
A three-day event was organized by the UN Human Rights Office in Central Asia (OHCHR), in cooperation with UNHCR and UNAIDS and in partnership with the National Human Rights Center (NHRC). The event took place in Tashkent region on 17-19 July 2024 and included presentations from UN experts and state officials as well as practical exercises.Mr Mirzatillo Tillabaev, First Deputy Director of NHRC, stated that Uzbekistan has accumulated considerable experience in the implementation of international human rights obligations and emphasized the importance of engagement of civil society in this process. In particular, he stressed that “The authorities will continue to consult with civil society organizations on various actions to be undertaken to effectively implement UPR recommendations”.Mr Pavlo Byalyk, OHCHR Human Rights Officer, presented UPR recommendations in thematic clusters and outlined their links to SDGs. When discussing further steps for the implementation of recommendations, he emphasised the UN continuous commitment to cooperate with the Government of Uzbekistan and to provide relevant support through projects, programmes and expertise. “We prepared a mapping of the UN support, which shows that more than 180 activities have been already implemented by the UN agencies to support implementation of the UPR recommendations”, he noted.Ms Rano Saidumarova, UNHCR Senior Protection Officer, discussed with the participants UPR recommendations which concern refugees and asylum-seekers and provided suggestions for actions which would allow for their implementation. In this regard, further work by the National Human Rights Center with other relevant stakeholders on the draft law on refugees is a key priority.Participants discussed the importance of reviewing the existing NAPs in the human rights area, including those which relate to implementation of the recommendations of the Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures as well as the NAP for the National Human Rights Strategy of Uzbekistan, in order to have a complex and integrated approach to implementation of all international human rights commitments. The participants were trained on identifying results for the planned activities, developing indicators to measure the progress in achieving those results as well as on using the National Recommendations Tracking Database.The workshop was attended by representatives of National Human Rights Center, Committee of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on Women and Gender Equality, Committee of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on Democratic Institutions, Supreme Court of Uzbekistan, General Prosecutor's Office, Ombudsman Office, Child's Ombudsman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Preschool and School Education, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, Law-Enforcement Academy, Ministry of Health, Agency for Information and Mass Communications under the Presidential Administration, National Agency for Social Protection, Anti-Corruption Agency, Committee for Religious Affairs, Committee for Family and Women Issues, as well as the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan.
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Press Release
05 June 2024
Secretary-General appoints Sabine Machl of Austria as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan
Ms. Machl brings more than 22 years of experience in international law, development, conflict prevention and gender equality to this position. She worked until recently as the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia. Prior to that, she was the UN Women Representative in Indonesia and Liaison to ASEAN and headed UN Women in Palestine and Kyrgyzstan. Before joining the United Nations, she held senior positions with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in The Hague, Bishkek, Vienna and Tallinn. Ms. Machl also worked for the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and briefly at the European Parliament. Ms. Machl holds two master's degrees in law and languages as well as a PhD in Law from the University of Vienna.
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Press Release
20 May 2024
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to Prevent Statelessness’ was convened by UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee agency, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Statelessness, the situation of not being recognized as a citizen by any country, affects millions of people around the world, and over 37,000 people in Central Asia alone. Without a nationality, stateless people often cannot access the most basic of rights, including education, employment, healthcare, and freedom of movement.Birth registration is a critical first step in securing legal identity, and enabling individuals to contribute to society, by paying taxes, and health and social care levies, and the sustainable development of their communities. “We are proud to host this conference today and share with participants the successful efforts undertaken by the Republic of Uzbekistan to end statelessness,” said Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Director of the National Centre for Human Rights. “In 2018, Uzbekistan amended legislation ensuring all children born on our territory are registered at birth, and in the last five years alone we have reduced the number of stateless people by over 75 percent.”Conference participants represented national administrations responsible for managing birth registration, or involved with the process, including Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Interior, Ministries of Justice, and National Human Rights Institutions, as well as international organizations. Six key topics were explored through the day, including: Establishing universal birth registration systems and integrating them with education, health and social services; Leveraging technology for efficient birth registration; Best practices in universal birth registration in the region; and Protecting the rights of stateless children and children of unknown parents.“Ensuring legal identify for all, including birth registration, is enshrined in the 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and committed to by all countries of Central Asia as the UN Member States,” said Ashita Mittal, Acting UN Coordinator in Uzbekistan. “We commend the significant achievements of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in their efforts to reduce and eradicate statelessness. The UN stands ready to support states to ensure forcibly displaced and stateless people are not left behind, but can contribute to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”In 2014, UNHCR launched the global #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness. With 2024 marking the end of the 10-year campaign, States across the world are accelerating efforts to reduce and end statelessness. Statelessness in Central Asia largely resulted from the dissolution of the Soviet Union. While many residents were able to confirm or acquire the nationality of the independent States, some still remain in legal limbo. As of January 2024, there are 37,819 known stateless people in Central Asia. To date, 98 States have acceded the 1954 Convention, and 80 States to the 1961 Convention, including six CIS countries. Turkmenistan is the only Central Asian State that has acceded the two UN Statelessness Conventions.
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Press Release
20 May 2024
Ms. Regina Maria Castillo is new Representative of UNICEF in Uzbekistan
Prior to this assignment, Ms. Castillo served as UNICEF Representative in the Republic of Croatia and UNICEF Representative in Paraguay. Before joining UNICEF in 2016, Ms. Castillo worked in the capacity of UNAIDS Country Director for Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, Chief of Private Sector Partnerships for UNAIDS in Switzerland and Economic and Social Affairs Officer at the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in the United States.Ms. Castillo studied Economics and International Relations at Western Washington University in Washington State, United States and holds a Master’s Degree in Government and International Affairs from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, United States.Ms. Regina Maria Castillo is fluent in Spanish, English and French. She is married and has two children.
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Press Release
20 May 2024
Role of Media and Journalists in Promoting and Protecting Citizens' Environmental Rights
Sustainable development is under threat. The triple planetary crisis - climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution - along with their interconnection with public health problems, the need to strengthen democracy, combat the spread of disinformation on digital platforms, among other problems, has become a serious problem for humanity. The information ecosystem is called upon to play a key role in overcoming this existential crisis. Access to reliable information and the importance of strengthening independent environmental and scientific journalism are more important than ever. Independent journalists, as well as scientists, play a crucial role in helping our society separate fact from fiction and manipulation and make informed decisions, including on environmental policy.Article 49 of the new Constitution of Uzbekistan, adopted in July 2023, enshrines the constitutional right of every citizen to a favorable environment and reliable information about its state. The Constitution also obliges the state to take all necessary measures to improve, restore and protect the ecological system. Article 61 of the Constitution also obliges every citizen to protect the environment. The transition to a "green" economy and environmental protection are declared a priority of the government.The roundtable will provide a platform for exchanging views on the following questions:What are the key environmental problems in Uzbekistan?What are the difficulties in solving these problems, including reporting and public discussions?How can the government cooperate more effectively with civil society?The roundtable organized jointly by the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and UNESCO within the framework of the AIM Accountability Information Media programme, funded by SDC and the UNESCO Multi-Donor Program ("MDP") on freedom of expression and safety of journalists. The Action Plan on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists is aimed at further strengthening UNESCO's work at the global, regional and national levels by directing funds to new priorities and meeting the most pressing needs to fulfill its mandate in the field of freedom of expression, media development and media and information literacy.
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