United Nations 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:

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30 June 2021

SDG week 2021: Key messages from UN speakers and experts

In total, 47 UN representatives participated with expert presentation and speeches in the 16-roundtable discussion on each National SDG during the SDG Week.

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Press Release

09 July 2021

Advisory Committee on sustainable development of the Aral Sea Region gains momentum

The Third Meeting of the Advisory Committee on sustainable development of the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan was held on 8 July 2021 in a virtual format. The meeting was organized by the United Nations in Uzbekistan together with the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade (MIFT) of Uzbekistan with the participation of relevant ministries and departments, as well as representatives of international and public organizations and the private sector. The Advisory Committee operates with the support of three Working Groups. In particular, the Visibility Working Group endorsed the Terms of Reference and adopted the Work Plan for 2021. Within its framework, participation, co-organization of international events such as participation to the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), are planned with the direct engagement of the Government, the UN, and relevant stakeholders. Through the series of workshop sessions of the Working Group on Sustainable Investments from February to July 2021, collective thinking methodology was applied to identify six integrated issues such as land and scarce resources, demographic shifts, persistent cultural norms, changes in industry, education and workforce misalignment, and governance of infrastructure in the Aral Sea region. Thus, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with partners, is constructing systems interventions or systemic responses to systemic challenges. As a result, the Group was able to develop high-impact proposals. The Technical Group on Data and Assessments led by UNDP provides evidence and rationale for portfolio analysis and investments in the Aral Sea region. The team of international experts has been mapping the data available in different sources. The mapped data has been categorized in three groups: (i) available and accessible; (ii) available, but inaccessible; and (iii) unavailable and inaccessible. Data Repository is one of the key milestones of the Group so far. The socio-economic portrait and 2030 forecast scenarios for Karakalpakstan have been presented by UNDP. Socio-economic trends for the last decades and 2030 forecast scenarios have been analyzed and shared with the participants. It was concluded that Karakalpakstan has benefitted from significant investments and resource transfers and made progress in catching up with the rest of Uzbekistan in terms of per-capita income, agricultural production, and access to basic services. Meanwhile, progress is evident relatively to a lesser extent in some other areas, such as employment growth, social protection systems, and poverty reduction. The Government of Uzbekistan presented the draft of the Integrated Roadmap. The purpose of the Integrated Roadmap is the implementation of the UN Resolution, which will lead to the sustainable improvement of the living conditions and livelihoods of people in the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan, as well as the restoration of an active ecosystem and enhancement of biodiversity in the surrounding areas. The integrated roadmap of program measures for the cohesive development of the Aral Sea region will: Promote the development of consolidated and integrated policy on sustainable development in the Aral Sea region; Assist in the development of strategies and practical measures to attract and develop environmental innovations and technologies; and Support activities to attract and develop environmental innovations and technologies and capacity building efforts in this field. Ms. Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative, underscored that “The Integrated Roadmap is informed by the systems approach, and its implementation shall also be guided by such approach, which necessitates the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders within the Working Groups to bring transformative changes in support of the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region. UNDP stands ready to support the implementation process, as well.” In his turn, Mr. Atsushi Suda, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japanese Embassy in Uzbekistan, stated that Japan appreciates the draft of the Roadmap since it is more comprehensive and reflects clear expected outputs. Mr. Suda noted that Japan has contributed to the Resolutions aimed at environmental restoration for more than 25 years. About USD 10 million was injected into 26 grant assistance grassroots projects to improve health and tackle salinization in rural areas. To summarize, Ms. Helena Fraser, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, and Co-chair of the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund Steering (MPHSTF) Committee welcomed inputs on the Integrated Roadmap to be further endorsed by the Government. She said, ”The Roadmap is a first step to realizing the UN General Assembly Resolution on declaring the Aral Sea as a zone of innovations and technologies and also as the next step in our collective efforts to accelerate joint action on addressing Aral Sea issues and ensure sustainable, data-driven, and evidence-based impact”. For information The Advisory Committee on sustainable development of the Aral Sea region was launched on 1 December 2020 under the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea region in Uzbekistan to serve as a single platform for accelerating sustainable development in the Aral Sea region. The Committee advises the Fund Steering Committee on comprehensive solutions, effective mechanisms, and approaches that translate financial commitments made by the national and international communities into sustainable development results. More detailed information on the activities of the UN MPHSTF is available on the official website of the Fund http://www.aral.mptf.uz/

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Speech

08 June 2021

Statement attributable to Ms. Helena Fraser, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, On the occasion of ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by Uzbekistan

By ratifying the Convention, the government reiterates its commitment to human rights and the importance of promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the principles of the Convention, as well as the principle of Leaving No One Behind. Promoting the rights and inclusion of People with Disabilities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals has been a key long-standing priority for the UN Country Team in delivering together in Uzbekistan. In recent years, the UN family in Uzbekistan has continuously provided technical and financial support both to promote the ratification of the Convention and to enhance inclusion of people with disabilities. The UN Country Team has collaborated substantially with the Government of Uzbekistan and Organizations of People with Disabilities in strengthening national legislation on People with Disabilities and bringing it in alignment with the Convention and related international norms and standards. We have also worked to build national capacity for practical implementation of the Convention at the country level and to raise public awareness to promote disability inclusion. In line with a core principle of the 2030 Agenda to Leave No One Behind, the UN Country Team has also supported improved data availability through comprehensive situational assessments and surveys. Our focus on strengthening national statistics on disability has helped to establish a strong evidence base for informed policy-making and enhanced targeting of social assistance. Through our flagship UN Joint Programme on Social Protection funded by the Joint SDG Fund, the UN Country Team has been supporting local initiatives led by people with disabilities and innovative human-rights based approaches to delivering integrated social protection and inclusive public services for persons with disabilities. At the global level, the United Nations system has affirmed that the full and complete realization of human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United Nations Country Team is committed to continue providing full support to further implementation of the UNCRPD in Uzbekistan. Moreover, in line with the UN system-wide Disability Inclusion Strategy, we aspire to continuously promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all our activities, and we commit to take action for the better inclusion of persons with disabilities to make decisions for their own lives as active members of society towards a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable Uzbekistan.

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Story

20 April 2021

A career with interruptions: Laziza’s story

Though it might sound a common accomplishment, in real life working women experience unique barriers to reconcile their carriers and family life. Laziza’s story illustrates hurdles women face to access their rights to paid maternity leave: although employed with a formal labour contract she was not able to effectively access all rights. t thanks to her hard work/, she was able to overcome them and achieve her goals. Today she is one of the best HR specialists and an important employee of her company. However, obstacles in realisation of the right to maternity protection are often insurmountable for many. This is despite the fact that Uzbekistan ratified ILO Convention on Maternity Protection, 1952 (No 103), which enshrines the right of women employed in industrial undertakings, non-industrial, agricultural occupations and women wage earners at home, to maternity leave, medical and cash benefits. These benefits should be tailored to maintain the health of mother and child, as well as their living standards. Job search Close to graduation from her master’s studies, Laziza started applying to various vacancies and taking job interviews. Since she was newly married, many organizations refused to hire her, expecting that she would have to take maternity leave soon after. In one organisation, she went through all recruitment stages, and in the end, she was asked to sign a declaration, committing herself not to take a leave from work for five years due to pregnancy and maternity. She had to refuse. “I could not make such a long-term commitment at that time, and this was the only reason for the rejection of that offer,” remembers Laziza. First job and first child After her studies, she started teaching a foreign language in a public school. She enjoyed teaching and working with children. A year into her job, she realised that soon she would become a mother. Joy and excitement filled her in anticipation of the firstborn. The whole family was rejoiced after accepting this news. However, unpleasant news awaited her at school. The school administration directly told Laziza that she could take (maternity) leave, but she would not receive any maternity benefits. So, her leave was officially registered, according to which she had a right to maternity cash benefit, but as she was informed earlier, she did not receive it. Having decided to defend her rights, Laziza entered into an unpleasant conflict with the school administration. In the end of the day, the employer agreed to hand over the money that they received as maternity benefit from the public budget but decided to conceal from Laziza to use it for themselves. “After the maternity leave, I could not return to this school, although I loved my job. The attitude of the administration has deteriorated so much that it was uncomfortable for me to work in that environment,” says Laziza. “Maternity benefit is a significant help for a young family that is getting ready for childbirth and for covering expenses in the first months after the birth.” “Common practice in the private sector” After her second son's birth, Laziza decided to return to the labour market and started working in a private company as an office manager. During the recruitment process, the management warned her that in that company, as elsewhere in the private sector, there is no practice of paying maternity benefits. This did not discourage her from joining the company as she liked the work and the team. After working for a couple of years at that company, Laziza was about to become a mother for the third time. This time there she was prepared in advance that the company would not pay her maternity benefit. The company terminated the employment contract with Laziza but promised that the contract with her would be renewed as soon as she decided to return to work. “According to the current legislation, private companies must pay maternity benefits from their own budget, and I understood that it is an additional financial burden for employers. Therefore, I did not demand payments from my company. Since I was already an experienced mother, I was ready to return to work after 6 months after my daughter’s birth. The team warmly welcomed my return,” recalls Laziza. During her third maternal leave, Laziza received social benefit for childcare (intended for families living with low incomes), financed from the state budget and delivered by local self-government bodies/mahalla. This benefit intended for families living with low incomes helped cover the cost of daily necessities despite their small size. Laziza's story is not unique. Many women in Uzbekistan face similar problems in their professional life. According to Laziza herself, many of her friends from the university were unable to start their careers because of discrimination based on possible pregnancy. Others had to quit their jobs when they became mothers. Few have managed to find a way to combine both career and motherhood. Lack of access to rights in case of maternity contributes to gender inequality at work, and income insecurity that is vital in for maternal and child health. Maternity protection in the workplace gives women a chance to fulfil their professional potential and contribute to their families and society as a whole. Commentary from the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Uzbekistan: The lawyer of the Federation of Trade Union confirms that Laziza’s story is very topical and understands how difficult combining personal and professional life for women could be. According to Article 233 of the Labour Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 1995, all women formally employed in public and private sectors are entitled to maternity leave of seventy calendar days before childbirth and fifty-six calendar days after it with payment of state social insurance benefits. Any practices from employers about non-granting the official leave and non-payment of benefits are illegal. However, it should be noted that current procedures of maternity benefit provision violate the Labour Code. According to the charter on the provision of state social benefits dated 08.05.2002, in for-profit/private entities maternity benefits are paid from the own funds of enterprises. Commentary from the National Gender Commission on Gender Equality under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan: The National Commission on Gender Equality has scrutinised the national legislation to check for the conformity of women's labour and entrepreneurial rights with social security standards. To prevent discrimination and unfair treatment like Laziza faced, the Commission is proposing amendments to Article 24 of the Law “On equal rights and opportunities for women and men”. ‘We think the state must guarantee rights to maternity and paternity leaves, and maternity benefits must be paid from the state budget. – stated the member of the Gender Equality Commission. Improving the national legislation in line with international standards The UN Joint Programme on Strengthening Social Protection in Uzbekistan supports the Government and social partners to increase their understanding of international social security standards for workers with family responsibilities, and their application into national legislation, policy and practice. Maternity protection and paternity leaves are integral parts of these standards. The first step towards realisation of the right to maternity protection in Uzbekistan would be to ensure effective access to women to health, maternity leave and cash benefits in line with provisions of Maternity Protection Convention, 1952 (No. 103). The National Gender Commission and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance are already undertaking the next step – review of national legislation in line with up-to-date maternity protection standards, that is Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No.183). Up to date maternity protection standards provide for maternity benefits ensuring that women can maintain themselves and their child in health and at the suitable levels of living standards. These standards prohibit discrimination based on maternity: employers are not allowed to terminate the employment contract during pregnancy or maternity leave. Importantly, the scope of coverage with rights includes women in formal employment (both private and public sector) and women in non-standard forms of employment; while benefits are financed from worker’s and employer’s contributions as well as from general budget.

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Story

22 February 2021

Skills to last a lifetime

“I’m originally from a small desert town called Uchkuduk,” says Malika, age 14. “And like a lot of other girls, I took dancing and singing classes and never thought about technology,” she says. That’s a common refrain. In many places around the world, the so-called “STEM” subjects—science, technology, engineering, and math—are dominated by boys. But schools in Uzbekistan are trying to get girls more involved, too. Things changed for Malika when her family moved to Tashkent, the capital city. “I missed my friends back home so much,” she says. But she also found exciting new opportunities and started taking courses in graphic design, movie making, and other technologies. One weekend, Malika saw an announcement calling on girls to take part in something called the “Technovation Challenge Uzbekistan.” The challenge is part of a global nonprofit called Technovation that helps girls solve real-world problems through technology, and is supported in Uzbekistan by multiple United Nations agencies and other organizations. Malika and several other girls formed a team in 2019 and talked about what issues they might address. “Back in my hometown,” Malika told her teammates, “a lot of kids’ fathers or other relatives had to leave Uzbekistan to find work.” Other girls had similar stories. They were noticing on a local scale what is a national trend: hard economic times are driving more and more Uzbekistanis to migrate to Russia, Europe, East Asia and beyond in search of work. “This was personal for us,” Malika says. “We wanted to help migrants have safer journeys.” Malika’s team met with staff from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to brainstorm about how to use technology to help. The team created a mobile app called “Plov Time,” which gives information on migrant labor laws in different countries, how to apply for a migration card, and how to deal with emergencies such as when they are detained. “This project was a double-win,” says Sanjarbek Toshbaev, country manager of the IOM in Uzbekistan. “Migrants win because they get a really useful app in Plov Time. And girls also win, because they get involved in technology and other STEM topics. Both of those are good for the country.” Made with Love and a Smile It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon in Tashkent, and two teenage sisters, Nastarin and Sevinch, are playing hide-and-seek with their 8-year-old brother, Akhmadjon, at a local museum. “My brother was born with Down syndrome,” Sevinch explains. “There are limited opportunities for early childhood education for kids with Down Syndrome. So we did some research. We found that many organizations use the ‘Ages and Stages’ questionnaire to screen for Down Syndrome and help young people progress.” For the Technovation Challenge in 2018, the sisters and two other teammates developed the “Sun Child” app, which uses the questionnaire to help parents evaluate the skills of a child born with Down Syndrome. “When doctors told me that my son Rustam was born with Down Syndrome, I was shocked and I didn’t know how to cope,” says Aziza Karimova, family care coordinator of Umnichka, an education NGO. “I wish I had had a tool like Sun Child. I think this app can really help all parents and children to start their development pathways.” Inspired by the Technovation Challenge, Nastarin continued exploring further opportunities in the tech sector. She and some friends received a tech award in South Korea in 2019, when they presented an app that helps include children with disabilities in regular classrooms. Her sister Sevinch is now a student at Inha University in Tashkent, which specializes in technology and business. “This programme provides an important catalyst to get more girls into STEM,” says Helena Fraser, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. “They learn skills that will last them a lifetime. All it takes is some support and encouragement. And by providing that support, we tackle inequalities and innovate for change.” Progress for families means progress for Uzbekistan Since its launch in 2017, the Technovation Challenge has backed more than 500 young programmers across Uzbekistan—all of them girls—and focused on such issues as education, health, and poverty. Girls were provided with mentors and publicity support from several UN agencies, including IOM, UNICEF, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). Projects like the Technovation Challenge have spurred a growing interest in STEM subjects among girls and women. For example, the Challenge’s academic partner, Inha University in Tashkent, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of women students—from 8% in 2016 to 35% in 2018, and still climbing. Such progress in line with Uzbekistan’s national goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. “The Technovation Challenge helped me to become more confident, improve my public speaking skills, and work in a team,” says Malika. “Now my dream is to create something cool that will help as many people as possible.” Malika looks at her watch. She has to rush off to her coding class at Inha University. “I am a girl,” she says, confidently. “Who says I can’t make it?” Produced by UN Uzbekistan. Story by Anvar Meliboev, UN Information Officer, UN Uzbekistan, with editorial support by Paul VanDeCarr, Development Coordination Office.

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Story

22 February 2021

“This journey is just starting—see you at UN100!”

There are 10 years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs. That’s the ambitious to-do list for prosperity and peace that the countries of the world agreed upon at the United Nations in 2015. In Uzbekistan, the United Nations and the government decided to take the pulse of the country and its priorities. This exercise would enlist thousands of people across the country, collecting their stories and perspectives on what should be next for the UN in their country. The UN in Uzbekistan held 49 dialogues with people nationwide, bringing together more than 5,500 people, including those most vulnerable to poverty, poor health, and other such indignities. Another 35,000 people have taken the #UN75 survey. Several of them spoke about COVID-19 and the need for relief from the pandemic, which has lasted since at least 15 March, when the first cases were recorded. Nilufar: “Take care of the future” Nilufar is a single mother, a university student, an employee of the regional Ministry of Health—and she volunteers by collecting and distributing food in her community. “At times I would ask myself, ‘why I am doing this, putting my life and health at risk?’ However, whenever I delivered aid to the elderly, people with disabilities or needy people, I would get my answer. I’m educated, I speak several languages. Friends said to me, why don’t you leave, for your own safety? I replied, “if people like me leave, who’s going to take care of the future? The notion of leaving no one behind matches perfectly with my belief in a better future. We need to be more collaborative, more passionate and to help each other.” Rajab: “It’s a long road” Rajab is a 19-year-old student in Western Uzbekistan. At age 13, he lost his leg in a car accident. “After the car accident, I went through a deep depression, but with support of my family and relatives I decided not give up on my dreams and studied hard to enter university. Before COVID-19, I’d meet my friends every day, we’d talk for hours. Life was different. Now, during the lockdown, it’s hard to be in isolation, not seeing friends, not being able to talk to them offline. On top of that, during the lockdown, both my parents lost their jobs, which threatened our ability to pay for things. The future should bring new opportunities, with accessible and affordable healthcare, affordable access to digital technologies, respect for human rights and decent employment for youth. It’s a long road, but you have to keep walking. See you at #UN100! It’s hard to imagine, but I will be 44 in 2045. Let’s cross our fingers that we all be will be better off.” Muborak: “What will be their future?” COVID-19 took a lot of people by surprise, including 48-year-old Muborak, a banker from Tashkent. “At the beginning of July, I contracted coronavirus and was hospitalized. In my hospital ward, there were two elderly women with me. Despite my anxiety, uncertainty, and depression, hope was the only way to stay positive. We always tried to help each other, sharing happy memories and plans for future. I am sure that it was showing kindness to each other that helped us all to make it through; kindness healed us and brought us a glimmer of hope. Looking at my children, I often catch myself thinking, what will be their future? Will they be able to find a decent job? Will the rule of law be observed and what will the environmental situation in Uzbekistan be?” Ruslan: “Recovery will take some time” Ruslan is a 43-year-old businessman in Tashkent. 2020 was marked by the birth of his second son, and an end to all his plans for the year—including opening a new auto parts store. Ruslan is active in a virtual community of businesspeople, helping to buy food and medicine for seniors in Uzbekistan. “My business was on the verge of collapse, it was psychologically difficult to stay at home and not be able to communicate in person, especially not to see my parents. We will defeat the invisible enemy (of the coronavirus), and we need to show kindness and support each other, especially the elderly. My most recent photo with my parents dates back to 2011 and I blame myself for not spending much time with them. The pandemic has brought me closer to my parents, it’s made all of us stronger. It’s too early to relax though. Recovery will take some time. The international community should strengthen solidarity between nations and people and make a priority of universal access to healthcare.” Produced by UN Uzbekistan. Story by Anvar Meliboev, National Public Information Officer, UN in Uzbekistan, with editorial support from Paul VanDeCarr, Development Coordination Office.

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Story

05 November 2020

"I knew that someday I would get my family back". The story of Timur

My dad left for Russia to work in 2011, and since then, I have not seen him again. After my dad left, my mom found it difficult to raise me and my two brothers all by herself. We lived in our grandparents’ house, but they were seriously ill and later died. I needed leg surgery because of a burn I got when I was little, and my brother had been infected with TB. We had no money. We had nothing to eat, and my mom had to separate us. My 9-year-old brother was taken away to a boarding school for tuberculosis patients, and I was sent to the Mehribonlik orphanage. I was 10 years old when I first arrived at the orphanage. I was treated well there. I made friends and after a month I got used to the new place and the new environment. However, I missed my mom and brothers a lot. We were well fed over there, I even had my own bed. I made friends and attended classes. However, Mom rarely visited me because she was working far away. She got 40,000 sums a day for washing dishes in a canteen, but dad did not send us any money at all. Mom cried a lot; she missed us a lot, since we had always lived together. During those two years, my elder brother Azam lived with my aunt. At the age of 16, he started to earn money during the summer holidays, but this was not enough to help our mother. We were growing and our clothes were getting small. We needed a home to live together again. Now things have changed. Today is my twelfth birthday. I'm an adult now. Mom took me and my brother back from boarding school. We were given some land and now we are building a three-room house. We only have to finish building the roof, floor, and ceiling. My mom, my brothers and I are temporarily living at my uncle’s house. The government helped me to have my leg surgery in Germany and now I am feeling better. Mom works, and Azam works part-time loading goods at our aunt's store after school. He has begun to communicate with dad once a month, but it is still not enough. During the quarantine, we are studying at home by watching lessons on TV, and my aunt is helping us with our homework. UNICEF brought us pens, notebooks, educational books, and games to cheer us up during this difficult time. Our local community committee sometimes collects money, food and clothing for us. My mom has become more confident and happier since we started to live together again. My younger brother and I dream of finishing school and entering college. I want to become a doctor, and my brother wants to be in the military. My elder brother Azam wants to become an entrepreneur and help our family and mom dreams of creating a comfortable new home as soon as possible. However, my brothers and I have an even more important dream which we are not able to achieve. We want our parents to be together again and never leave us. However, the love and harmony we have in our family is a strength that neither boarding school nor poverty can destroy. We have gone through many difficulties and are now reunited to continue our life's journey together. After the labour migration of parents, family ties can break. Children can suffer from a lack of love and care from relatives, from loneliness, or they might have to start working at an early age to support their families. Fortunately, thanks to the cooperation and combined efforts of the community, the local city hall, and social workers, Timur's family was reunited. Now he is on his way to making his dreams come true. The story of Timur illustrates work carried out within the framework of the interregional project “Protecting children affected by migration in Southeast, South and Central Asia”, funded by the European Union and UNICEF.

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13 October 2020

Life lessons for girls – Anastasia’s story

For me, as a female, this is a very important date, because girls need special care, attention and protection. Unfortunately, a woman may not always be heard. She cannot always count on help and support. Her parents will not always be alive, she may not always have the chance to get married successfully or have a reliable spouse nearby. Everything can collapse in one moment, and she must be ready to be strong and take it on the chin. Then, these life lessons will serve as a test of endurance for the girl and lay a solid foundation. My parents supported my choice of future profession; I clearly knew where I was going and what I wanted to do. I was brought up in a traditional family. My mom is a teacher, and Dad is a doctor. My family values were traditional: getting a higher education; marriage, childbirth, career growth. My parents supported my choice of future profession; I clearly knew where I was going and what I wanted to do. Back in my school years, my chemistry teacher made me fall in love with their subject, this powerful science, which is embedded in our most necessary vital resources and processes. In pursuit of my goal, I entered the Academic Lyceum, where I could prepare to enter university to study for a degree in oil and gas processing. I got married at 21. However, after the birth of my son, for some reason, my family broke up. This can happen in a woman's life. It was the fall of 2017, a crucial time, when I was graduating from the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology. During that difficult period for me, the dearest and most understanding person in my life, my mother, stood by me. She took all the material and moral difficulties on her shoulders. I remember nights when I stood with my notes on oil refining in one hand, holding my son and breastfeeding him with the other one. It was getting a higher education that prevented me from breaking down during this difficult time. My notes were followed by presentations, term papers, engineering drawings, a graduation qualification thesis, preparation for entrance examinations for a master's degree and then obtaining that degree. However, my interests were not limited to the study of chemistry. I have always tried to learn something new. With the support of my mother, from the age of 10, I was a junior reporter for the national children's newspaper “Klass!”, and from the age of 12, I participated in various projects run by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This is what contributed to my development as a person. One of those projects was related to photography. I was fortunate enough to meet the Italian photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, who taught children from Uzbekistan the basics of photography. Thanks to this fateful meeting, I made good friends from around the world. Over the years my hobby of photography has grown into a serious occupation. I was admitted to a professional school, a studio at the Tashkent House of Photography. Photography has become a means of self-expression for me. I am very glad that I’ve had the opportunity to share my story with girls around the world! I want to repeat once again that being educated means being self-confident, of interest to those around you and to your family and lets you pass on the knowledge you’ve gained to the younger generation.

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Press Release

15 October 2021

UNHCR opens alternative route of aid to Afghanistan via Uzbekistan

This and subsequent airlifts through Termez will deliver more than 100 metric tonnes of core relief items urgently needed to help Afghans prepare for the winter. Until trucked into Afghanistan, the consignments will be stored in Termez Cargo Centre. “We would like to thank the Government of Uzbekistan for its cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We believe this new route of aid delivery will contribute to global efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to help millions of people affected by it,” said Mr. Dumitru Lipcanu, UNHCR Deputy Representative for Central Asia, today in Termez. Termez Cargo Centre is located less than two kilometres from the border of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Thanks to its location, size and capacity as well as services available, the Centre is seen as a critical hub for providing assistance to Afghan people. UNHCR, part of the UN country team in Uzbekistan, stays committed to helping Afghan people together with partners. Additional support from states, the private sector and international community is critical to responding to the crisis in Afghanistan, where more than 3.5 million people are currently internally displaced, including more than half a million since the beginning of the year.

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Press Release

13 October 2021

FAO hands over special vehicles to forestry organizations in Uzbekistan

"Within the framework of the project, an inventory of forest plantations and the creation of electronic maps using satellite navigation systems are planned in the mountainous territories of Pop, Kitab and Dehkanabad districts. Electronic maps with a constant, real-time update system will make it possible to instantly correct planned activities, significantly save budget funds and conduct high-quality monitoring of forest areas. Special off-road vehicles will solve the issue of transportation in hard-to-reach mountain regions when performing these tasks", said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan. The FAO / GEF project "Sustainable Forest Management in Mountain and Valley Areas of Uzbekistan" is being implemented in four districts which represent the different types of forest ecosystems in Uzbekistan –Syrdarya, Dekhkanabad, Kitab and Pop State Forest Organizations. In these regions, FAO is working on sustainable forest management, the creation of information systems and electronic maps of forest areas and the widespread involvement of the local population in the forest management process. "During the implementation of the project throughout the period 2018-2021, the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan has done large-scale work", says the technical coordinator of the project Olimjon Kakhkharov. “For example, the Data centre and the GIS laboratory were established, which are equipped with advanced technological and modern equipment, field inventory and a total budget of USD $400,000 with which to further improve the inventory process of the State Forest Fund. Four greenhouses were built, for the cultivation of ornamental and forest plants using resource-saving technologies. Four tractors worth USD $100,000 were also handed over to forest organizations for technical support.” As part of the vehicle transfer ceremony, 20 forestry specialists were awarded with certificates to recognise their great energy, diligence and professionalism during the implementation of the project.

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Press Release

04 October 2021

FAO donates modern agricultural equipment to rural households in Bukhara region

FAO Representation in Uzbekistan has sent modern agricultural equipment to Bukhara province, including ten pit drills, ten knapsack sprayers and ten water pumps. “One of the project’s important tasks is assisting the development of rural households for more efficient use of land, and to provide higher incomes for rural people. For this purpose, new equipment was donated to smallholders in Bukhara province. The beneficiaries were selected on the recommendation of the local khokimiyat (administration of the district)”, said national project manager Mukhammadjon Kosimov. Pit drills are designed for drilling holes in the ground, and greatly facilitate work on personal plots. This new equipment will make it possible to mechanize the process of planting seedlings, saving time and resources. Knapsack sprayers will be used primarily for the chemical treatment of plants. Due to their portability and lightness, they are easy to use and make it easier to control the pests and diseases that affect plants. The use of water pumps will contribute to guaranteeing a water supply for personal plots. Soon, within the framework of the project, more similar agricultural equipment will be delivered and donated to smallholders in the Kamashi district of Kashkadarya province. The overall objective of CACILM-2 is to scale up integrated natural resources management (INRM) in drought-prone and salt-affected agricultural production landscapes in the Central Asian countries and Turkey. In Uzbekistan, this project is being jointly implemented with the Ministry of Agriculture. The outcomes of this project will also contribute towards the aims of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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Press Release

24 September 2021

ILO – Uzbekistan cooperation is on track: Decent Work Country Programme for 2021-2025 signed

In opening the signing ceremony, Olga Koulaeva, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that this is the second Decent Work Country Programme for Uzbekistan. The first one, signed in 2014 and extended in 2017, initially was focused on the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and forced labour. Now when the progress achieved by Uzbekistan in these areas has been registered and recognized, the new DWCP covers a broader range of development issues.

The programme sets out to improve the regulatory framework governing labour relations; enhance decent work and better employment opportunities for youth, women and vulnerable groups, generated by inclusive and equitable economic growth; extend the access of the most vulnerable groups to equitable, inclusive and quality education and social protection; strengthen social dialogue and the institutional capacities of the social partners.

Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan who has been involved from the very inception of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the ILO, welcomed the new Decent Work Country Programme. Today, Uzbekistan implements wide-ranging reforms aimed at enhancing a democratic State and guaranteeing the rights of people, including their right to decent work. Ms Narbaeva particularly noted the role of social dialogue. She also made reference to the Global Call to Action for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 crisis adopted by the International Labour Conference in 2021.

Heinz Koller, Assistant ILO Director-General and Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia noted that DWCPs “allowed Uzbekistan to make rapid and significant progress towards Decent Work objectives”. “Our cooperation is definitely on track”, he said.

Nozim Khusanov, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, described recent developments in the social and labour sphere, including the revised Law on the Employment of the Population, the National Employment strategy, National Social Protection strategy till 2030. A review of the employment promotion system was also initiated, including the reform of public employment centres, the establishment of the State Labour Inspectorate and a national system for the assessment of qualifications. Nozim Khusanov thanked the ILO for its technical assistance provided in these areas.

Kudratulla Rafikov, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, expressed his active support for the new programme. It will contribute to the implementation of the fundamental reforms and to the creation of a new Uzbekistan, he said.

Ilkhom Khaidarov, Chairman of the Confederation of Employers of Uzbekistan, particularly noted the role of the Decent Work Country Programme for employers who are now following principles of decent work thus getting broader access to world markets.

Yu Yu, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i., called the new programme “one of the milestones for the UN in Uzbekistan”. DWCP is closely aligned with the national development priorities and the national reform agenda as reflected in the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-25.

The DWCP signing ceremony was held online.

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Press Release

21 September 2021

UNHCR for Central Asia announces the Second Regional Statelessness Competition for Students - “Impact of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness”

Background and context Millions of people around the world are denied a nationality and the legal rights endowed with it. They do not exist on paper and most often live on the fringes of society. Without citizenship, stateless people often do not have access to essential services, including healthcare. At such a critical time, in the middle of a global pandemic, they are at great risk of being left behind in the response. Stateless people may be precluded from or face obstacles in accessing coronavirus testing and treatment, others may refrain from accessing services for fear that their legal status can put them at risk of detention or deportation. Without legal rights and access to services, statelessness leaves many politically and economically marginalized, discriminated against and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In many countries across the world, stateless people live in sub-standard and inadequate sanitary conditions which can compound the risk of outbreaks. Limited by their legal status, many work in informal sectors, which can also hamper adherence to public health protocols such as self- isolation and physical distancing. Although it has long been understood that statelessness should be avoided and that this goal can only be achieved through international cooperation, many States have yet to take action to ensure that everyone enjoys the right to a nationality. Due to the differing approaches taken by States with regard to the acquisition and loss of nationality, some individuals continue to “fall through the cracks” and become stateless. Common rules are therefore essential to address such gaps. The 1961 Convention is the only universal instrument that elaborates clear, detailed and concrete safeguards to ensure a fair and appropriate response to the threat of statelessness. 2021 marks 60 years since the adoption of the 1961 Convention. To mark this date, UNHCR invites secondary school and university students share their essays and research papers on the impact of the 1961 Convention and its relevance today. Objective of the Research Paper Competition The main objective of the competition is to stimulate analytical thinking and research of school and university students on matters of nationality, statelessness and impact of the 1961 Statelessness Convention on the evolution of international law and continuing relevance. Competition Task Competition is open for two categories of participants: Essay section: School students (7-11 grades of secondary schools): Participants in this category should provide an essay up to 1,000 words on the topic: “How the 1961 Statelessness Convention was developed and how it helps to resolve the problem of statelessness”. Research paper section: University students (undergraduate and graduate): Participants in this category should provide a research paper of up to 6,000 words, on topics related to nationality and statelessness, its causes and consequences, the impact of the 1961 Statelessness Convention on the evolution of international law, and its continuing relevance, interconnected socio-economic rights, innovative solutions for streamlining the reduction and prevention of statelessness, protection of stateless persons and achieving the ultimate goal of statelessness eradication by 2024. Eligibility and Requirements Participants must be: For essay category: Students of 7-11 grades of secondary schools in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan at the time of submission or For research paper category: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited university in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan at the time of submission. Competition works must be written solely by the candidate, in English or Russian, and may not have been submitted for publication elsewhere. Submissions must be: Essays: up to 1,000 words Research papers: up to 6,000 words, including footnotes. Each candidate is limited to a single submission. Each submission is limited to a single author. Persons affiliated with UNHCR staff and partners implementing UNHCR projects cannot participate in this competition. Deadline, Method of Submission, Competition Procedures and Criteria The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM (GMT+6), 22 October 2021. Applicants should complete a registration form and send it together with the competition work in Microsoft Word format attachment to email: kazalres@unhcr.org with the subject line “Regional Statelessness Paper Competition 2021”. Questions should be directed to the same address. By submitting papers, candidates represent that they fulfil the eligibility requirements of the Competition. The organizers may request formal proof of eligibility. No later than 72 hours after the submission deadline, candidates will receive an e-mail confirming that their submissions have been received. Competition Procedures and Selection Criteria For anonymity purpose all eligible submissions will be assigned numbers. Reviewers will refer only to those numbers in their communications. The Competition will be judged by a reviewing committee made of representatives of UNHCR, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Central Asian Network on Statelessness (CANS). In assessing essays, reviewers will take into account: Demonstrated understanding of the context (30%); Innovation and creativity of ideas (30%); Proper and articulate analysis (20%); Clarity and organization (10%); Style and grammar (10%). In assessing research papers, reviewers will take into account: Demonstrated understanding of the context, knowledge of facts and law (30%); Extent of research, innovation, and scholarly creativity (30%); Proper and articulate analysis, feasibility of the idea (20%); Clarity and organization (10%); Style, grammar, and proper citation of sources (10%). Competition Prize and Announcement of the Winners Essay category 1st place - a laptop; 2nd place - a tablet; 3rd place - a smartphone Research paper category 1st place – enrollment in a world-class international statelessness course and a laptop; 2nd place - a tablet; 3rd place - a smartphone A message announcing the name of the winners will be published on UNHCR Central Asia and partners websites and social media accounts. An e-mail with the final outcome will also be sent to all who submitted works.

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