Today, New Uzbekistan is steadily advancing along the path of irreversible democratic reforms, pursuing a pragmatic foreign policy, maintaining open and active dialogue with the international community, and carrying out large-scale reforms aimed at strengthening guarantees for the protection of human rights and freedoms. In particular, within the framework of the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, concrete measures are being implemented to improve guarantees and institutional mechanisms for the protection of human rights and freedoms in accordance with the State Program “Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy.”
As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev aptly observes: “The dreams and aspirations of our people, shaped over centuries through diverse ideas and practical endeavors, are today embodied in the concept of New Uzbekistan.”
Concrete facts and figures confirm the validity of this assertion:
- For the first time in history, within a relatively short period and as a result of accelerated economic growth, the country’s GDP has exceeded 110 billion US dollars;
- The enrollment rate in preschool education has increased from 27 percent in 2017 to the current 77 percent, while in higher education it has risen from 9 percent to 42 percent; a new system of schools has been established in the country, including creative, specialized, and Presidential schools;
- For the first time, Uzbek athletes ranked among the top fifteen teams at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games; moreover, for the first time in Uzbekistan’s history, both the national under-17 football team and the national football team qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Analyzing the rapid changes taking place in the country, it is safe to say that Uzbekistan’s status as a sovereign, democratic, legal, social, and secular state and a reliable partner in the international arena has been significantly strengthened. Moreover, constructive initiatives of international and regional significance have received unanimous support from the world community.
Pragmatic Diplomacy of New Uzbekistan
In the current extremely difficult conditions, when armed conflicts, environmental and man-made disasters, economic crises, trade wars, and threats of terrorism and extremism are intensifying in various regions of the world, threats of terrorism and extremism are intensifying in various regions of the world, our country is consistently implementing measures to further strengthen peace and stability, an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony, and the education of young people in the spirit of national and universal values, based on the principle of a united Uzbekistan.
Amid global transformations, new challenges, and threats, the diplomacy of New Uzbekistan has achieved significant progress in consolidating the country’s economic and political potential, protecting national interests, and enhancing the international image of the state.
In recent years, due to the strong political will of the head of state, friendly relations with brotherly states in the region have been raised to a new level, and concepts and realities such as the ‘Central Asian spirit’ and ‘Central Asian identity’ have emerged in world politics. The achievement of a new level of trust and partnership in Central Asia has given a powerful impetus to dynamic transformations. The establishment of the Friendship Stele at the junction of the borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in March this year was another confirmation of the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations and strategic partnership between us. Authoritative analytical centres are actively studying this phenomenon of stable and sustainable development in the countries of the region.
Today, the concept of a ‘New Central Asia’ is becoming a reality, with a unified transport and logistics space taking shape. The region is developing rapidly, becoming a centre of economic growth and investment activity. Taking advantage of unique historical opportunities, Central Asia is becoming a space of good neighbourliness and security, mutually beneficial cooperation and sustainable development. Programmes and projects are being implemented to transform Central Asia into a full-fledged transit hub between East and West, North and South. In recent years, mutual trade volumes have grown 4.5 times, and investments have doubled. The number of joint ventures has increased fivefold. This year, construction began on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Cargo traffic along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Turkey transport corridor has increased significantly.
Through its active and pragmatic foreign policy, Uzbekistan is becoming one of the centers of international politics and an initiator of global initiatives. A clear confirmation of this was the first EU–Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand on 3–4 April, with the participation of the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The summit was chaired by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
In addition, the Samarkand Climate Forum was held – the first event of this level in Central Asia devoted entirely to issues of ecology and sustainable development. The forum was an important event for the region and attracted the attention of the international community: it was attended by three UN Deputy Secretaries-General, leaders of major environmental organisations, representatives of more than 30 countries and international agencies, including UNCCD, FAO, UNIDO, UNECE and ICBA, as well as ministers and experts in the field of ecology.
Parliamentary Dimension and New Uzbekistan
Another event of global significance was the 150th Anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Tashkent on 5–9 April 2025 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, under the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice.” On the margins of the Assembly, the Global Forum of Young Parliamentarians and the International Women’s Parliamentary Forum were convened. The event brought together around 2,000 parliamentarians from more than 140 countries, as well as representatives of over 20 international and inter-parliamentary organizations.
For the first time in the history of Central Asia, this landmark event was held in Uzbekistan. It constituted further recognition by the international community of the democratic reforms being carried out under the leadership of the President, as well as of the country’s broad efforts to advance parliamentarism. The culmination of the multi-day discussions, and the embodiment of consensus within the international parliamentary community on the pressing challenges of our time, was the adoption of the outcome document the Tashkent Declaration “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice.”
The Tashkent Declaration, endorsed as an official document of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, is of strategic significance. It represents a comprehensive framework program for parliamentary action in the fields of global security and peacebuilding, sustainable development, social justice, the promotion of human rights and gender equality, as well as support for youth and inclusive education.
It is important to note that in the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, the further development of the institution of parliament is identified as a priority objective. Over the past years, more than 20 laws have been adopted to enhance the role of the legislature in the life of society and the state.
The powers of parliament were substantially expanded under the new edition of the Constitution, adopted in 2023 by national referendum. The number of exclusive powers of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis increased from 5 to 12, and that of the Senate from 14 to 18. Several powers of the President relating to the formation of judicial, anti-corruption, and anti-monopoly bodies have been transferred to the legislature. The role of parliament in the formation of the Government, oversight of law enforcement agencies, and inter-parliamentary cooperation has been significantly strengthened. At present, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis have established close relations with nearly 100 foreign parliaments, and 80 friendship groups and joint parliamentary commissions are operating effectively.
The emergence of a more professional and accountable parliament, with greater influence of political parties and a new gender dimension, was facilitated by last year’s elections, conducted under a new mixed electoral system with an increased quota for women candidates. Today, women account for 38 percent of the national parliament, a figure recognized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union as the fastest growth rate in the Asian region over the past 30 years.
Within the lower chamber, parliamentary majority and opposition have been formally constituted. At the legislative level, measures have been adopted to expand the rights of the parliamentary opposition, granting additional prerogatives to political party factions declaring themselves as such (their number increasing from 3 to 6). In particular, the opposition is entitled to:
- submit alternative versions of draft laws or their provisions before consideration in the second reading;
- occupy one chairmanship and two deputy chairmanships of committees in the Legislative Chamber;
- raise at least one issue per quarter within the framework of the “Government Hour” and parliamentary inquiries.
The opposition may also register in the minutes of plenary sessions of the Legislative Chamber its special opinions on debated issues, and enjoys the guaranteed right to representation in the conciliation commission on laws rejected by the Senate.
In line with these changes, the powers of local Kengashes (Councils of People’s Deputies) have also been expanded. More than 30 competencies have already been transferred to them, and this process continues. The Concept for the Development of Representative Bodies of State Power at the Local Level until 2030 is being implemented, envisaging an enhanced role for local Kengashes in various spheres of socio-political life. In particular, local councils are now empowered to:
- establish minimum rates of rent for the use of state property;
- approve regulations for the maintenance of burial sites and tariffs for related services;
- determine and reserve minimum numbers of jobs for the employment of socially vulnerable persons, those experiencing difficulties in finding work, and those unable to compete on equal terms in the labor market;
- grant permits for increasing or reducing speed limits (with corresponding road signage) on certain sections of roads.
In addition, the institution of the “Kengash Hour” is being introduced, under which hokims (governors) will report before deputies and the public. A redistribution of certain revenues (state duties, fines, and fees) in favor of local budgets is also envisaged. Youth groups will be established at local Kengashes on the model of youth parliaments under the chambers of the Oliy Majlis, as well as consultative councils with the participation of representatives of NGOs, mahallas (community self-governance institutions), other civil society institutions, and academic circles. Candidates for the position of deputy hokim of a region, the city of Tashkent, district (or city) will henceforth be preliminarily considered in the standing committees of local Kengashes, where their development programs for the territories will also be heard.
Between May and June 2025, elections of mahalla chairpersons were held in 8,852 mahallas across 208 districts and cities of Uzbekistan. They involved 2,173,634 authorized representatives of residents, who voted among 26,334 candidates. For the first time, mahalla leaders were elected for a five-year term (previously three years). A total of 8,852 chairpersons were elected, including 3,962 newly elected (44.8 percent) and the remainder re-elected. Among them were 1,196 women and 306 deputies of district (city) councils. The average age of the newly elected mahalla leaders is 51.
Thus, over the past year, all elements of representative democracy have been formed in the country on a qualitatively new basis the national parliament, local representative bodies, and institutions of citizens’ self-governance.
New Uzbekistan as a Social State
In the new edition of the Constitution, it is explicitly defined that the country is a social state. Thus, Article 43 stipulates that the state shall ensure the employment of citizens, protect them from unemployment, take measures to reduce poverty, and organize as well as promote vocational training and retraining.
According to the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, by 2026, the poverty level is planned to be halved compared to 2022, and by 2030, the incomes of 4.5 million people at risk of falling into poverty will be increased, and 500,000 qualified specialists will be trained on the basis of social partnership. Over the past eight years, more than 7 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the country, and the poverty rate has fallen from 35 per cent to 8.9 per cent. This year, the goal is to reduce this figure to 6 per cent.
The key tasks and measures for poverty reduction and social protection are firmly embedded in legislation and state strategies. The nationwide program “From Poverty to Prosperity” has been launched. To implement this policy, the National Agency for Social Protection and Inson (“Human”) social service centers were established. As a result, guaranteed social protection now covers more than 2.3 million families in need, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities four times more than in 2017. Furthermore, concrete results have been achieved through entirely new organizational and legal mechanisms such as the “Iron Notebook,” “Women’s Notebook,” “Youth Notebook,” and “Notebook of Mercy.”
Uzbekistan is committed to sustainable cooperation with international organizations and foreign countries to exchange best practices and implement projects aimed at supporting those in need. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has stressed, “Mutual dialogue on multidimensional poverty serves the attainment of noble goals, and the practical proposals and recommendations developed as a result will mark a new step in reducing poverty on a global scale.”
Uzbekistan has joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, a historic step in addressing global challenges of food security and in actively combating hunger, poverty, and inequality. These national efforts supported by investments and the pivotal role of mahallas are directed toward education, job creation, and rural development. Since the beginning of this year, models based on international experience have been introduced in this sphere. In particular, the banking system has begun to actively cooperate with mahallas to support employment initiatives.
A key element in enhancing employment remains the quality of vocational education. This requires expanding cooperation with employers, improving workforce training, and more actively engaging the private sector. In particular, measures envisage the introduction of free online video courses and the provision of opportunities for employed citizens to undergo retraining or skills upgrading through the use of “professional vouchers.”
International Initiatives of New Uzbekistan
Today, the exchange of advanced international experience in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting digital transformation, applying innovative solutions in the provision of public services, and fundamentally improving the efficiency of institutions of public administration has become more relevant than ever. It should be emphasized that New Uzbekistan, increasingly open to the world and advancing along the path of accelerated reforms, firmly adheres to the principle of “the state for the people” and is becoming an integral part of global change.
In March 2025, the UN Secretary-General launched the “UN-80” Initiative, aimed at transforming the Organization’s work identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, revising the procedures for implementing mandates, and exploring potential structural changes and programmatic reforms within the United Nations system.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Member States: “We cannot wait for ideal conditions. We must now take the first decisive steps towards renewing and reforming international cooperation, to make it more diversified, equitable, and inclusive.”
New Uzbekistan supports the Secretary-General’s initiatives to ensure international peace and stability and to reform the UN and its principal organs in order to adapt them to contemporary realities. In recent years, cooperation with the UN has reached an unprecedented level, with 160 joint programs and projects successfully implemented. This year alone, Uzbekistan was visited by the heads of key UN agencies and institutions, including UN-Habitat and UNICEF, while the UN Women office was inaugurated in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan actively participates in the work of all UN structures. Between 2021 and 2023, it served as a member of the Human Rights Council; in 2024, it joined ECOSOC, the ILO Administrative Council, and the Human Rights Committee. In 2025, Uzbekistan was, for the first time, elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the 2028–2029 term. Membership in the FAO Council opens broad opportunities for Uzbekistan in shaping global agricultural and food policy, developing legal frameworks and standards, presenting national and regional initiatives, advancing projects, and attracting additional financial resources.
Uzbekistan has been ranked among the world’s top five most progressive countries in the Global SDG Index. A new five-year cooperation program with the UN, focused on achieving the SDGs, is expected to be signed soon. Jointly with the UN, a Forum on Public Service was organized, and active preparations are underway for the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference to be held in Samarkand.
Over the past several years, more than 15 UN General Assembly resolutions have been adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan. In 2025 alone, the country acted as initiator and co-sponsor of three resolutions adopted at the 79th session of the General Assembly:
- “International Day of Remembrance of Earthquake Victims” (29 April 2025);
- “International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries” (25 July 2025);
- “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia” (29 July 2025).
It should be noted that this year, on 6 August, the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries was marked for the first time during the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held on 5–8 August 2025 in Awaza (Turkmenistan).
It is well known that the Central Asian states all of which are landlocked demonstrate how coordinated efforts can transform geographic vulnerability into a foundation for sustainable development. Through the creation of new transport corridors, joint economic projects, and enhanced cooperation in energy and water resources, the region is becoming a model of successful integration. This helps overcome the fact that the GDP of landlocked states is typically 40–60 percent lower than that of coastal states, while their share in world trade is less than 1 percent.
According to the World Bank, due to high transport costs and instability in the transit system, the Central Asian region loses up to two percent of GDP annually. Logistics expenses account for up to 60 percent of the total value of goods, several times higher than the global average. That is why Uzbekistan, as the world’s only double landlocked country, advocates for the creation of new reliable transit corridors and logistics infrastructure, and proposes the development, under the auspices of the United Nations, of a Global Agreement on Transit Guarantees for Landlocked Developing Countries.
Protection of Human Rights in New Uzbekistan
In 2025, the international community marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the first legally binding human rights treaty the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as well as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action on Women, which gave rise to the gender dimension of public and political life in the modern era. Uzbekistan is implementing comprehensive action plans to commemorate these anniversaries with broad participation of civil society institutions and educational organizations.
This year also marks anniversaries of many regional instruments in the field of human rights protection, namely, the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, the 50th anniversary of the CSCE Helsinki Final Act, the 30th anniversary of the CIS Convention on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms, and the 25th anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These documents likewise constitute pillars of the modern international human rights protection system.
New Uzbekistan is actively engaged in regional structures on human rights. This year, Uzbekistan hosted the visit of the Chair of the newly established CIS Commission on Human Rights. A representative of Uzbekistan was elected as a member of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission for the 2025–2028 term at the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. In June, Brussels hosted the 21st meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Home Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues “Uzbekistan – European Union,” where exchanges of views were held on ensuring human rights and freedoms, reforming the judicial and legal system, developing civil society institutions, combating corruption, and achieving gender equality.
Human rights are an indicator of the progress of modern civilisation. Unfortunately, ongoing socio-economic crises, geopolitical changes, and armed conflicts worldwide leave their imprint on human rights issues. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights recommended that each state adopt national human rights action plans. Today, more than 150 such plans (strategies) have been adopted in 80 countries, approved variously by presidents, parliaments, or governments, with timeframes ranging from short- to long-term.
The experience of Central Asian countries is noteworthy. Their constitutions explicitly enshrine the principle that “the state respects and ensures human rights.” In Kazakhstan, the third Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law was approved by the President in 2023. In Kyrgyzstan, the Government adopted the Human Rights Action Plan for 2022–2024. In Tajikistan, a National Human Rights Strategy was adopted in 2023. The President of Turkmenistan approved the National Action Plan on Human Rights for 2021–2025.
Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Strategy, adopted in 2020, was the country’s first such document. To implement its objectives, Uzbekistan strengthened the system for protecting the rights, freedoms, and interests of children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups; created a legislative basis for a national preventive mechanism against torture; and eliminated forced and child labor. This was a crucial step in systematizing reforms and fulfilling international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals in particular Goal 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).
Within the framework of the National Strategy, over the past four years Uzbekistan has adopted two codes, thirty-three laws, fifteen presidential decrees, and eleven Cabinet of Ministers’ resolutions directly related to human rights protection. In 2025 alone, laws have been adopted to strengthen penalties for human trafficking, improve systems of support for families and women, prevent torture of detainees, and approve a Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere. The number of ILO conventions ratified by Uzbekistan has reached twenty-five. In 2021, Uzbekistan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In line with UN recommendations on eradicating statelessness, Uzbekistan has achieved historic progress. From 1991 to 2016, only 482 persons were granted Uzbek citizenship, whereas from 2017 to 2024 more than 80,000 individuals acquired it a vivid demonstration of inclusiveness and respect for human dignity.
Active cooperation continues with the UN Human Rights Council and its special procedures. Uzbekistan has developed and is implementing seven national action plans based on recommendations from various UN bodies, including plans on: implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security; combating discrimination against women; economic, social, and cultural rights; the rights of persons with disabilities; implementation of recommendations of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; combating terrorism; and the rights of the child. A draft Roadmap has also been prepared to implement the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur Balakrishnan Rajagopal on the right to adequate housing, following his visit to Uzbekistan.
As part of the World Programme for Human Rights Education and Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Education Program, comprehensive measures are being taken to promote a human rights culture and integrate human rights courses at all stages of education. In recent years, the National Human Rights Centre has conducted training seminars throughout the country, including all regions, Tashkent, and Karakalpakstan, with the participation of nearly 3,000 law enforcement officers, investigators, prosecutors, judges, and penitentiary staff. To strengthen academic research and teaching capacity in the field of human rights, the National Centre has concluded cooperation agreements with the Academy of Emergency Situations, the Academy of Law Enforcement, the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Advanced Training Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Notary Chamber of Uzbekistan.
Within the framework of the State Program “Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy”, a draft National Human Rights Strategy to 2030 has been developed. In drafting this Strategy, Uzbekistan took into account advanced international experience, its international obligations in the field of human rights, and its own national practices developed over recent years. The draft also reflects recommendations of UN human rights bodies presented during the review of Uzbekistan’s national reports.
The drafting process was open and inclusive. While the State Program designated the National Human Rights Centre, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs as responsible agencies, the working group was expanded to include representatives of the Supreme Court, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Children’s Ombudsman, the Business Ombudsman, and the National Agency for Social Protection.
At the first stage, over 150 proposals were received from more than 50 state and non-state organizations. At the second stage, the draft was revised based on expert feedback from 30 governmental and public institutions. At the third stage, discussions took place at meetings of the Coordinating Council for the Development of Legal Science in Uzbekistan, the Scientific Coordination Council of the National Human Rights Centre, and at academic forums. For public consultation, the draft was also published on the Portal for Draft Normative Legal Acts from 18 April to 3 May of this year. During this period, the document was viewed 3,063 times and received 180 proposals, including 11 formal comments.
In addition, national consultations were held with participation of ministries, state agencies, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. The draft was also discussed during international consultations with representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, while further recommendations were provided by OHCHR, OSCE, and the UN Country Team in Uzbekistan.
The draft National Human Rights Strategy to 2030 was presented within the framework of several international events, including:
- the round table “Prospects of Model Law-Making of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly: Dialogue and Solutions” (XIII St. Petersburg International Legal Forum);
- the international conference “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and a Vision for a Bright Future” (Doha, Qatar);
- the international scientific-practical conference “Constitutional Changes: Law and Order” (Astana, Kazakhstan);
- the international symposium “Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Role of Ombudspersons and National Human Rights Institutions” (Baku, Azerbaijan);
- the Forum on Human Rights Development “China–Central Asia 2025” on “Deepening Inter-Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Enrichment for the Common Development of Human Rights” (Xi’an, China);
- the 144th session of the UN Human Rights Committee (Geneva, Switzerland).
Overall, the draft National Human Rights Strategy to 2030 encompasses six priority areas.
First, the protection of civil and political rights.
Second, the protecting of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights.
Third, the strategy focuses on supporting socially vulnerable groups of the population the most active area of its implementation.
Fourth, it envisages the development of national institutions in the field of human rights and civil society.
Fifth, particular attention is devoted to human rights education and awareness-raising.
Sixth, special emphasis is placed on international cooperation in the field of human rights.
The implementation of the objectives proposed in the new National Human Rights Strategy provides for the improvement of mechanisms to enforce the norms of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the enhancement of the effectiveness of implementing recommendations of international organizations, and the further strengthening the legal foundations for the protection of civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights.
Academician A.Kh. Saidov,
Director of the National Centre of the
Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights