SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN SHAVKAT MIRZIYOYEV AT THE 46TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Distinguished President Madame NAZHAT SHAMEEM KHAN!

Distinguished High Commissioner Madame MICHELLE BACHELET!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Today, Uzbekistan is participating at this meeting for the first time as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

It should be noted, that in recent years we have been consciously pursuing this goal. Our democratic reforms have become irreversible and are aimed at establishing a new Uzbekistan.

We are committed to continuing close cooperation with the member states of the Council, all our partners in advancing the initiative of the United Nations «A Call to Action for Human Rights».

ELECTORAL LEGISLATION OF UZBEKISTAN:EFFECTS OF STEADINESS

Exactly one year has passed since the Parliamentary and Local elections held in our country on the basis of the new legislation.

Ina democratic state and society, it is paramount that the will of the people is respected above all else, without deviation.

Article 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan stipulates that “the people are the sole source of state power” and Article 32 states that “Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have the right to participate in the management of public and state affairs, both directly and through representatives”.

These rights find their practical expression exactly in the elections. The dedication of a separate chapter in the Constitution to electoral issues has served as an important legal basis for the formation of the national electoral legislation of the country. At the same time, this constitutional provision is an important factor in the continuous improvement of electoral legislation in Uzbekistan.

DIRECTOR OF ISIS ELDOR ARIPOV: “MAZAR-I-SHARIF – PESHAWAR: A CORRIDOR TO THE NEW FUTURE OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA”

On February 2, Tashkent hosted a landmark event for the future of Afghanistan and the entire region. It was the first trilateral meeting of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan on the implementation of the project for the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway.

The exceptional importance of this meeting is due to many reasons. First of all, a solid trilateral consensus was reached on the need to build a trans-Afghan highway. Moreover, a joint Action Plan ("Road Map") for the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif - Kabul - Peshawar railway was developed and signed. In March it is planned to start carrying out geodetic, hydrogeological and topographic studies along the route of the road. By May, the parties expect to prepare a feasibility study and develop mechanisms for financing the construction of the highway. In other words, an important step forward has been made towards the implementation of the “project of the century” for the region, as many media have already called it.

UZBEKISTAN: АLEA JACTA EST

The analysis of the reforms and changes undertaken in Uzbekistan demonstrate that a new model of society and state relations is being shaped. This model’s objective is to ensure the well-being of the people on the basis of mutually trustful and beneficial collaboration between society and the state, raising the sense of involvement of each person in the development of the country. The barometer for the effectiveness of such cooperation is a positive change in the quality of life of the citizens of the country.

In addition, it forms a strong foundation for the unification and mobilization of the huge potential and resources of society, as well as state institutions for the development of the country.

Of course, the road Uzbekistan chose is a complex one, but at the same time the most effective.

It can now be stated with confidence that new Uzbekistan under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev has successfully passed an important stage of development. It involves directing the activities of government agencies to serve the people and the society becoming an active initiator and participant in the reforms. Another important aspect. is that political system considers the setting up mutual strategic communication with the society as an important factor of the development. The president of Uzbekistan pays special attention to the active, educated and independent position of citizens in the affairs of society and the state.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: KEY MESSAGES AND CONCLUSIONS

On 29 December 2020, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a message to the Oliy Majlis. The head of state summed up the results of the work done, determined the priorities of domestic and foreign policy.

A distinctive feature of the current Address, first of all, is that it ended a really difficult year both for Uzbekistan and the whole world. Pandemic, natural and man-made disasters and, as a result, serious economic challenges tested the strength of the strategic course of development chosen by the President. Today, looking back, we can say with confidence that Uzbekistan not only passed the tests that fell to its lot last year, but also achieved a number of important victories.