Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Efforts to protect human rights and fulfill international human rights obligations will yield the expected results only when civil society institutions, citizens, and the media—representing the broader public—are actively involved in these processes. In this regard, the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Measures for the Further Improvement of the System of State Support for Civil Society Institutions," adopted on 26 August 2024, holds particular significance.

This topic was the first to be discussed at the inaugural meeting of the newly reorganized Public Council under the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which took place on 27 February.

During the meeting, participants discussed the main areas of activity, goals, and objectives of the Public Council, as well as its future plans. The Council’s areas of focus include:

• Expanding the Center’s cooperation with public oversight bodies in implementing Uzbekistan’s international human rights obligations, promoting human rights education, and raising public awareness;
• Ensuring effective interaction with non-governmental, non-profit organizations, the media, and other civil society institutions;
• Reviewing the Center’s annual reports on the fulfillment of international human rights obligations;
• Discussing the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy and evaluating the effectiveness of the Center’s activities;
• Developing proposals to enhance the effectiveness of national strategies, action plans, and other measures related to human rights in collaboration with civil society institutions;
• Organizing public discussions on improving measures to protect human rights and fulfill international obligations in this area;
• Monitoring and analyzing public opinion on the Center’s activities and overseeing its transparency;
• Overseeing state procurement processes and the use of budgetary funds related to the Center’s activities.

At the meeting, the implementation of Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Strategy for the 2020–2024 period was assessed. Additionally, participants discussed the draft of Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Strategy through 2030, which is being developed by the Center as part of the State Program for the Implementation of the "Uzbekistan–2030" Strategy in the Year of Environmental Protection and the Green Economy.

Organizational matters related to the Public Council’s activities were also addressed during the session. In particular, a new Charter and Council membership were approved. The Public Council includes representatives of civil society, including non-governmental, non-profit organizations, the media, education, and science—individuals contributing to the protection of human rights in Uzbekistan, including the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

Dilshod Ashurov, Chairman of the Notary Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who has extensive experience in public affairs, was elected Chairman of the Public Council under the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan. Gaukhar Yuldasheva, a distinguished educator and renowned scholar who has made significant contributions to human rights research, education, and training, was appointed Secretary of the Public Council. She is a professor at Tashkent State University of Law and holds a Doctor of Law degree.

Following the meeting, Council members agreed to prepare proposals for strengthening public oversight of the implementation of international human rights agreements, monitor the activities of the Center, and submit recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of human rights protection measures.