Human Rights Day Conference Focuses on Housing, Urbanization, and Civic Participation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 10 December 2025, the European Union Delegation, together with the embassies of Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia, held the annual conference dedicated to International Human Rights Day.

The event, titled “Human Rights at Home: Transforming Cities, the Right to Adequate Housing, and Social Justice,” brought together over 50 participants, including representatives from the Government of Uzbekistan, civil society, international financial institutions, and the diplomatic corps.

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in Uzbekistan, issues such as fair access to housing, preservation of cultural heritage, environmental risks, and social inclusion have become increasingly significant. The conference provided a platform for open dialogue on ensuring transparency, civic participation, and adherence to the rule of law in the implementation of large-scale urban projects.

Opening the discussion, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar, UK Ambassador Timothy Smart, Swiss Ambassador Konstantin Obolensky, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabina Mahl emphasized the importance of respecting human rights in urban development.

UK Ambassador Timothy Smart highlighted the significance of responsible urbanization: “Urbanization should be seen as a measure of development, but it must be managed so that city growth is sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible, without undermining social justice or cultural heritage. Dialogue matters, and inclusivity and consultation are essential.”

EU Ambassador Toivo Klaar stressed the need for active civic engagement: “States must create space and encourage citizen participation, but as citizens, we must demand the protection of rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Swiss Ambassador Konstantin Obolensky underlined the importance of equal access to the benefits of urbanization: “City transformation affects the right to adequate housing and social justice. We must ask: what guarantees can be provided to ensure that everyone benefits from these large-scale economic and social changes?”

Participants discussed challenges and opportunities in housing policy, urban planning, and the protection of citizens’ rights amid environmental transformation. Senior World Bank urbanization specialist Mohamed Nada shared best international practices and stressed the need for public engagement in planning processes.

The discussion was moderated by Omer Fischer of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who guided the conversation toward practical and constructive solutions.

As in previous years, civil society organizations played a key role in the event. Over 40 NGOs and activists from across the country contributed to the dialogue, including groups working on housing rights, environmental sustainability, disability rights, and gender equality.

Their participation highlighted the growing capacity of Uzbekistan’s civil sector to shape the future of urban development.