Human Rights Defenders Awarded in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A solemn ceremony dedicated to International Human Rights Day was held on 10 December at the Human Rights House in Tashkent.

The event gathered representatives of government bodies, international organizations, the non-governmental sector, as well as members of the Public Council under the National Human Rights Centre.

Opening the ceremony, Director of the National Human Rights Centre, academician Akmal Saidov, recalled that International Human Rights Day has been observed annually since 1950 by resolution of the UN General Assembly.

The theme for 2025 is “Human Rights Are an Integral Part of Our Daily Lives.” As part of the implementation of Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Strategy, the country traditionally holds a Human Rights Decade from 1 to 10 December.

UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii and OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, expressed appreciation for the expanding cooperation on human rights and underscored the importance of continued joint efforts.

Award Ceremony

During the event, representatives of international organizations, state bodies and NGOs were awarded the “For the Protection of Human Rights” badge of merit. This award recognizes practical contributions to the protection of rights and freedoms, work in education, science and public awareness, as well as efforts to strengthen international cooperation.

Recipients of the award:

I. For practical work in the field of human rights protection:

Mamazair Khuzhamberdiev — Head of the Department of Therapy, Andijan State Medical Institute

Svetlana Artikova — Deputy Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan

Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov — Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan

Mukaram Nurmatova — Deputy Chairperson of the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan

Rustambek Turdiev — Member of the Expert Group of the Council of People’s Deputies of Syrdarya Region

II. For work within non-governmental organizations:

Ubaydulla Mingboev — Chairperson of the Association of Judges of Uzbekistan

Umida Teshabaeva — Director of the Alisher Navoi National Library

Tashkent City Organization of the Society of Persons with Disabilities “Sharoit Plus”

Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan

III. For contributions to education and science:

Mirzayusup Rustambaev — Head of the University of Public Security

Elizaveta Kutibaeva — Professor, Karakalpak State University

Bobokul Toshev — Adviser to the Chairperson of the Copyright Protection Agency

Ilkhom Turgunov — Head of Department, National Guard

IV. For contributions to human rights advocacy:

Khushnud Khudoyberdiev — First Deputy Director General, National News Agency of Uzbekistan

Erkin Ernazarov — Editor-in-Chief, Democratization and Human Rights journal

Klass newspaper

Arslon Eshmurodov — Editor-in-Chief, Odillik Mezonı journal

V. For the development of international cooperation:

Taliya Khabrieva — Director, Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation

Azamat Shambilov — Head of the international NGO “International Center for Development and Justice”

Changrok Soh — Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee

In addition, certificates of appreciation were presented to active members of the Public Council under the National Human Rights Centre and to international partners.

The “For the Protection of Human Rights” badge was established in line with Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Strategy, approved by Presidential Decree on 22 June 2020.