New Mechanisms to Protect Constitutional Rights to Be Implemented

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 17 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation focused on enhancing mechanisms for the protection of constitutional rights of citizens and entrepreneurs, as well as on the digitalization of the Constitutional Court’s activities.

In recent years, a number of measures have been implemented to improve the effectiveness of the Constitutional Court, which this year marks its 30th anniversary. Notably, in 2021, a new version of the law on the Constitutional Court was adopted, enabling the establishment of an effective system of constitutional oversight. At the same time, it was emphasized that the full exercise of the Court’s powers remains a pressing task, requiring further advancement of reforms to a new level.

The presentation outlined specific proposals. In particular, plans include enhancing the effectiveness of implementing recommendations annually issued by the Constitutional Court to strengthen constitutional legality in the country. Procedures for reviewing appeals from citizens and entrepreneurs will also be optimized, with bureaucratic barriers eliminated.

To improve the institution of constitutional complaints and ensure judicial protection for petitioners, it is proposed that recognition of a law applied by a court as unconstitutional becomes grounds for reviewing the corresponding judicial act.

Special attention was given to the digitalization of the Constitutional Court’s operations. Measures include introducing remote online participation in court sessions, broadcasting hearings via the internet, and establishing electronic information exchange between ministries and agencies. During the Constitutional Court’s chairmanship of the Asian Association of Constitutional Courts, a series of international events is planned both in Uzbekistan and abroad.

The importance of raising the Court’s international authority and strengthening cooperation with constitutional courts of foreign countries was emphasized. Issues of judicial access were also discussed, including measures to bring economic and administrative courts closer to citizens and entrepreneurs, such as the initiative for automated determination of extraterritorial jurisdiction.

The President supported the proposals presented and instructed responsible officials to ensure their thorough and systematic implementation.