President Returns Draft Law on State Language to Parliament for Revision

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has returned the draft law “On the State Language” to parliament for further refinement, party leader Alisher Kadirov of the “Milliy Tiklanish” party announced at a press conference on 16 January.

According to Kadirov, the head of state proposed “very appropriate amendments” aimed at improving the law, which the party considers justified. Previously, “Milliy Tiklanish” had been unable to include several provisions in the draft that, in the party’s view, were necessary for comprehensive regulation of issues related to the use of the state language.

Kadirov noted that the party welcomed the president’s insistence on bringing the law “On the State Language” in line with contemporary requirements and challenges, especially given the growing significance of global trends and values.

The current version of the law, approved by the Senate in June 2021, codifies the use of the state language in the activities of government bodies and organizations, in communications with citizens and legal entities, in official documentation, at formal events, and in regulatory acts.

Kadirov emphasized that work on the draft is ongoing. “I cannot give exact timelines, but we are actively working on it. This law is extremely important for Uzbekistan today, and in several areas, solutions are already urgently needed,” he said.

He also stressed that the development of the state language cannot be ensured solely through legislative measures. Changing public attitudes and creating conditions for its full use are key. According to Kadirov, societal respect and attention toward the state language are gradually increasing, with a special commission and various initiatives actively promoting it.

The party leader reassured that the promotion of the state language does not imply limiting the use of other languages. All peoples living in Uzbekistan retain the right to freely choose their language of communication, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“No one in Uzbekistan faces discrimination based on language or nationality. At the same time, new standards and approaches are being shaped regarding the role of the state language and how to ensure compliance with the law. I am confident the law will be adopted in a refined form and at the level we expect,” Kadirov concluded.