Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Fifth Samarkand Human Rights Forum continued its work with seven thematic sessions following the plenary meeting.
Participants discussed a wide range of issues, from economic, social and cultural rights to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, gender equality, climate justice, artificial intelligence and statelessness.
The plenary sessions focused on 60 years of experience in implementing the International Covenants on Human Rights, the importance of the right to development as a universal human right, global solidarity and further strengthening international and national human rights protection mechanisms.
Economic, social and cultural rights
The first session was dedicated to “The 60th Anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development: Advancing Sustainable Development through Human Rights.”
Participants discussed the right to education and the need to ensure quality, inclusive and lifelong education, the right to health and the development of resilient healthcare systems, as well as decent work, social protection and equitable economic growth as key components of sustainable development.
Particular attention was paid to reducing poverty and inequality, ensuring inclusive development, implementing the right to development, and the role of national experience and international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Other issues included the participation of international financial institutions in financing sustainable development and implementing economic, social and cultural rights, as well as protecting cultural heritage during armed conflicts.
Civil and political rights
The second session was held under the theme “The 60th Anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Rule of Law and New Challenges.”
National, foreign and international experts considered the relationship between international law and national legal systems, compliance with treaty obligations and the incorporation of the Covenant’s provisions into national legislation.
The discussion also covered mechanisms for states to submit periodic reports, implementation of the concluding observations of the UN Human Rights Committee and coordination of relevant work among government bodies.
Particular attention was given to the role of national courts, prosecution authorities and the legal profession in ensuring the application of the Covenant’s provisions, as well as the development of the UN Human Rights Committee’s practice over the past six decades.
Rights of people with disabilities
The third session focused on “20 Years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: From Recognition of Rights to Inclusive Societies.”
Participants stressed the need to further fulfil international obligations to ensure the full realization of the rights of people with disabilities.
The discussions focused on removing barriers to full inclusion, equality and non-discrimination, creating accessible environments and ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment and social protection.
Participants also considered access to justice, independent living and participation in public life, digital inclusion, assistive technologies and the use of artificial intelligence.
Demographic sustainability and human capital
The fourth session was held under the title “Demographic Sustainability: Human Rights, Human Capital and the Well-Being of Current and Future Generations.”
The discussion considered human rights, the well-being of young people and families in the context of sustainable development and the realization of human potential.
Experts discussed demographic trends, including population ageing, and their impact on public policy, the labour market, social protection systems and regional development.
Particular attention was paid to investment in education, healthcare, professional skills and human capital throughout people’s lives, as well as gender equality, youth participation in public life, digital transformation and intergenerational solidarity.
Women’s rights and climate justice
The fifth session focused on “Women’s Rights, Gender Equality and Climate Justice: From International Commitments to Effective Implementation.”
Participants considered the implementation of international commitments to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality. The importance of expanding women’s economic opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development was emphasized.
A separate part of the discussion focused on the links between climate change and women’s rights, the protection of vulnerable groups, and women’s access to natural resources, food, water, healthcare and decent living conditions.
Participants also discussed women’s participation in decision-making, preventing discrimination and violence, and the impact of digital transformation on expanding women’s access to technology, education and innovation.
Artificial intelligence and human rights
The sixth session was dedicated to “Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technologies and Human Rights: Ethics, Legal Regulation and International Cooperation.”
Experts examined international approaches to the legal regulation of artificial intelligence and their implications for human rights protection.
The discussion focused on transparency, accountability and non-discrimination in the development and use of AI, as well as privacy, freedom of expression and the right to access information.
Participants also discussed algorithmic discrimination, digital inequality and equal access to opportunities provided by modern technologies.
A separate discussion addressed global AI governance and international cooperation. Participants considered the opportunities and risks of using AI in public administration and the justice sector, as well as the humanitarian consequences of the growing use of artificial intelligence in modern armed conflicts.
Preventing statelessness
The seventh session was held under the theme “65th Anniversary of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness: Its Continuing Importance, Achievements and Future Prospects for Central Asian States.”
Participants highlighted the importance of the 1961 UN Convention in protecting the human right to nationality and reviewed the achievements of Central Asian countries in preventing and reducing statelessness.
The discussion included an exchange of experience and practices applied by countries in the region. Particular attention was paid to regional cooperation, including implementation of the provisions of the Ashgabat Declaration, as well as cooperation with international organizations and civil society institutions.
The discussions resulted in practical recommendations for further applying international standards and accelerating efforts to eradicate statelessness in Central Asia and beyond.
The concluding plenary session of the Fifth Samarkand Human Rights Forum will be held in Samarkand on 29 September.
