Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 11 February, a two-day seminar on "The Implementation of Uzbekistan’s International Commitments in the Field of Children’s Rights and National Mechanisms for Their Realization" began at the Human Rights House under the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event was organized by the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the UNICEF Representative Office in Uzbekistan, and the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia.

During the first session of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan following the parliamentary elections, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the protection of the younger generation as a key priority. He highlighted ongoing cases of pressure and violence against children in society and underscored the need for an uncompromising fight against such phenomena, which contradict national values. The President’s personal attention to this issue vividly reflects the high priority given to children’s rights in Uzbekistan’s state policy.

The seminar focuses on measures aimed at fulfilling Uzbekistan’s international obligations in the field of children’s rights. Additionally, discussions are being held on ways to more effectively implement the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the activities outlined in the National Action Plan.

The seminar was opened with welcome speeches by Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan; Mavludakhon Khodjaeva, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis; Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan; and Omer Fischer, Advisor to the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia.

In his speech, Akmal Saidov noted that there are currently 13 million children under the age of 18 in Uzbekistan, making up approximately 35% of the country’s population. This underscores the fundamental importance of ensuring children’s rights in Uzbekistan.

The first international document Uzbekistan joined after gaining independence was the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The country became a party to this Convention on 9 December 1992. On 11 December 2008, Uzbekistan ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography, and on 12 December 2008, it ratified the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict.

Currently, experts are studying the possibility of Uzbekistan joining the Third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which concerns the procedure for filing complaints. Preparations for its ratification in the national parliament are underway.

Mavludakhon Khodjaeva emphasized that Article 78 of the Constitution of Uzbekistan establishes the state’s responsibility to ensure and protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful interests of children, as well as to create the best conditions for their full physical, mental, and cultural development.

It should be noted that over the years, Uzbekistan has joined and ratified more than 80 international agreements. "I want to emphasize that Uzbekistan is one of the countries that places great importance on the unconditional fulfillment of international obligations and the protection of children’s rights. In line with these commitments, national reports are submitted to the relevant UN committees and other international organizations."

According to Regina De Dominicis, Head of UNICEF’s Office in Uzbekistan, the role of the Parliament is to ensure that the country’s legal framework and policies align with its international treaty obligations in the field of human rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Parliamentary oversight in legislation, budgeting, and advocacy plays a crucial role in creating conditions where children’s rights are protected and promoted.

In recent years, as part of its state policy in the interests of children, Uzbekistan has followed the principle that "no child will be left without attention." More than 40 laws and regulations have been adopted in the country to ensure children’s rights, forming a legal framework to support their spiritual, intellectual, physical, and moral development.

Most importantly, the adopted laws serve to implement the principle of "the best interests of the child." Uzbekistan remains committed to its international obligations, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Special attention is given to improving this policy based on the recommendations of UN treaty bodies, UNICEF, and international experts.

Uzbekistan also regularly submits reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding the implementation of the Convention. To date, the country has submitted five periodic reports.

It is worth noting that the Uzbek Parliament is strengthening the legal framework for children’s rights protection by incorporating international standards into national legislation, improving existing laws, and adopting new ones.

Notable examples include the recently passed laws:

On 29 February 2024 – The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Representative of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Children’s Rights (Children’s Ombudsman)"

On 14 November 2024 – The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence"

Experts at the event highlighted that reforms in the field of children’s rights protection receive broad support at the national, regional, and international levels.

Sophie Kiladze, Deputy Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, noted that the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan plays a key role in the protection and promotion of children’s rights as enshrined in the Convention and its Optional Protocols.

Participants were provided with detailed information on Uzbekistan’s international obligations in the field of children’s rights, the mechanisms for their implementation, the key provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Discussions also covered effective mechanisms for parliamentary oversight in protecting children’s interests and ensuring their rights and freedoms.

The seminar will continue on February 12, with the participation of deputies from the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, members of the Senate, as well as members of the Youth Parliament under the Oliy Majlis, and international experts.