Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan is continuing preparations for the V Samarkand Human Rights Forum, which will be held on 28–29 September in Tashkent and Samarkand.
The international expert platform will bring together representatives of international organisations, government bodies, national human rights institutions, academic and expert communities, and civil society from different countries.
The theme of this year’s forum is “60 Years of the International Covenants on Human Rights and 40 Years of the Declaration on the Right to Development: Global Partnership for Dignity, Equality and Sustainable Development.”
Focus on international human rights dialogue
The forum is being held to mark two significant anniversaries in the history of the international human rights protection system.
In 2026, it will be 60 years since the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Both documents were adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966 and became key elements of the international human rights protection system.
Another milestone is the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development. The document establishes the right of individuals and peoples to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development.
The forum is expected to address current issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights, sustainable development and international cooperation, as well as modern approaches to implementing the right to development.
The “Samarkand Spirit” as a basis for international dialogue
Over the past decade, international forums in Samarkand dedicated to current human rights issues have become a notable part of Uzbekistan’s international expert agenda.
The “Samarkand Spirit” has gained particular significance in this context. The concept was developed during the Asian Forum on Human Rights, held in Uzbekistan in 2018.
The “Samarkand Spirit” envisages creating an atmosphere of mutual trust, equal partnership and open discussion of common challenges while seeking practical solutions.
Samarkand has continued to strengthen its role as a platform for international expert exchanges, where representatives of different countries and professional communities can discuss human rights issues amid a changing global environment.
Forum in the context of reforms
The V Samarkand Forum is being held as part of the implementation of the Presidential Decree of 16 February 2026 on reform programmes in priority areas and the State Programme for implementing the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy during the “Year of Mahalla and Community Development.”
The forum’s stated main objective is to strengthen global partnership for human dignity, equality and sustainable development.
Holding the forum in the year marking the 60th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights and the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development is intended to bring together the expert community to discuss the further development of international human rights cooperation and practical mechanisms for promoting human rights.
Following the discussions, participants are expected to develop proposals and recommendations aimed at further advancing international dialogue on human rights and sustainable development.
