Universal Periodic Review 30: Uzbekistan
This UK statement was delivered during the 30th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Uzbekistan's Human Rights Record on 9 May 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK notes that there have been some positive developments on human rights in Uzbekistan, which have the potential to significantly improve the human rights environment. We welcome measures to improve labour rights and strengthen legislation against torture, the release of political prisoners and renewed engagement with international human rights organisations. The UK notes remaining concerns, in particular on the rights to freedom of expression and association.
We recommend that Uzbekistan:
-
continues to work closely with international organisations to eradicate the drivers of forced labour and ensure compliance with ILO recommendations across all sectors.
-
guarantees freedom of expression, assembly and association; and ends the harassment of journalists, human rights defenders and those exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
-
fully implements the 2015 recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and passes laws on Gender Equality and Domestic Violence, which comply with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.