30.04.2021

On April 30, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights led by its Director Matteo Mecacci.

The topical development issues of a constructive dialogue and effective partnerships between Uzbekistan and the ODIHR were considered at the meeting.

The President was pleased to note the serious progress in bilateral cooperation in recent years. The full-fledged mission of the ODIHR Office participated in observing the presidential and parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan for the first time.  

The successful interaction in the implementation of the ODIHR recommendations, including in the framework of the adoption and improvement of the Election Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was emphasized.

The ODIHR Office’s experts were involved in the development of the National Human Rights Strategy and the Draft Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations.

The interest in continuing a long-term and productive partnership with the ODIHR was expressed, primarily in the field of human rights, freedom of speech, religion and belief, gender equality, youth support, development of civil society institutions, strengthening the legal framework of the ongoing democratic transformations based on international best practices.

In addition, the Assessment Mission of the ODIHR Office will arrive in our country in May to carry out the joint work on preparation for the forthcoming important events in Uzbekistan.

Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Matteo Mecacci expressed his sincere gratitude to the President for the cordial welcome, as well as for an open and meaningful conversation.

He has expressed strong support for the large-scale reforms being implemented in the country, covering all the spheres and directions. He has also announced the readiness of the ODIHR to render full assistance in their successful implementation.