On November 4, 2024, the Director of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights A. Saidov met with New UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Ms. Akiko Fujii. The meeting allowed to discuss the strategic prospects for further strengthening cooperation and identified specific areas for the implementation of joint projects in the near future.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Director of the Center A. Saidov expressed his congratulations to Ms. A. Fujii on her appointment and provided a brief overview of the activities of the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights on consistently implementing Uzbekistan's international obligations and effectively interact with UNDP. In particular, it was noted that strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with international organizations, including UNDP, contribute to the promotion of advanced human rights standards, strengthening institutional capacity and developing the country's human rights infrastructure.

For her part, UNDP Head in Uzbekistan A. Fujii, having welcomed the Uzbek side, congratulated A. Saidov on his election as a member of the UN Human Rights Committee, emphasizing that this appointment is recognition of Uzbekistan's efforts in the field of human rights protection and a significant contribution to strengthening the global system for the protection of human rights standards.

In addition, the UNDP Resident Representative highly appreciated the current level of partnership with the National Human Rights Center, noting the invaluable contribution of the Center to the promotion of human rights in Uzbekistan. "The efforts of the Center," A. Fujii noted, "are vital to ensure effective compliance with the principles enshrined in national legal norms and international standards."

During the conversation, she drew attention to the importance of the new version of the Constitution, noting that the document not only expanded the list of rights and obligations, but also strengthened the state's obligations in the area of legality, social and environmental protection, as well as individual rights, especially in the area of criminal justice. According to her, "the constitutional reform marks a significant step in Uzbekistan's desire to strengthen the governance system and increase legal transparency."

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to develop measures to strengthen the potential for further cooperation, in particular the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding with specific proposals for cooperation for the period 2025–2030, as well as the development of a joint project.

Within the framework of the project, the parties agreed to implement the following activities:

- provision of publications in the field of human rights to the Information and Resource Center "Human Rights House";

- holding events within the framework of human rights education;

- assistance in the development and implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

The meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere and a spirit of constructive dialogue. Both parties emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation to achieve common goals in the field of protection and promotion of human rights in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The National Center

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

for Human Rights