On June 21–22, 2025, the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Istanbul, Turkey, under the theme “OIC in a Transforming World”.

The event was attended by foreign ministers of OIC member states, leadership and bodies of the OIC, as well as representatives of international organizations, research centers, and the diplomatic corps.

During the summit, pressing issues on the OIC agenda were discussed, and the Istanbul Declaration was adopted.

One of the key outcomes of the session was the election of nine new members to the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) for the 2025–2028 term. Based on the voting results, the representative of Uzbekistan Mirzatillo Tillaboev, First Deputy Director of the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan was elected as a member of the Commission for a three-year term.

This development once again underscores Uzbekistan’s growing role in international human rights diplomacy and demonstrates the country’s commitment to multilateralism, Islamic solidarity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. Moreover, it marks a significant step in Uzbekistan’s cooperation with international human rights institutions and reflects the trust of OIC member states in the reforms being implemented in the country.

The IPHRC is the principal human rights advisory body of the OIC. Established in 2011, the Commission comprises 18 members elected for three-year terms. It advises the OIC on a wide range of issues, including civil and political rights, social justice, protection of minority rights, women’s empowerment, religious tolerance, and humanitarian challenges.

In its work, the Commission adheres to the OIC Charter and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, striving to harmonize Islamic values with internationally recognized human rights standards.

From 2018 to 2021, the Director of Uzbekistan’s National Center for Human Rights, Academician Akmal Saidov, served as a member of the IPHRC. In 2019, he chaired the Commission, and that same year, Tashkent hosted the IPHRC’s annual seminar dedicated to youth rights.

Mirzatillo Tillaboev, First Deputy Director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan, has played a key role in developing and implementing the National Human Rights Strategy, coordinating human rights education, and fostering cooperation with international and regional organizations. His election to the IPHRC reflects both his professional credentials and presents a strategic opportunity for Uzbekistan to present its national experience to the Islamic world and contribute to shaping the human rights agenda.

51st Session resolution outlined the IPHRC’s priority areas, including protecting the rights of the Palestinian people, combating Islamophobia, promoting the rights of women and children, ensuring religious tolerance, and responding to global events with humanity.

Particular attention was given to the legal regulation of emerging technologies, culminating in the adoption of the Jeddah Declaration on the principles for regulating artificial intelligence and protecting human rights the first document of its kind in the Islamic world.

Among the notable events reflected in the resolution was the 4th Samarkand Human Rights Forum, organized by Uzbekistan in June 2024, which highlights the country’s contribution to promoting global dialogue on human rights.

Uzbekistan’s membership in the Commission opens opportunities to contribute valuable perspectives from Central Asia and to deepen cooperation with OIC member states in areas such as legislative development, institutional capacity-building, human rights-based governance, and education. As a full-fledged member of the IPHRC, Uzbekistan will have a stronger platform to advance relevant initiatives and promote constructive dialogue based on shared values.

Press Service of the National Center

of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights

"Dunyo" IA