Human rights in Uzbekistan: history, theory, practice

The core values on which the concept of human rights is based include human dignity and equality. Human rights can be considered as the basic norms necessary to achieve self-esteem. Their universality arises from their applicability to all people, regardless of their differences. Therefore, human rights receive broad support from Governments, world cultures and religions. It is universally recognized that the powers of the State cannot be unlimited or arbitrary, but should be limited by the need to provide at least minimal conditions for all citizens so that they can live with a sense of dignity.

These core values become the starting point for the other values that follow from them, which more precisely determine the ways of coexistence of man and society. Freedom, respect for others, inadmissibility of discrimination, tolerance, justice and responsibility - all this is conditioned by the basic concept of human rights and is an important aspect in the implementation.
A look into the past
Since ancient times, human rights and interests have always been of decisive importance in the works of scientists. Thus, one of the greatest representatives of medieval Islamic philosophy, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, refused to accept an unfair society. He emphasized that justice includes the fair distribution of public goods (available to all members of society, as well as their preservation). Benefits include well-being, wealth, status in society and others related to people's lives. Each person should receive his share of benefits in accordance with how much he has contributed. The scientist called for an ideal city-state, where law, wisdom and justice prevail, and the highest moral principle is man, his happiness and future. 
Alisher Navoi overcame the most difficult path based on his inexhaustible struggle for the happiness and well-being of mankind. Relentlessly striving for the development of culture and the sphere of education, he managed not only to achieve success, but also to survive deep suffering. And when faced with obstacles, to realize the inconsistency of life. According to Navoi, the strength of the political power of the state and society, their economic and cultural development, the well-being of the people mainly depend on the ruler, on his ability to listen and hear his subjects, to listen to public opinion. 
One of the main ideas in the works of Alisher Navoi is to establish freedom of belief and tolerance of confessions in society. At the same time, to wage a tough fight against nationalism and racism. Navoi calls for the achievement of harmony and equality based on respect for the rights and freedoms of each person. The principles described in his works remain relevant in our time, being a valuable guide to the creation of a just society.
The history of democratic movements has always been associated with the ideals of freedom, equality and justice. Two important epochs that carry these principles with them are the French Revolution and the Jadid movement in Central Asia. Both periods brought significant changes in the political and social spheres, reflecting people's desire for liberation, equality and justice. 
In 1789, the French Revolution led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic. The slogan "Freedom, equality, fraternity" became a symbol of this period and expressed the main values of the revolution. Freedom meant political freedom, human rights and freedom of speech. Equality required equality before the law for all citizens regardless of social status and origin. Brotherhood meant unity and mutual assistance of the whole people. These ideals became the basis for the drafting of the Constitution, which guaranteed civil liberties and equality before the law. They also influenced the development of democratic principles, ensuring progress and human rights in France and other countries of the world.
The Jadids (the movement of enlightened reformists in Central Asia at the end of the XIX-XX centuries) also put forward their ideals on the basis of freedom, equality and justice. They sought to modernize education, social justice, and political transformation. The key aspects of the Jadid movement were manifested in the slogan "Freedom, equality and justice". Freedom was perceived by them as the right of every person to free thinking, expression and choice. Equality meant the absence of privileges and discrimination, as well as equal opportunities for education. And, of course, the desire for social justice and respect for the rights of each individual.
Both movements opened a new era in the struggle for human rights and freedoms. Their ideals continue to inspire people today.     The inherited ideas of freedom, equality and justice remain important issues that require the continuation of the struggle for their implementation.
During the Soviet period, Uzbekistan had a difficult human rights situation. All spheres of life were controlled by the state. The authorities sought to suppress political opposition and manifestations of independent voices, including human rights violations. 
However, even then efforts were made to guarantee certain social, economic and educational rights of the population. The social system was actively developing, providing access to education for all citizens, including representatives of all nationalities who had previously been deprived of the opportunity to receive education in their native language.
During the years of independence
In 1991, Uzbekistan became an independent State and faced the need to create its own system of rights and laws. 
On September 30, 1991, at the extraordinary VII session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was ratified. This is the first international document to which sovereign Uzbekistan has joined. Thus, our country has demonstrated its commitment to the ideals and values of human rights in its State policy.
The second section of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan "Fundamental rights, freedoms and duties of man and citizen" fully reflects the provisions of the Declaration. This section stipulates that all citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan have the same rights and freedoms and are equal before the law without distinction of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, social origin, beliefs, personal and social status.
It should be noted that the reforms carried out in this area have received well-deserved recognition at the international level. Thus, in October 2020, Uzbekistan became a member of the UN Human Rights Council, an authoritative intergovernmental body of the UN system designed to ensure the protection of human rights around the world. 169 out of 193 UN member states voted for Uzbekistan's candidacy. This event took place for the first time in the history of the national statehood of our country.
The structure of the national human rights institutions of Uzbekistan includes the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), the Children's Ombudsman of Uzbekistan, the Commissioner under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Protection of the Rights and legitimate Interests of business entities and the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights. Their work is organized and constantly improved on the basis of international human rights standards and best international practices.
On June 22, 2020, the President signed a decree "On the approval of the National Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Human Rights". The goal is to determine the main tasks and directions of the state policy consistently pursued in the country in the field of ensuring human rights and freedoms.
In February 2021, the head of state took part in the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, noting in his speech that "Ensuring fundamental human rights and freedoms will continue to occupy a central place in the reform of Uzbekistan."
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was held at the headquarters of the United Nations (September 20, 2023), at which President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke. 
 "We will resolutely continue the policy of building a New Uzbekistan as a legal, secular, democratic and social state. Based on the idea of "In the name of human honor and dignity", our country is confidently following the path of fundamental reforms aimed at strengthening the principles of democracy and justice... The Basic Law confirms the commitment to the principles of human rights, freedom of speech and conscience, equality of all citizens regardless of their nationality, language and religion. The Development Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" adopted on this legal basis is consonant with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations," the Head of state stressed. 
Efforts will continue
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023 is a unique opportunity to assess the achievements and challenges we face today. Conflicts around the world have led to an escalation of gross violations of human rights, especially against vulnerable groups such as women and persons belonging to ethnic, religious minorities. The number of victims and displaced persons who are deprived of basic rights, including the right to life and security, is increasing.  Moreover, we face the challenge of deviating from the values of civil society and restricting civil liberties in many countries. The formation of authoritarian regimes and the democratic reverse movement are alarming signs that strike at the foundations of human rights.
Uzbekistan is actively working to improve the human rights situation in the Republic and in the international arena. However, a lot of work remains to guarantee the full protection of citizens' rights. 
It is necessary to continue efforts to strengthen the rule of law, develop and implement laws and cooperate with relevant organizations. Further activities in this direction, partnership at the national and international levels will contribute to the continuation of progress in the field of human rights.