Harmony of basic human rights and freedoms

December 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted at the 3rd session of the UN General Assembly and containing recommendations to the member countries of the organization, this normative act reveals the rights of all people living on planet Earth. This historical document has been translated into more than 500 languages and dialects of the world and is the most frequently translated, for which it entered the Guinness Book of Records. The declaration, consisting of 30 articles, has become part of international human rights law.
December 10 - International Human Rights Day is widely celebrated all over the world, including in our country. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev notes, "ensuring respect for human rights and freedoms, respect for the dignity of every human being are an integral feature of the open, free and just society that we are building." Because without creating a reliable system of protection of human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests in society, it is impossible to create a democratic state.
Human rights legislation was created in three stages. The first covers the period from the French Declaration of Human and Civil Rights to the First World War. At this stage, there were issues related to personal freedoms, the inviolability and equality of citizens, private property and electoral rights. 
The second stage of human rights activity includes the first half of the 20th century, when human rights to work, rest, and social assistance took the main place in legislation.
The period from the second half of the 20th century to the present is the third stage. During these years, much attention was paid to the rights of people to a peaceful life, to a clean environment, and to receive information.
Currently, the UN has adopted about 70 international conventions, declarations and covenants related to human rights, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe - more than 160, UNESCO - 70, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe - more than 30. According to available information, there are currently about 400 international human rights instruments. The most important of them is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by a resolution of the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. 
Based on this UN document, legislative documents related to human rights around the world have been developed and adopted. The General Assembly has stated that it is the duty of all nations and all States to implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
As in all countries of the world where human rights form the basis of the constitutional system, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is fundamental to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the creation of the Basic Law of our country corresponds to the third stage of international human rights legislation.
As you know, on April 30 of this year, for the first time in our country, the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan was adopted in a new version by a national referendum. Through public discussion and proposals, 65 percent of the Basic Law has been updated, and human rights standards have been tripled. From this point of view, it would be correct to say that almost all articles on human rights are reflected in our Constitution.
If you look at the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you can see that they are in harmony with the norms of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which contain references to all rights. For example, article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." Article 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan stipulates the following: "The right to life is an inalienable right of every human being and is protected by law. Encroachment on human life is the gravest crime." 
It should be noted that in both documents the above-mentioned rights are confirmed by the fundamental rights of every person. 
Article 5 of the Declaration also states that no one should be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 26 of our Constitution establishes the inviolability of human honor and dignity, and nothing can be a reason to belittle them. At the same time, it is strictly defined that no one can be subjected to torture, violence, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 
The norms concerning the fact that no one can be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile are established in articles 9 of the Declaration and 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in a new edition. 
According to article 28 of the Basic Law of the country, a person accused of committing a crime is considered innocent until his guilt is proven through a public trial in accordance with the procedure provided for by law and established by a court verdict that has entered into force. The accused is provided with all opportunities for his defense. This norm is defined by article 11 of the declaration. 
Article 128 of our Constitution states that citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan have the right to elect and be elected to representative bodies of State power. Each voter has one vote. The right to vote, equality and freedom of expression are guaranteed by law.
These data clearly confirm that the Constitution of our country has incorporated the main ideas and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has been improved in accordance with the times. This means that national legislation is formed on the basis of universally recognized rights and freedoms and international standards.
Shukhrat Juraev.
Regional Representative of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)
in Navoi region.