On October 2, members of the delegation led by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief of the UN Human Rights Council A.Shaheed met with the director of the National Human Rights Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.Saidov.

At the meeting, it was noted that further deepening of democratic reforms and establishment of principles of freedom of religion and belief, interethnic and interfaith harmony and tolerance, carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in accordance with the Strategy of actions on five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021, are yielding good results. 

Issues of further strengthening of the rights and freedoms of representatives of different nationalities and religions in our country, ensuring their legitimate interests were discussed. 

The legislation of Uzbekistan guarantees ensuring the human rights protection, freedom of religion. This is evidenced by the fact that currently there are 2 241 religious organizations in our country. Islamic, Christian organizations, Jewish and Baha'i communities, the Hare Krishna society and the Buddhist temple allow citizens to freely pray and perform religious rites. All necessary conditions and opportunities for education have been created in secondary specialized and higher educational institutions operating under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Tashkent Orthodox Seminary of Tashkent and Uzbekistan diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, Tashkent Protestant Seminary, which is the practical embodiment of tolerance that prevails in our country. 

In the years of independence, national human rights institutions, the education system in Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik and other languages have been established in Uzbekistan. Not only state organizations but also civil society institutions are actively participating in ensuring the development of society by strengthening religious tolerance and interethnic harmony. 

The National Human Rights Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan plays a special role in ensuring the legitimate interests of citizens. The Center, together with a number of international organizations, supports initiatives aimed at protecting and stimulating human rights and freedoms. 

At the meeting, views were exchanged on issues of implementation of measures developed in our country within the framework of the State Program “Year of dialogue with people and human interests”, as well as development of mutual cooperation. 

Members of the delegation led by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief of the UN Human Rights Council A.Shaheed held meetings at the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the ministries of foreign affairs and justice.