FM Kamilov speaks about factors that contributed to Uzbekistan’s joining the UNHCR

Today, October 17, the International Press Club held a regular session on the topic “Uzbekistan – UN: Important Initiatives and Results of Cooperation”. 

During the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov briefed on the work done by Uzbekistan to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council and its importance.

“Uzbekistan’s membership in the UN Human Rights Organization has enhanced the country’s position, but it also increases our responsibility. We started trying to become a member of this organization 3 years ago. How did we achieve that? First of all, a decision was made to abolish forced and child labor. Those who disobeyed it were punished. Representatives of international organizations visited the cotton fields every year to monitor the situation.

I would like to emphasize that the UN Human Rights Council has been the most critical international organization for Uzbekistan for 20 years. Nevertheless, we tried to become a member of this council.

What work have we done that is especially recognized in the international arena? Numerous efforts have been made to ensure media freedom and freedom of religion. As I said above, forced labor, child labor have been eliminated. At the level of state policy, attention was also paid to ensuring gender equality, and the judicial system has been seriously reformed,” Kamilov said.