Ahmed Shahid: Uzbekistan demonstrates exceptional openness to constructive dialogue

The Ambassador informed the UN Special Rapporteur in detail about the measures taken in Uzbekistan to improve law enforcement practice in the field of ensuring freedom of religion, registering religious organizations and creating conditions for their unhindered functioning, releasing prisoners convicted of participating in banned organizations, countering radicalism, including through the expansion of institutional mechanisms for promoting enlightened Islam.

It was especially emphasized that in the ongoing efforts of Uzbekistan in the fight against religious extremism and terrorism, a key place is given to the promotion of ideas and principles of tolerance, mutual respect, interreligious and intercultural dialogue with the participation of all sectors of society. To date, a set of measures is being systematically carried out in Uzbekistan on the principle of “Enlightenment against ignorance” for early warning of the radicalization of the population and comprehensive support for representatives of different sectors of society, mainly young people.

In turn, Ahmed Shahid noted that he was deeply inspired by the progress of Uzbekistan in the field of ensuring religious freedom. “Since my first meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017, I have been delighted to see how, thanks to his firm determination to implement fundamental changes, Uzbekistan has achieved unimaginable success in promoting and protecting human rights, especially in the field of freedom of religion or belief,” the UN Special Rapporteur emphasized.

According to him, “Uzbekistan, among the few countries, demonstrates exceptional openness to a constructive dialogue with international institutions and the expert community in overcoming problems”.

The UN Special Rapporteur emphasized his interest in continuing to engage with Uzbekistan to further advance the republic’s progress in the field of religious freedom through joint training programs aimed at increasing knowledge of international standards that underlie freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Such programs, according to Ahmed Shahid, will help develop the professional potential of representatives of relevant government agencies and public organizations.