A visiting delegation from Uzbekistan headed by Justice Minister Ruslanbek Davletov and Deputy Foreign Minister Furkat Sidikov held talks in Washington with representatives of international human rights organizations, including the leadership of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), as well as experts from the Institute for Global Involvement (IGE) and the Helsinki Commission.
During a meeting with permanent members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom Eric Uhland, Stephen Schnack and Frank Wolf, as well as other representatives of USCIRF, the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in the field of ensuring religious freedom were discussed.
In particular, reforms in the field of ensuring religious freedom and liberalization of legislation regarding religious organizations were discussed in detail with the American side. The results of the measures taken in Uzbekistan to improve law enforcement practice in the field of ensuring freedom of religion were especially emphasized.
Members of the Commission acknowledged that significant efforts have been made in Uzbekistan to improve the situation in the field of ensuring religious freedom. They expressed hope for continued reforms in this area, as well as efforts to bring legislation in line with international standards.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain a permanent working dialogue to strengthen cooperation in the field of protecting religious freedom.
For information, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan advisory body to the US government established under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. The Commission monitors the observance of the right to freedom of religion and belief in the world and submits relevant policy recommendations in this area to the President, Secretary of State and the US Congress.
