Your Excellency Minister,

 

Your Excellencies Heads of delegations,

 

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

 

 

I am honored to have been invited to participate in this Forum on Global Human Rights Governance.

 

I would like to start by emphasizing the significance of the year 2023. This marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the successful holding of the historic 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party as well as the recent presidential and parliamentary elections.

 

I would like to give an example of a revered leaders who embodies the spirit and principles of human rights and equality.

 

Confucius teachings primarily focused on ethics, social harmony, and personal development, his insights can be applied to various aspects of life, including human rights. Here are a few quotes from Confucius that touch on the principles related to human rights: 

 

"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire." This quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and the Golden Rule, suggesting that we should treat others with respect and dignity, just as we would like to be treated.

 

"To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right." Confucius believed in the significance of cultivating personal virtues and integrity as a foundation for creating a harmonious society where individuals' rights are respected.

 

Dr Peng-chun Chang, the Chinese expert on Confucianism, who played an active role in drafting the UDHR believed that Confucianism laid the groundwork for human rights ideas. While Confucius' teachings did not explicitly address the concept of human rights as it is understood in modern times, his emphasis on virtues, empathy, and social harmony can be seen as foundational principles that align with the values underlying human rights.

 

Dear guests and colleagues,

 

I would like to give examples of H.E. António Guterres and H.E. Volker Türk on such occasions that enduring importance of the UDHR and Vienna Declaration its role in promoting and protecting the rights and dignity of every individual.

 

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted 75 years ago. The Declaration described, for the first time, entitlements that apply to everyone, everywhere, always. The most translated document in the world, its English version is just 1,300 words long. But all human life is there”, said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

 

“The Vienna Declaration infused the global consciousness with a straightforward yet pivotal formula for human rights: that you cannot have one human right without the other,” said High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

 

These pillars of the international human rights system have guided us in fulfilling our responsibility to promote and protect human rights for all.

 

These two anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come since 1948, as well as how far we still have to go.

 

 

 

I recently finished reading Xi Jinping's book on Respecting and Protecting Human Rights and was very impressed. 

 

China has made certain advancements in promoting and protecting human rights over the years.

 

In this regard, I would like to note ten examples of areas where China has highlighted its achievements in human rights:

 

First. Poverty Alleviation: China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating poverty. This achievement has significantly improved living conditions and access to basic necessities for many Chinese citizens.

 

Second. Education: China has made significant progress in providing access to education. Efforts have been made to improve literacy rates, expand primary and secondary education, and increase enrollment in higher education institutions.

 

Third. Healthcare: China has worked to enhance healthcare services, leading to improved access to healthcare facilities, increased life expectancy, and a reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.

 

Fourth. Gender Equality: The Chinese government has emphasized gender equality and made efforts to promote women's rights, including initiatives to address gender-based discrimination and increase women's participation in various sectors.

 

Fifth. Environmental Protection: China has recognized the importance of environmental conservation and has taken steps to address pollution, promote renewable energy, and implement ecological restoration projects.

 

Sixth. Disaster Response and Resilience: The Chinese government has invested in disaster response and management systems to enhance the country's ability to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and protect its citizens.

 

Seventh. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: China has made significant investments in urban development and infrastructure, improving living conditions, transportation, and access to basic amenities in many regions.

 

Eight. Social Security: China has implemented social security programs, including pension systems, healthcare coverage, and social assistance programs, to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations.

 

Ninth. Cultural Preservation: China has made efforts to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage, including the preservation of historical sites, traditional arts, and cultural practices.

 

Tenth. Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas: China has implemented targeted poverty alleviation measures in rural areas, focusing on infrastructure development, agricultural support, and vocational training to reduce poverty rates in these regions.

 

China has indeed gained a significant presence on the global stage, and its voice is increasingly heard in various international arenas.

 

"It is necessary to respect human rights progress in all countries. The national traits of each country are different, there are differences in history and culture, the social system, the level of socio-economic development," the Chinese leader noted. "It is only necessary and possible to proceed from the actual situation in the country and people’s needs in order to find an appropriate way to develop human rights," he pointed out.

 

While international discussions and cooperation on human rights are important, it is also recognized that countries have different historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape their approaches to human rights.

 

Equality, Cooperation and Development: The 30th anniversary of Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

The theme of the Forum is very significant in commemorating this significant anniversary.

 

It marked a significant milestone in global human rights governance and set the stage for promoting equality, cooperation, and development worldwide. As we commemorate its 30th anniversary, it is crucial to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and the way forward in advancing human rights.

 

The VDPA emphasized the interdependence and indivisibility of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It recognized that human rights are universal, inalienable, and should be upheld without discrimination of any kind. This document affirmed the principles of equality, non-discrimination, rule of law, democracy, and development as essential elements of human rights.

 

Over the past three decades, the VDPA has had a profound impact on human rights governance at the national, regional, and international levels. It provided a framework for governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together towards the promotion and protection of human rights.

 

Equality lies at the core of the VDPA, acknowledging that every individual should enjoy their rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind. It calls for the elimination of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, or any other grounds. Efforts to combat systemic discrimination, promote gender equality, and ensure the rights of marginalized groups have gained significant momentum in various parts of the world.

 

Cooperation is another key aspect emphasized by the VDPA. It highlights the importance of international cooperation among states, as well as collaboration with civil society organizations, to promote and protect human rights. The VDPA recognizes the crucial role of partnerships, dialogue, and technical assistance in enhancing human rights governance globally.

 

Development is intricately linked to human rights, and the VDPA underscores the importance of integrating human rights into development processes. It emphasizes that development should be sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of human rights. Efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve universal education, improve healthcare, and ensure access to clean water and sanitation have been central to the realization of the VDPA's vision.

 

However, challenges persist in fully implementing the VDPA's principles and achieving its goals. Inequality, discrimination,  poverty, climate change, and emerging digital rights issues pose significant hurdles to human rights governance. Upholding human rights in the face of these challenges requires a collective effort from governments, civil society, and international organizations.

 

Moving forward, it is essential to build on the progress made over the past three decades and address the evolving human rights landscape. Strengthening global human rights governance requires sustained commitment to the principles enshrined in the VDPA.

 

This includes ensuring the protection of digital rights, addressing the impacts of new technologies, promoting accountability for human rights violations, and engaging youth and marginalized communities in decision-making processes.

 

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to advance equality, cooperation, and development within the realm of human rights. 

 

By upholding these principles and fostering partnerships, we can strive for a world where every individual's human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

 

 

 

Colleagues,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Uzbekistan has made efforts to address human rights issues and promote reforms within the country in recent years. The government of Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has taken steps towards improving the human rights situation and implementing changes.

 

Uzbekistan is undergoing a constitutional reform with the active involvement of civil society with the primary goal of putting the “man-society-state” development principle into practice. 

 

Constitutional referendum was held in last month, and we are grateful to our polish friends for participation as the international observers. 

 

On July 9, the election of the President of Uzbekistan will be held according New Constitution and will undoubtedly have a positive influence on the direction of future democratic reforms.

 

Ensuring human rights and interests, as well as protecting human dignity are main cornerstone of the constitutional reform. In this regard, the number of norms of the Constitution related to human rights is increasing more than 3 times.

 

Internationally recognized institutions of jurisprudence as the Miranda Warnings and Habeas Corpus are consolidated at the constitutional level. The prohibition of the death penalty becomes a constitutional norm. The pro bono institute, which provides free legal assistance has been granted constitutional status.

 

The right to appeal to national and international human rights organizations is now guaranteed by the Constitution for the first time. The institution of the constitutional complaint is established by the Constitution. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening constitutional guarantees of labor, social, and environmental rights citizens, as well as the rights of vulnerable segments of the population (children, women, and persons with disabilities).

 

Uzbekistan has launched an active campaign to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On 12 May 2023, the President of Uzbekistan approved the Action Plan on celebration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 

In accordance with the Vienna Declaration, the Presidential Decree on the National Human Rights Education Program in the Republic of Uzbekistan was approved.

 

Creation of National Programme for Human Rights Education to direct and guide the efforts and setting up of National Commission to monitor and lead the progress in this field proves that the country is really on the path of genuinely equating women and men in every walk of life. 

 

Uzbekistan has taken significant steps towards aligning its parliamentary system with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The resolution entitled "Enhancing the role of parliaments in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" recognizes the crucial role of parliaments in advancing sustainable development and achieving the SDGs. The resolution highlights the importance of parliamentary oversight, legislation, and representation in driving progress towards the SDGs. The adoption of the resolution was proposed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in 2020.

 

By promoting dialogue, cooperation, and respect for human rights, we can strive for a more just, equal, and inclusive world for all.

 

Thank you.