DAILY NEWS HERALD #236

November 30, 2018

PRESIDENT
Development of the economy with a wide use of innovations is an important factor in the growth of people’s well-being

THE ASIAN FORUM ON HUMAN RIGHTS
President Greets Participants of Asia Human Rights Forum

Human Rights: Challenges of Time and the Realities

Aspiration for Peace and Sustainable Development

OFFICIALLY
Leadership of the Agency for External Labor Migration are arrested

Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Trade changed its structure

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Uzbekistan joins the Convention on the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly

Uzbekistan, Canada to increase mutual deliveries of goods and services

PRESIDENT

Development of the economy with a wide use of innovations is an important factor in the growth of people’s well-being
On November 29, 2018, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Khorezm region. During the trip, it is planned to become acquainted with construction and landscaping activities carried out in the region, industrial enterprises, transport and tourism infrastructure, educational and cultural institutions.
The Head of the state during his visit to Khorezm region, instructed the Uztex Group of Companies to organize high-tech enterprise in Shavat district and create jobs for local population.
Over the past period, Katqal’a teks was put into operation on the basis of existing production facilities, equipped with advanced technologies and capable of providing job for more than a thousand people. This was facilitated by favorable conditions created in Uzbekistan for obtaining loans and attracting direct investment
The project worth 65 million USD was implemented in two stages. At the first stage in 2017, the company was equipped with 528, and in 2018 – 512 hosiery machines manufactured by Lonati Italian Company. Delivery and installation of the equipment was carried out by Maritex Industrial LLP British Company.
The company produces women’s, men’s and children’s socks of various sizes. The joint venture, capable of producing 79 million pairs of socks per year, worth 30 million USD, is fully automated.
Last year, products worth 5.7 billion UZS were manufactured here and delivered to domestic market. This year, the company reached full capacity, 12.5 million pairs of socks were manufactured in October, products worth 3.85 million USD were exported to the USA, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and a number of other countries.
The President got acquainted with activity of the logistics center at the enterprise, its weaving and packaging shops, laboratory, conditions created for workers.
According to technological capabilities, this enterprise is the only one of its kind in Central Asia. It is working on production development of new types of textile products, increasing the volume of exports.
Due to investment conditions created in Uzbekistan, entrepreneurs are investing their capital to production of competitive products in domestic and foreign markets. There are no barriers for those who want to create an enterprise and jobs, their business is guaranteed. This is well known to foreign partners, and they are making an active contribution to expansion of our exports, the Head of the state noted.
A presentation of projects for development of textile industry in Khorezm region, organization of light industry complex in the territory of Khazorasp free economic zone by Dererlop Textile LLC, construction of new spinning factory for production of mixed and cotton yarn in Shavat district, launching the production of finished knitwear in the city of Urgench by Textile Finance Khorezm LLC, construction of Uztex Zarkent sanatorium in Parkent district of Tashkent region was held.
The Head of the state gave instructions on accelerated development of light industry, expansion of exports, creation of additional sources of income and increasing employment.
* * *
Presentation of economic projects on development of Khorezm region was held on the territory of Katqal’a teks joint venture in Shavat district.
Systematic work is being implemented in Uzbekistan on widely promoting a favorable investment climate among foreign investors. The State Investment Committee was organized, guarantees of the rights of investors are strengthened, presentations about the attractiveness of Uzbekistan for investments are held abroad. The international forum dedicated to the investment potential of Jizzakh region, which was recently held in Tashkent, the first investment forum in tourism industry has become an important factor in the search for foreign partners and development of long-term plans with them.
State policy in the investment sphere, guarantees created for foreign investors, the potential of industries and regions are covered in the investment portal of Uzbekistan www.invest.gov.uz.
The President was provided with information about this portal.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the need for broader informing the investors about investment projects, resources available for their implementation, production facilities, prices, transportation and logistics conditions, enhancing their interest in the country.
Vice-President of the Malaysian company Serba Dinamik Group Palendran Palachandran presented to the President of Uzbekistan an investment project on construction of a caustic soda plant in the territory of Hazorasp free economic zone. The project worth $250 million will be fully implemented through the company’s investments. The enterprise will be able to produce 33 thousand tons of caustic soda and 30 thousand tons of chlorine for a total amount of $35 million per year.
It is expected that products of the plant, where 150 jobs will be created, will be entirely export-oriented.
The Head of the state told the Malaysian investor about the conditions created in the country, the benefits of investing. The investor expressed his company’s readiness and interest in cooperation.
The embassies of Uzbekistan in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan are working to attract foreign investment in the region. In particular, the Embassy in Malaysia is promoting projects on establishing confectionery production, a center for medical and cosmetology services, export of finished textile and agricultural products, the Embassy in Saudi Arabia – on restoring Olloqulikhon and Kutlugh Murod Inoq madrasahs, construction of hotels in Khiva, attracting to Khorezm the concessional loan of the Islamic Development Bank in the amount of $100 million within the framework of the “Obod qishloq” (Prosperous village) program, and the Embassy in Turkmenistan – on expanding the tourist flow in oasis.
During the presentations, the President drew attention to the significance of the projects. He gave responsible persons the necessary recommendations on expanding attraction of foreign investment.
The Head of the state became familiar with projects on organization in the region the production of solar panels, expansion of production capacity of Damas and Labo cars in Khorezm regional branch of GM Uzbekistan, construction of a modern greenhouse in the city of Pitnak by Uzavtosanoat JSC, supporting small business entities in 2019, organization of innovative technopark, gave instructions and recommendations on their implementation, increasing employment and expanding exports.
* * *
On November 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived from Urgench to Khiva by train.
The Head of the state during a trip to Khorezm region in January 2017 ordered to extend the railway to Khiva. Over the past period, 30 kilometers of railway were laid from Urgench to Khiva, a railway station was built in Khiva. Necessary infrastructure, security points, overpasses and bridges were also built.
The President got acquainted with conditions created here.
Modern requirements for convenience and safety are taken into account in construction of the station. The building is decorated in the spirit of ancient traditions of Khorezm architecture. The station is capable of serving 200 passengers at the same time. There are modern VIP-halls, mother and child room, medical room. Signs and information boards are installed. An additional convenience for tourists is a 20-place hotel at the station.
According to the instruction of the Head of the state, the station was built not far from Kukhna Ark – the old fortress of Khiva, which contributes to a wider attraction of tourists to the city, the effective use of the tourist potential of the region.
The President gave instructions on expanding the range of services for passengers, creating additional amenities and facilities for tourists.
The official opening ceremony of Urgench – Khiva railway line and the Khiva station took place. In the future, it is planned to extend the movement of high-speed trains “Afrosiyob” to Khiva.
* * *
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected the alley leading from Khiva railway station to Ichan-Kala complex.
The alley, designed to give Khiva a new look, is also being created on the instructions of the Head of the state, given during his previous visits to the region. On both sides of the avenue, two-storey tourism facilities are erected. On the first floors there are handicraft workshops, shopping and consumer services centers, on the second – hotels and restaurants. All this, along with creation of amenities for tourists, serves as a source of income and employment.
Here, the President got acquainted with projects on development of tourism potential of Khorezm region, planning the historical part of the city of Khiva. Plans for construction of hotels in the country of international brands, expansion of trade and service were presented.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev talked with foreign business people, gave instructions on the investment proposals made by them.
– What is business? This is a benefit. Tourism in Uzbekistan is a very profitable, promising area. Therefore, it is necessary to attract more entrepreneurs, investors in this sphere, give them the “green light”, – said the Head of the state.
The President gave instructions on construction of apartment buildings near Khiva, the phased resettlement of residents of the historic part of the city, transformation of houses inside the fortress into tourism facilities.
We can attract foreign tourists with our ancient history and values. However, the history of Khorezm, Khiva has not yet been fully studied, there is no system for its propaganda. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a detailed study of the history of Khorezm from ancient times and its explanation in an accessible form.
It is necessary to organize showrooms on important historical stages and events, the life of each khan, which might be of interest to tourists. It is necessary to make so that everyone who visits Khiva stayed here for a long time, had a meaningful time, left here with new knowledge and vivid impressions, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Relevant instructions were given to the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the Khorezm Mamun Academy, the State Committee for Tourism Development and other responsible organizations.
This has been reported by the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
* * *
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev became familiar with Khiva Silk Fabric enterprise operating in Khiva district. The Head of the state got acquainted with activities of the enterprise, talked with employees.
Uzbekipaksanoat Association, on the basis of integration of the production and science, opens completely new areas of production in the silk industry. One of the first success in this direction became a large-scale project being implemented at Khiva Silk Fabric enterprise.
The enterprise began its work in a building that was modernized, which was built in 1976 and was empty for 15 years. The first stage of the project, implemented using innovative ideas and creative approach, was commissioned in August this year. 110 permanent jobs have been created here, the enterprise is capable of processing over 140 tons of dry cocoons per year on the basis of the cluster method. Export contracts worth $1.1 million have already been signed. It is planned to supply silk products to China and Pakistan.
From 2019, the enterprise will manufacture fabrics and ready-made clothes from silk yarn, as well as produce chrysalide oil under laboratory conditions. Until now, in Uzbekistan, the pupae left after receiving the silk thread were disposed. Oil obtained from silkworm pupae, which are rich in protein, is a valuable raw material in cosmetology. In China, a liter of this oil costs about 40-50 dollars.
The enterprise also intends to master the production of chitin and chitosan, dietary supplements, canned food from pupae, tea and sweets from mulberry leaves.
Chitin and chitosan strengthen plant cells and promote their accelerated growth. While such products are imported from abroad.
The company is developing the production of soap from sediment left after soaking cocoons. When soaking cocoons, 18 types of amino acids, cyricin, febriin and other substances are released into the water. The aromatic soap obtained from them has healing properties.
A number of promising projects on production of grains together with Chinese partners, development of animal husbandry, poultry farming, fish farming and gardening, creation of high-yielding and export-oriented melon varieties, rice cultivation as a primary and secondary culture, efficient land use in Khorezm and others were also presented.
The President’s trip to Khorezm region continues.
(Source: UzA)

THE ASIAN FORUM ON HUMAN RIGHTS

President Greets Participants of Asia Human Rights Forum
The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed the contributors to the Asian Human Rights Forum in Samarkand with a greeting message. Following is the text of the speech.
Distinguished participants of the forum!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome all the participants and guests of the Asian Forum on Human Rights in the ancient city of Samarkand and congratulate them on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I am sincerely grateful to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, for supporting the initiative to hold this forum, organized in our region for the first time.
I am grateful for the participation in it of high representatives of the United Nations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Organization for Migration, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, other partner organizations, national human rights institutions of Asia, as well as prominent government and public figures from abroad, leading experts in the field of human rights, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Uzbekistan.
The significance of the forum “The Effects of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Challenges of Time and the Realities” is dictated by the need to consolidate efforts in bolstering the role and magnitude of this fundamental document.
As noted by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, “we can achieve more sustainable peace, security and development only if we move towards greater justice and equality.” And I fully agree with this key principle.
All civilizations, world cultures and religions were created, as history shows, under the influence of humanistic ideas, on the basis of which the basic concepts of human rights were formed.
For example, in the most ancient written monument “Avesta”, created in Asia more than 2,700 years ago, the ideas of human rights and freedoms, building inter-ethnic relations based on the principles of mutual respect and trust, are designated an important role, while violence and injustice are rejected.
In addition, one of the eminent jurists of the East, Burkhaniddin Marginani, writing in the 12th century in his treatise “Hidoya”, put forward the idea of the need to respect the rights of every person.
These unshakable values have not lost their relevance to our days and are consonant with the agenda of this forum.
One should stress that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted 70 years ago opened up new opportunities for the adoption of the principles of democracy and humanism throughout the world.
Unfortunate as it is, what we all witness today is the intensification of complex, ambiguous trends that impede this positive process.
It is primarily the armed conflicts, the mounting mistrust and aggravating antagonism, inter-ethnic and inter-faith disagreements, other global challenges and threats to sustainable development, including those occurring in the space from South-East Asia to the Middle East.
We cannot be detached observers of the growing number of internally displaced persons and refugees, of the problems associated with the inaccessibility of education and healthcare, human trafficking and forced labor, with ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, the need to eradicate poverty and hunger.
In this regard, we firmly believe that the future of the Asian continent with a total population of over 4.5 billion people largely depends on the readiness to follow the objectives defined in the United Nations agenda in sustainable development for the period up to 2030, as well as the formation of effective regional mechanism for the protection of human rights.
Dear members of the forum!
Today, we in Uzbekistan, at the new stage of national development, are guided by the underlying principle, “It is not the people who should serve government bodies, but the authorities should serve the people”. This was the basis for the implementation of the Development Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan through to 2021.
We have significantly expanded the powers of the parliament, strengthened the institutions of public control, and are actively promoting the development of civil society. The judicial system and law enforcement agencies are radically reformed. A lot of work is being done to consolidate the institution of the family and the spiritual and moral foundations of society; an environment is being delivered conducive for fostering a comprehensively advanced generation in the spirit of respect for national and universal human values.
We have been enhancing our close partnership with international institutions in the field of human rights, and a constructive dialogue has been established with non-governmental human rights organizations.
We are committed to continuing this important mission. Our foremost priorities are all-round assistance in self-realization, securing the protection of fundamental human rights and legitimate interests of people. Peace, stability and well-being bank on these criteria.
I am convinced that the Samarkand Declaration adopted following the discussions at the forum will contribute to boosting international cooperation in the field of human rights, lifting this noble work to a new, higher level.
The proposals and initiatives put forward by the contributors to the conference, as well as their conclusions, will be taken into account when elaborating national programs and strategies in human rights.
I wish all the participants and guests of the forum a fruitful work and enjoyable stay in our country.
Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

Human Rights: Challenges of Time and the Realities
On 22-23 November, Samarkand hosted the Asian Forum on Human Rights
This major event initiated by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was organized jointly with the regional bureau of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia, the UN Permanent Mission in Uzbekistan, the UNDP Regional Center in Istanbul, the UNDP Uzbekistan, the OSCE Project Coordinator in our country, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
The forum entitled “The Effects of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Challenges of Time and the Realities” was attended by Uzbek experts and their colleagues from abroad, representatives of parliamentary and judicial systems, law enforcement agencies, government coordinating bodies on reporting and follow-up review, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, international and regional bodies. Representatives from Russia, China, India, Iran, the Central Asian countries, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Afghanistan and a number of other states arrived to attend the event.
The greeting message from the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the forum participants was read out by the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Nigmatilla Yuldoshev. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a video message to the conference contributors.
In our difficult times, the key principle of human rights – their universality – remains on the agenda of political processes and international legal practice. At the UN Summit on Sustainable Development, in September 2015 in New York, the leaders of 179 states approved the agenda in this area for the period up to 2030.
The tasks for the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the next 15 years were defined. Unfortunately, in some regions of the world, it is not easy for states to ensure universal rights for everyone.
“The economy of the Asian continent, which occupies over 30% of the total land, accounts for about 32% of global economic activity,” said Akmal Saidov, director of the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan. “In Asia, the economy is developing rapidly, and incomes of the population have been rising. At the same time, economic development in itself does not mean the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and more effective protection of human rights. This forum, held in our continent for the first time since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, seeks to work out practical recommendations for improving existing and establishing new mechanisms for the protection of human rights.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first international legal document to which our country acceded after gaining independence. The main principles of this declaration are reflected in the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Developed at the initiative of the President of our country, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Action Strategy along Five Priority Tracks of Development of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 marked the dawn of a new stage in the improvement of the system for ensuring human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests. The Strategy has become the “roadmap” of Uzbekistan for the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals. With its adoption, issues of support, protection and observance of human rights have become priority areas of government policy and cooperation with international partners.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a legal document aimed at protecting and guaranteeing personal, economic, social, political, cultural rights and human freedoms, said United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva, Michael Møller. No other document, according to him, compares with the Declaration in the number of translations into the languages of the peoples of the world, laws and other legal acts developed on its basis, of the acceding states. For it defines that every person on our planet has equal rights and freedoms regardless of place of birth and residence, ethnic or language affiliation, religious beliefs. The Republic of Uzbekistan, along with other UN members, pays special attention to the implementation of the norms of the Declaration. In the policy of large-scale reforms pursued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the basis of the Action Strategy, the focus is on the goal of ensuring the rights, freedoms and interests of the individual.
Natalia German, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, noting that the Asian Forum on Human Rights is a logical continuation of the international conference “Central Asia: One Past and a Common Future, Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity”, held in Samarkand in November 2017, stressed the significance of this event not only for the peoples of the region, but also for the whole of Asia.
“The active regional policy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with the development of economic ties, brings the historically friendly and fraternal peoples closer together,” said Natalia German. “Simplification of the mode of entry and exit at the border of Uzbekistan with neighboring states, the enhancement of cooperation in the transport and logistics sphere primarily serve the interests of ordinary citizens. In addition, we welcome the initiatives put forward to secure peaceful resolution of the situation in Afghanistan and protect the rights and interests of the population, women and children in particular. From this point of view, the current forum in Samarkand is of historic significance.”
Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, the Chairman of the Executive Committee – Executive Secretary of the CIS Sergey Lebedev, Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly George Tsereteli, Special Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Adam Abdelmula and others spoke at the forum about the international scope of work and the upcoming challenges in the field of human rights protection, the importance of the forum.
Participants heard a message from the Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General, Martin Chungong.
Within the framework of the Asian Forum, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan.
On the first day of the forum, the participants exchanged views during break-up sessions such as “Legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: universality and human rights”, “Human rights as the basis for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, “Human rights education: innovations and new appeals”.
The session organized on the second day was devoted to the theme “Cooperation of national human rights institutions with state bodies and civil society institutions in ensuring respect, protection of human rights and their observance”. The participants were presented with reports by the High Commissioner of the National Commission of Mongolia on Human Rights Jamsran Byambadorj, the Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan Tokon Mamytov, Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia Ahmad Damanik, member of the Human Rights Committee of the Sultanate of Oman Iskhaq bin Jumma al-Harusi.
Building on these reports on the topic and on the opinions and judgments, participants developed proposals and recommendations for the session.
Following that, there was a final meeting dedicated to the results of the forum. Director of the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan Akmal Saidov announced that the Asian Forum has succeeded.
“During these two days, many reports were heard at the forum sessions,” Saidov said. “In addition, small working groups exchanged views on reports on topics. During these meetings, over fifty participants conveyed their proposals and recommendations, including representatives of international organizations, government bodies, parliaments, judicial bodies, civil society institutions. The organizers of the event took these views into account when drafting the final document of the forum – the Samarkand Declaration on Human Rights, and reflected them in this document. Participants noted the timely organization of the Asian Forum and the discussion during it of pressing issues regarding the protection of human rights.
The Special Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Adam Abdelmula, underscored that the forum occasioned to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been important in delivering mutual exchange of views and experiences among national institutions and international experts, in identifying tasks in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Therefore, he suggested that the forum be held regularly.
Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan Helena Fraser also noted that the forum proved successful, and the views expressed therein were important because they identified urgent issues in the protection of human rights in Asian countries.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

Aspiration for Peace and Sustainable Development
Forum participants share opinions
Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights:
Ensuring human rights is an important prerequisite for reforming and developing the state and society. Organized at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Asian Forum is of great magnitude, especially today, when the topic acquires urgency throughout the world.
The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 70 years ago made it possible to unite efforts in this direction. The document defines the guarantee of human rights as the main requirement for peace, stability and construction of a democratic state. The Declaration calls for resolving the emerging issues by peaceful means, through negotiation and consensus.
Ensuring human rights and interests is one of the priorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Therefore, the OSCE is actively involved in this process, ready to provide support and necessary assistance to relevant initiatives.
In Uzbekistan, human rights is recognized as the highest value, as evidenced by the reforms carried out here in accordance with the Action Strategy. At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, its legislative foundations are being strengthened, which contributes to the development and security of not only in Uzbekistan, but throughout the region. The Samarkand Forum is a good opportunity to discuss issues of achieving stability and security in the region and the world.
George Tsereteli,
Chairman of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:
It is hardly accidental that the Asian Forum is held in Uzbekistan, in the ancient city of Samarkand. This country is located at the crossroads where the paths of the peoples of the continent have crossed since ancient times.
Despite the fact that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed 70 years ago as an important guarantee against them, various conflicts, divide and intolerance, crimes against humanity are still going on in the world.
By the nature of my work, I seek answers to these challenges from the point of view of parliamentarianism. It is a factor that binds the state, society and citizens, guarantees the participation of citizens in political, economic, social and humanitarian activities. This, in turn, raises the urgency of issues related to the improvement of lawmaking, implementation of legal acts, conduct of fair and transparent elections.
The participation of leading experts from a number of countries in the forum contributes to the popularization of best practices, through the realization of this civic stance of ethnic minorities and various segments of the population.
Sergey Lebedev,
Chairman of the Executive Committee – Executive Secretary of the CIS:
First of all, I would like to highlight Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the field of human rights, one of which is the current Asian Forum in Samarkand.
Since its inception, the CIS has been paying special attention to interstate relations in ensuring human interests. This can be seen in the example of various Commonwealth documents that embody the goals and perspectives of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Within its framework, we adopted the concept of guaranteeing the right to education, the convention on ensuring the right of migrants to work, the concept of introducing integrated mechanisms for securing social rights.
The issue of the protection of motherhood and childhood and the interests of women is also in the center of constant attention of the CIS. In particular, according to the 11 October 2017 statement of the Heads of State, a number of measures are being taken to strengthen the family institution, in which Uzbekistan is actively involved. The Samarkand Forum will be an important step towards raising this cooperation to a new level.
Adam Abdelmula,
Special Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:
In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has intensified. There were visits of delegations at various levels, and ties were strengthened towards creating favorable conditions in the human dimension.
In securing human rights, it is very important to increase the accountability of the judicial system and state bodies. At the same time, it is necessary to support the institutions of civil society and stimulate their participation in public administration, which is consonant with the Sustainable Development Goals.
This forum is a favorable platform for determining the prospects for cooperation and the implementation of target programs.
Kjerulf Thorgeirsdottir,
First Vice President of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission):
The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is written down in the history of mankind in golden letters. It became the first international document enshrining the equality of all people regardless of religion, beliefs, social or ethnic origin.
So far, our commission has published the results of more than 800 studies, organized over 600 seminars and conferences, and developed more than 9,500 databases on the judicial and legal sphere.
In the framework of the forum, we have the opportunity to exchange views on the national practices of the countries of Central Asia and international norms. We have one goal: to ensure the protection of honor and dignity of everyone and everywhere.
(Source: «Uzbekistan Today» newspaper)

OFFICIALLY

Leadership of the Agency for External Labor Migration are arrested
The General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan opened a criminal case against the leadership of the Agency for External Labor Migration, Kun.uz correspondent reports.
The case was initiated on the fact of a number of malfeasances.
"In the course of investigative actions on November 16, 2018, director of the Agency for External Labor Migration R.I., deputy director of the agency U.N., head of the agency’s department A. A. and head of the agency’s branch O. M. were indicted and taken under custody as a preventive measure," the Prosecutor General’s Office noted.
According to the conclusion of the department, announcement of other information on the case is not expedient from the point of view of the investigation’s secrecy.
(Source: Web site «kun.uz»)

Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Trade changed its structure
In accordance with the Resolution 4033 of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures to further improve the activity of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan" from November 27, 2018, a number of changes have been introduced to the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
The resolution states that the post of Deputy Minister has been introduced who looks after Uzbekistan’s membership accession to the World Trade Organization. In addition, two new departments will be established within the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Personnel of the Ministry’s main office have been increased to 82 employees. To date, there were only 67 employees in the organization.
The new Deputy Minister negotiates on Uzbekistan’s becoming a member for the World Trade Organization (WTO), maintains the regulation of Customs and Tariff, optimizes imports and develops Transport Corridors, as well as diversifies export destinations in Foreign Trade.
One of the new departments will be coordinating with the WTO. It will gather and prepare a set of materials and documents required for accession of Uzbekistan to the WTO, as well as elaborate proposals for national legislation to comply with the requirements of WTO Agreements.
Another new department will create conditions for access to traditional and new markets, as well as provide methodological assistance in export contracts.
According to the decree, the Ministry must supply the new structures with highly qualified specialists by the end of 2018.
(Source: Web site «kun.uz»)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Uzbekistan joins the Convention on the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
At the invitation of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (IPA) of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states, a parliamentary delegation of Uzbekistan headed by the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Nigmatilla Yuldoshev took part in the 48th meeting of the IPA CIS, which takes place in St. Petersburg, the Senate of Uzbekistan said.
As part of the 48th plenary meeting of the IPA CIS, the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Nigmatilla Yuldoshev signed the Convention on the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Speaking to the participants of the IPA CIS meeting, he noted that Uzbekistan closely followed the development of processes within the CIS, the activities of the bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the IPA CIS, which in the new historical conditions continues to actively and effectively promote the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the participating countries.
It was noted that the IPA CIS took a worthy place in the system of world parliamentarism. At the same time, the important contribution of the Russian Federation to ensuring the success of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly was emphasized.
Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recent years has successfully promoted his renewed domestic and foreign policy. In the large-scale transformations, being carried out in Uzbekistan in accordance with the Action Strategy for the five priority directions of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017–2021, the parliament plays a special role. Serious attention is paid to parliamentary diplomacy, the development of bilateral and multilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Our country optimizes its approaches and gives a qualitatively new dynamic to its participation in the activities of the CIS. For the republic, the Commonwealth of Independent States remains the most important institution of practical cooperation in priority areas, and the participating countries remain our partners, neighbors and friends.
Undoubtedly, the full participation of parliamentarians of Uzbekistan in the activities of the IPA CIS will open a fundamentally new page in our relations, expand a multifaceted and productive partnership through the parliamentary dimension.
Members of the parliamentary delegation of Uzbekistan will also take part in the international conference "The 150th anniversary of the St. Petersburg Declaration on the prohibition of the use of certain explosive shells during the war: new contexts, former significance", which will be held on 30 November.
(Source: UzDaily.com)

Uzbekistan, Canada to increase mutual deliveries of goods and services
On November 28, 2018, the eighth round of Uzbek-Canadian ministerial political consultations was held in Ottawa.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Dilshod Akhatov and the Director General of the Bureau for Sub-Polar Region, Eastern Europe and Eurasia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Alison LeClaire held extensive negotiations on topical issues of bilateral and regional agenda.
The parties exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached in the previous round of inter-MFA political consultations in Tashkent in October 2017.
The firm commitment of Uzbekistan and Canada to further deepen mutually beneficial relations, as well as the intention to ensure the substantial development of bilateral contacts by enhancing dialogue at various levels, were confirmed.
The sides expressed their readiness to expand trade and economic ties, encourage and increase mutual deliveries of goods and services, create the necessary conditions for investment, and take mutual measures to increase the tourist flow.
During the consideration of the international and regional agenda, special attention was paid to the situation in Afghanistan. It was noted that both countries are interested in peaceful solution of the Afghan problem and are ready to cooperate in this area. The Canadian side reaffirmed its readiness to make a significant contribution to supporting the efforts of Uzbekistan aimed at improving the socio-economic situation in the country.
The delegations agreed to establish cooperation within the framework of the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region, which began its work under the auspices of the UN on November 27, 2018 in New York.
On the same day, the Uzbek delegation held talks with Ian Shugart, Canada’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the course of the conversation, the results of inter-MFA political consultations were summed up, and prospects for the further development of cooperation in priority areas were considered.
As part of their stay in Ottawa, the representatives of the Uzbek MFA also visited the Parliament of Canada and met with members of the Canada-Uzbekistan friendship group headed by member of the House of Commons Ziad Aboultaif.
A separate meeting was held with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Foreign Minister of Canada, Andrew Leslie. During the conversation, the priority directions of the Uzbek-Canadian relations were discussed, a number of measures that should be taken by the legislative bodies of the two countries to bring bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level were identified.
On November 26-27, 2018, meetings were held in Montreal and Ottawa with representatives of the Export Development Corporation of Canada, the Canadian Trade Development Corporation, and heads of a number of leading companies interested in establishing business activities in Uzbekistan.
As part of their stay in Canada, the delegation held talks with representatives of McGill University and the University of Ottawa. During the meetings, issues of cooperation in the field of training highly qualified personnel, organization of student and faculty exchanges, the establishment of double-diploma education, as well as the participation of Canadian specialists in the activities of universities in Uzbekistan were discussed.
(Source: IA «Turon24»)

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