This event aimed to highlight the interconnection between human rights and the environment, ensure ecological security, and strengthen the right of citizens to live in a clean environment. Additionally, special attention was given to experience exchange and the strengthening of cooperation between Ombudsmen from foreign states, national institutions, authorized state bodies, and international organizations.

The conference was organized by the Commissioner of Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) in cooperation with the UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

The event was attended by representatives of human rights institutions and international organizations from more than 20 foreign countries, including Austria, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Moldova, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation, Poland, Serbia, Turkey, Oman, Finland, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Also, representatives of the International Ombudsman Institute, the European Ombudsman Institute, and the Asian Ombudsman Association participated in the conference.

Furthermore, the conference was attended by members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, the Children's Ombudsman, the Business Ombudsman, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Anti-Corruption Agency, the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of various state institutions, civil society organizations, non-governmental non-profit organizations, higher educational institutions, and the media.

The conference was opened by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, who highlighted the importance and significance of the Ombudsman in ensuring human rights in New Uzbekistan.

It was noted that on February 23, 1995, Uzbekistan became one of the first countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to establish the institution of the Ombudsman. Over the years, new modern and effective mechanisms for the protection of human rights and freedoms have been introduced into the activities of the Ombudsman, who works directly with citizens' appeals. The entire process of handling complaints has been fully digitized, and additional conveniences have been created for citizens.

Since 2022, regional representatives of the Ombudsman have been working on a permanent basis, allowing for the prompt resolution of citizens' complaints on the ground. Moreover, the Ombudsman has taken a strong position in protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals held in closed institutions with restricted freedom of movement. It is important to emphasize that the Ombudsman continues to draw government attention to issues requiring resolution based on citizens' complaints.

As part of the conference, the book “30 Years of the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan” was presented. This book is not only a historical document but also an analytical roadmap, covering the history of the institution's establishment, its development stages, and initiatives in the field of human rights protection.

It is well known that today, environmental changes, air and water pollution, soil erosion, and desertification processes are having a significant impact on humanity. The decline in biodiversity, depletion of underground resources, and reduction of forest areas are among the factors disrupting the natural balance.

These processes negatively affect not only the environment but also the daily lives, health, and working conditions of people.

The international conference continued its work in the format of specialized thematic sessions, where the most pressing environmental issues and their impact on human rights were discussed.

Key Issues Discussed in the Sessions:

• Protecting human rights while ensuring a clean and favorable environment;
• Strengthening the role of international and regional legal frameworks;
• Exchange of experiences between Turkey, Hungary, Mongolia, Italy, Azerbaijan, Russia, Thailand, Qatar, Morocco, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan;
• Enhancing cooperation between government and civil society organizations in ensuring environmental rights for citizens.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Bilateral Cooperation was signed between the Ombudsman, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and the Institute of Criminological Research of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Tashkent Resolution was adopted.

Press Service of the Commissioner of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)