Latest Speeches of President of Uzbekistan

Freedom of the media - a guarantee of freedom of expression and information

05.05.2015.

On April 22-23, 2015 Tashkent hosted an international conference on the topic: "The role of trade unions in ensuring citizens' rights to decent working conditions: the experience of Uzbekistan".

The event was organized by the Council of Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan jointly with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Justice, the Independent Institute for monitoring the formation of civil society, the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan and foreign partners - United Nations Development Programme, the International Labour Organization, Fund named after Friedrich Ebert (Germany).

The conference was attended by delegations from the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, heads of international organizations accredited in Uzbekistan (UNDP, EU, OSCE, UNICEF), managers and specialists from Germany, Denmark, China, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Russia, France, deputies of the Legislative Chamber and Senate of Oliy Majlis, representatives of state and public organizations, mass media.

The international conference was held to present the experience of Uzbekistan and foreign countries in the development and implementation of measures to ensure the protection of the rights of citizens decent working conditions and to develop proposals for the further promotion of "Decent work conception", adopted by the International Labour Organization.

At the forum, participants got acquainted with the achievements of our country in the field of employment, the expansion of social protection of citizens, ensuring effective control at work, improvement of constructive social dialogue between government, employers and trade unions. They have also heard information on the opportunities provided by trade unions of Uzbekistan to carry out their functions to guarantee workers' rights for decent working conditions.

At the event, noted that implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, a strong social policy is an important factor in the creation of decent working conditions for citizens and the development of social protection systems, provide the results measures taken by the trade unions for the protection of the socio-economic interests and labor rights of workers and members of their families.

It was underlined that the labor legislation of Uzbekistan and guarantee citizens' rights to decent working conditions fully comply with international labor standards, and a number of indicators even ahead of them. In particular, fully provided with the labor rights of citizens and the right to a decent wage. The enterprises, organizations and institutions on the basis of collective agreements, to be signed between the trade union committees and employers, work is carried out to promote employment, the creation of comfortable and safe working conditions for organized new jobs and ensure the rights of workers for decent working conditions, the provision of additional benefits and guarantees, retraining.

Representatives of international organizations stressed that in Uzbekistan initiated a constructive social dialogue between the government, unions and employers serves to strengthen social protection of workers. It was stated that in our country has accumulated rich experience in the implementation of public control in the sphere of labor, trade unions are given broad powers to ensure that the rights of workers to decent working conditions and their results.

In particular, the Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Jaap Wienen said that currently the ITUC cooperates with the Federation of Trade Unions, which demonstrates their genuine interest in the implementation and further improvement of the legal framework of the republic in the sphere of protection and promotion of standards of decent work.

- ITUC in turn seeks a constructive dialogue with the organization, carrying out joint activities, - he said. - Experts of the Federation of Trade Unions participate in various international seminars and meetings on the subject. I hope that the outcome of these fruitful relations would be joining the Federation of the International Confederation of Trade Unions, since these two structures share a common goal - to protect and ensure the rights of the working population.

Chief Specialist of the ILO Sergejus Glovatskas noted that a good tradition to hold such events annually. In Uzbekistan, in addition to international conferences are regularly held "round tables", seminars, briefings on the social protection of the population and the introduction of legislation in the country's standards to ensure decent work.

- This conference brings logical outcome progress over the past year of intense collaboration of Uzbekistan and the International Labour Organization, - says S.Glovatskas. - In particular, an important event was the signing between your country and the ILO's "Decent Work Programme in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2014-2016 years".

S.Glovatskas also said that will continue active cooperation with the Federation of Trade Unions in the implementation of various joint projects aimed at the development and deepening of cooperation. First of all - this is the work of the country programs for decent work. It is planned to assist in raising the awareness of workers about their rights, the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its implementation. According to him, the experience of Uzbekistan in ensuring citizens' rights to decent conditions of work must be extended to the entire region of Central Asia.

According to a senior specialist of the European Department of the ILO Bureau for Workers 'Activities Wolfgang Lutterbach experience of Uzbekistan in the field of workers' rights is interesting and worth exploring. For the union activists from foreign countries this international forum was an opportunity to share their experiences, which is especially important given the fact that many countries are experiencing the effects of the global financial and economic crisis.

- There is a lot of useful in the General Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers, the Council of Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Commerce on socio-economic issues in the years 2014-2016, - said W.Lutterbach. - The relationship between workers and employers are regulated, with clear mechanisms to establish an effective public control over the implementation of local acts. Such social dialogue enables the positive and effective resolution of all issues in the social and labor field.

According to the senior advisor to the Pan-European Regional Council of Trade Unions Anton Leppik, the role of social partners in ensuring the rights to decent working conditions is great. Social dialogue - the need to consult with social partners on social and economic issues. These consultations, and the highest form - collective bargaining contribute to representing the interests of workers and employers. Uzbekistan gained experience in social dialogue testifies to the democratic decision-making and effective control over their implementation.

- Special attention should be working to improve labor legislation in Uzbekistan, - said the representative of the General Confederation of Labour of France Pierre Kutaz. - It is noteworthy that the number of trade union movement in Uzbekistan - more than 6 million people. In France, trade union membership is small. I'm very impressed by the fact that the head of a mass social organization as the Council of Federation of Trade Unions, is a woman. Despite the fact that the General Confederation of Labour of France - one of the oldest organizations defending the rights of workers in our country, and there are more than a century, we are still not able to achieve this.

It is important that Uzbekistan declares supporting young people as one of the main priorities of its policy. It is necessary to pay special attention to vulnerable groups of the population, to promote employment, decent wages, legal and social protection of workers, to give them benefits.

A spokesman for the production of trade union IG Metal (Germany) Marlies Brigitte Daane believes that such events allow you to set effective bridges of cooperation between trade unions in different countries.

He expressed the view that Uzbekistan achieved great progress in the protection of the socio-economic and labor rights of workers. In Germany, collective bargaining is conducted directly between the employers and the workers themselves, whose interests are represented by trade unions, without the participation of the state.

- Uzbekistan's experience shows that addressing issues in the workplace has greatly assisted the state. This has a positive effect on the further development of the work in this direction, - he said.

Social protection of women - one of the priorities of the trade union movement of Uzbekistan

16.04.2015.

Years of independence were a period of prosperity in the lives of women of Uzbekistan. It is a time of important changes, which enhanced their social and political activity, the role and status in solving problems of social and state construction.

One of the priorities of the state policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a social, economic and legal protection of women, creation of decent conditions to improve their all-round well-being.

In this process, also actively participate trade unions of the country. In particular, the Council of Federation of Trade Unions conducted systematic work to ensure socio-economic interests and labor rights of women. For this purpose, at Federation of Trade Unions established a Council of women, and at sectoral and regional trade union organizations commissions on women are functioning. They carry out systematic measures to strengthen social protection of women workers. In particular, through collective contracts and agreements additional benefits and guarantees created for them.

It is noteworthy that today in collective contracts and agreements included special sections containing systemic measures to improve the quality and efficiency of social protection of the beautiful half. In particular, through the data provided by local acts maximum employment, increase of working women's income, undergo the promotion of employment of graduates of professional colleges and universities.

In providing employment for women special focus drawn on home work. At the expense of trade union funds new jobs for women are created. For example, in 2014 the Council of Federation of Trade Unions created about 100 new jobs for women in Navoi, Surkhandarya and Khorezm regions. The newly created jobs are being under social control to create safe and comfortable labor environment.

On the side of trade unions the scope of free legal advice broadens, especially for women entrepreneurs, who begin their work in the small business and private entrepreneurship. Also provided legal assistance to women through the "Hotline" unions.

In addition, at the enterprises and organizations young mothers with children aged 2 to 3 years through collective agreements provided with financial support. For working mothers in the non-state sector enterprises established working hours not exceeding 35 hours per week, keeping on full pay. Workers who have a child under the age of 2 years, use nursing breaks, these breaks are included in working hours, and paid at the average monthly wage.

Unions introduced a system of continuous encouragement of the most active women. For example, in 2014 the Council of Federation of Trade Unions awarded 1960 women with electrical appliances for 1 billion 500 thousand soums. In sanatorias of trade unions, a lot of attention paid to the health of women, especially in rural areas. Year after year the number of social vouchers, aimed at improving women of childbearing age and women veterans.

It is noteworthy that all this work conducted in the social partnership between the state, trade unions and employers.

Press Service of the Council of Federation of Trade Unions

UN was informed about the progress of development of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan

At the headquarters of the United Nations in New York as an official document of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly distributed information material "Stages of formation and development of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan".

The document states that after Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, large-scale changes were initiated for the main purpose of building a democratic State, based on the rule of law with a socially oriented market economy, and forming a strong civil society.

The country also chose its own “Uzbek model” of development, which involves political, economic and social reforms based on such principles as stripping the economy of its ideological bias and giving the economy precedence over politics, the role of the State as a major reformer, rule of law, robust social policy, consistency and a gradual approach in implementing reforms, that is, rejection of the various models of shock therapy.

In setting the aim of forming a strong civil society, the term “civil society” is understood in Uzbekistan to mean a social space where the rule of law prevails; human rights interests and freedoms are defended; favorable conditions for development and personal fulfillment have been established; and independent and sustainable institutions are supported by the broader community.

Forming the foundation for civil society is a long and continuous process that is fraught with challenges and difficulties. The success of this process depends on institutional factors (State policy on civil society institutions and qualitative indicators for their activities) and human factors associated with personal and social behavior (the level of legal awareness and political and legal culture of citizens and their involvement in social initiatives and the activities of civil institutions).

For the purposes of this document, citizens’ self-governing bodies (Makhallya), political parties, mass movements, trade unions, public foundations, non-governmental non-profit organizations and independent mass media outlets are considered to be civil society institutions.

The document provides a retrospective analysis of the path traversed by Uzbekistan on the formation of civil society and its stages.

In particular, identifies three stages - primary reforms and formation of legislative bases of creation and functioning of the institutions of civil society, democratic processes, and to ensure the independent functioning of these institutions, the development of civil society against the backdrop of the implementation of systematic measures under the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society country.

It is noted that in Uzbekistan has been established and until today successfully operates the National Association of NGOs of Uzbekistan, which members are more than 400 public organizations. To date, the association has created an effective system of organizational, financial and material support to its members, is working to consolidate the efforts of NGOs in the implementation of social projects and programs.

However, it is reported that another public organization, which has gained broad support from the public, is the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, established in 2008 in order to protect the environment, human health, increase environmental awareness, sustainable use of natural resources, the implementation of public control over the execution of laws and government decisions on the environment and health issues.

The document states and implemented measures aimed at the development of non-state media, their active participation in the democratization of information sphere. In particular, the creation of the National Association of Electronic Mass Media, which brings together more than 100 electronic media, Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent print media and news agencies of Uzbekistan.

It is emphasized that the adoption of the Concept of a strong positive impetus to the dynamic development of civil society, expand their participation in the public interest, the process of democratization and modernization of the country.

Circulated in the UN headquarters in the six official languages of the organization information material to familiarize all members of the community of nations with the implementation stages of formation and development of civil society in Uzbekistan.

IA "Jahon", New York

DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN UZBEKISTAN: STATE AND PROSPECTS

27.04.2015

The capital hosted the annual conference of the Independent Institute for Monitoring the Formation of Civil Society (IIMFCS) devoted to the quantitative and qualitative changes in the development of civil society in Uzbekistan.

The conference was attended by members of the Parliament, representatives of public and government organizations, research and educational institutions, experts from foreign and international organizations (UNDP, the EU delegation, OSCE, USAID missions, the NDI, the NGO 'Regional Dialogue', the fund named after F. Ebert and others), as well as the media (total about 150 people).

The Independent Institute for monitoring the formation of civil society plays an important role in the development of further measures to stimulate the activity of public organizations and their participation in the implementation of the most important components of government programs, development of social partnerships in the country. The deep studies carried out by its staff in identifying the real problems of the development of civil society, analysis of the structural and qualitative changes in the society, the legal framework in this area, the study of foreign experience are becoming the basis for the development of further measures to build a strong civil society.

The results of the annual monitoring of the state of civil society in Uzbekistan in 2014 were presented to the participants of the conference. Specialists of IIMFCS carefully examined the trends and dynamics of non-profit organizations, public foundations, and trade unions in the system of democratic institutions, the media, political parties, and local authorities.

"During the years of independence, the country implemented comprehensive measures aimed at establishing the organizational and legal conditions for the formation of civil society," said director of the Independent Institute for monitoring the formation of civil society G. Abdukarimov. "Today they are an important factor in protecting the rights and interests of the people, and enhance their social activity and legal culture, providing a balance of interests in the society. The present stage of social development is characterized by the increasing role of democratic institutions in all spheres of life: economics, politics, spirituality, etc."

The democratic reform is aimed at building a legal state and civil society. Strong organizational, legal and institutional mechanisms have been formed for the development of civil institutions.

The participants praised the measures implemented for further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society. The importance of passing the laws 'On social partnership', 'On transparency of the activity of bodies of state power and governance' aimed at strengthening the role of NGOs in the development and implementation of socio-economic programs, public and media access to information of the state bodies of power and control, openness and transparency in the past year have been emphasized.

The participants highlighted the increased level of political and legal culture, and civic engagement during their presentations. Thus, the elections to the Oliy Majlis and local councils of people's deputies, which showed an increased socio-political activism of citizens, the role and maturity of political parties and civil institutions, has been marked as an important event in 2014.

The growing role of civil society in the implementation of democratic reforms in the country has been also discussed at the conference. In particular, last year over 1.5 thousand representatives of the third sector attended the central and local public places of discussion of the bills, while more than 400 NGO's took part in the implementation of the State program 'Year of healthy child'. Every year, the Public Fund for the Support of NGOs and other civil society institutions under the Oliy Majlis, the Fund for support of NGOs in the NANGOUz and other organizations sent substantial funds for the implementation of future projects to address critical social and economic problems.

The result of this great work was an increase in the number of civil institutions, in particular NGOs, to over 8,100 by January 1, 2015.

In 2014, the number of NGOs participating in scholarship competitions held by the Public Fund for Support of NGOs and other civil society institutions in the country's parliament made up 421, of which 176 were the winners.

In 2014, the leaders and activists of non-governmental organizations continued to work as members of more than 40 permanent national inter-ministerial committees. The status of NGOs has increased, and the efforts of civil society keep gaining the recognition of the public. In 2014, representatives of 46 NGOs received state awards. At the same time last year, according to the results of parliamentary elections, 20 representatives of NGOs were elected to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis.

It was noted likewise that the country is experiencing a dynamic growth in the number of mass media, in comparison with 1991 their number increased overall 3.5 times over, the newspapers - by 2.5 times, magazines - by 3.5 times. As of January 1, 2015 the Uzbek Agency for Press and Information registered about 1,400 media and more than 60% of them were privately owned. The number of Internet resources registered as the media has more than doubled in the past five years, and last year amounted to 304.

The analysis of the monitoring data shows a significant increase in the role of the media in identifying and highlighting current issues of concern for people in the field, the implementation of public control over the activity of the state power and administration. They also highlighted the strengthening of the autonomy and independence of the media and their role in identifying and highlighting current issues of concern of the population on the ground. Thus, in 2014, the printing media published 2452 significant critical and analytical materials (while in 2013 only 2159). The speakers noted the growth of readers' trust in the media as an effective means of expression regarding some socially relevant issues, and as a tool of public control over the activity of state bodies in solving the acute problems. The event has also analyzed the results of monitoring in strengthening the role of political parties in the political life of the country, the authority and impact of self-government in addressing local territorial problems, the implementation of targeted social protection of the population. Other issues of civil society in Uzbekistan were also reviewed. The importance of improving the legal culture of the population, and the citizens' sense of justice in this process was strongly emphasized.

"Uzbekistan has made a big step forward in the formation of the foundations of a strong civil society," said regional director of the international NGO 'Regional Dialogue' Mjusa Sever (Slovenia). "A thorough platform has been created for the activities of NGOs and other civil society institutions, which enjoy the support and authority among the population. Based on the analysis conducted by IIMFCS, assessment of civil society in Uzbekistan and its institutions is highly positive."

"We have established a close cooperation with the IIMFCS. Given the increased number and quality of the activities of non-profit organizations in your country, legislative consolidation mechanism of social partnership, we are interested in continuing this work and want to contribute to the realization of certain priorities," said representative of the National Democratic Institute (USA) Eric Brett. "And here special attention is deserved by NGOs that are currently working to solve specific problems in the regions."

"This conference is interesting in terms of defining future priorities," said the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Gyorgy Szabo. "Uzbekistan has established a solid base for the development of civil society institutions. Indicators of development, in turn, help to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms of their activities."

The annual report of the IIMFCS, presented at the conference, covered the main directions of shaping the civil society. In this regard it should be noted that an important aspect of the research activities of the Institute is to organize public hearings on topical issues, including the improvement of legislation. It has become a practice to hold large national and international forums. The information and analytical work received a new impetus. One of its results was another brochure 'Development of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan: Facts and Figures 2014' issued by the IIMFCS. Following the conference several recommendations have been made on the subject of further improvement the activity of IIMFCS, strengthening the role of civil society institutions in democratic renewal and modernization of the country. In particular, it will focus on such areas as creation and organization of effective functioning of public commissions for social partnership created at the local Councils of deputies within the framework of implementation of the Law 'On social partnership'. And taking into account the provisions of the Law 'On the openness of public authorities and administration' work will be focused on the organization of further effective cooperation with the media, active members of the bodies of self-government, creating public awareness on the implementation of socio-economic development programs. However, taking into account the results of the elections of 2014, the activities of the institute will focus on the issues of further raising the level of legal awareness of members of party groups in local councils of people's deputies, and developing their parliamentary activity skills.

(Source: "Uzbekistan Today" newspaper)

UN informed on development of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan

05 February 2015 15:15

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An information material “The stages of formation and development of civil society institutes in Uzbekistan” was disseminated as an official document of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.

After Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, large-scale changes were initiated for the main purpose of building a democratic State, based on the rule of law with a socially oriented market economy, and forming a strong civil society.

The country also chose its own “Uzbek model” of development, which involves political, economic and social reforms based on such principles as: stripping the economy of its ideological bias and giving the economy precedence over politics, the role of the State as a major reformer, rule of law, robust social policy and consistency and a gradual approach in implementing reforms, that is, rejection of the various models of shock therapy.

In setting the aim of forming a strong civil society, the term “civil society” is understood in Uzbekistan to mean a social space where the rule of law prevails; human rights interests and freedoms are defended; favourable conditions for development and personal fulfilment have been established; and independent and sustainable institutions are supported by the broader community. Forming the foundation for civil society is a long and continuous process that is fraught with challenges and difficulties. The success of this process depends on institutional factors (State policy on civil society institutions and qualitative indicators for their activities) and human factors associated with personal and social behaviour (the level of legal awareness and political and legal culture of citizens and their involvement in social initiatives and the activities of civil institutions).

For the purposes of this document, citizens ’ self-governing bodies (Makhallya), political parties, mass movements, trade unions, public foundations, non-governmental non-profit organizations and independent mass media outlets are considered to be civil society institutions.

On the whole, when analysed retrospectively, the path taken by Uzbekistan in establishing civil society institutions can be divided, in essence, content and importance, into the following three stages.

The first stage, from 1991 to 2000, is the stage of initial reform and transformation during the transitional period and the formation of the legal basis for the establishment and functioning of various civil society institutions.

First of all, there was the adoption in 1992 of the basic law of Uzbekistan — the Constitution — in which the human being, human life, freedom, honour and dignity and other unalienable rights constitute the supreme values.

The Constitution established the rights of citizens to form trade unions, political parties and other public associations and to participate in mass movements. Moreover, according to article 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “the State ensures observance of the rights and legal interests of public associations, and establishes equal legal opportunities for participation in public life ”. The Constitution also recognizes the freedom of the mass media and prohibits censorship.

A number of pieces of legislation adopted during this period govern the procedure for the establishment and functioning of public associations, self- governing bodies, non-governmental non-profit organizations, political parties and mass media.

In particular, these include the following laws: on public associations (1991); on trade unions, rights and guarantees of their activity (1992); on political parties (1996); on the mass media (1997), on protection of the professional activity of journalists (1997); on guarantees and freedom of access to information (1997); on non-governmental non-profit organizations (1999).

The adoption of these laws gave a powerful impetus to the development of civil society institutions. Accordingly, whereas on 1 January 1991 the number of non-governmental organizations in the Republic was just 95, by 1 January 2000 it had reached 2,585. They include the following public foundations that enjoy the support of the broader community: Makhallya, Nuronii, Soglom Avlod Uchun, Ekosan, the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, the Kamolot civic youth movement and others.

Another example is the number of mass media organizations registered, which was 291 on 1 January 1991, compared to 562 on 1 January 2000. The proportion of non-State-owned mass media in the total rose to 23 per cent during the same period.

As for the activities of political parties, four officially registered political parties were already operating in independent Uzbekistan on 1 January 2000 after the collapse of the old one-party system and, following the nationwide elections, their representatives became members of the national parliament.

The law on citizens’ self-governing bodies, adopted in 1993 and amended in 1999, was very important for strengthening and developing the naturally established traditional Uzbek self-governing institution of Makhallya. This legislation was adopted specifically to support the activities of Makhallya as an effective self- governing body that enjoys the full support of the people and is capable of resolving vital and urgent issues.

The second stage, from 2000 to 2010, is defined by processes of active democratic renewal and modernization of the country and the independent functioning of civil society institutions. The main task during this stage of the reform was the consistent and gradual transition from a strong State, which was essential during the transition and for the formation of national Statehood, to a strong civil society.

During this period, in particular, a number of legal and regulatory acts were adopted and public initiatives were implemented for the further development of civil society institutions, to safeguard their activities and increase their efforts and resources for very important and socially significant tasks.

Accordingly, the adoption in 2004 of the law on the funding of political parties was very important to boost the activity of political parties and strengthen their organizational capacity and logistics. Under that law, a national system was established to fund the statutory activities of political parties from existing domestic sources and State funds.

Further development of the multiparty system was greatly facilitated by the adoption of a constitutional law that enhanced the parties ’ role in the renewal and further democratization of public administration and the modernization of Uzbekistan. As a result of these initiatives, in 2009 there was intra-party struggle and competition in the elections not only of deputies for the Oliy Majlis (legislature), but also of people’s deputies for the local Kengashi (councils).

During this period Uzbekistan also adopted laws on the principles and guarantees of the freedom of information (2002); on public foundations (2003); and on guarantees of the activity of non-governmental non-profit organizations (2007); and the Decision of the President of Uzbekistan on measures to promote the development of civil society in Uzbekistan (2005); these laws were designed to strengthen the role and significance of civil institutions in resolving citizens’ urgent socioeconomic problems, protecting human rights and ensuring freedom of speech and information.

Another measure to provide support for civil society institutions was the adoption in 2008 of the decision of the Oliy Majlis on measures to strengthen support for non-governmental organizations and other civil society institutions.

In accordance with the above decision of the highest legislative organ, a public foundation to support non-governmental organizations and other civil society institutions was created, as well as a Parliamentary Commission to manage the foundation’s resources. The members of the Parliamentary Commission are deputies from the legislature, members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and representatives of leading and authoritative non-governmental organizations, other civil society institutions and the ministries of justice and finance.

Over the period 2008-2013, State budget funds amounting to over 28 billion sum were allocated for non-governmental organizations and other institutions to implement various socially significant projects. The resources were allocated by a decision of the Parliamentary Commission and were used to support civil society initiatives through grant competitions and the awarding of subsidies and purchase orders.

As a result of these measures, the National Association of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations of Uzbekistan, which was established in 2005 and has over 400 public organizations as members, is still successfully in operation. The Association has set up an effective system of organizational, financial and material support for its members, and enhances the efforts of non-governmental organizations in socially significant projects and programmes.

Another public organization that has won broad public support is the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, which was established in 2008 to protect the environment and human health, increase environmental awareness among the public and support the rational use of natural resources and social monitoring of the implementation of laws and State decisions on environmental and health issues.

In view of the importance of the Movement’s work, a special legislative provision was introduced in 2008 providing for 15 deputies of the lower house of parliament to be elected from the Ecological Movement.

During this period measures were also taken to develop non-State-owned mass media and support their active participation in the democratization of information. In particular, in the interests of supporting non-State-owned mass media and strengthening their logistics and human resources, the following bodies were established: a national association of electronic mass media, with a membership of over 100 electronic mass media outlets, and a public foundation for the support and development of independent print mass media outlets and information agencies of Uzbekistan.

During the third stage, which covers the period from 2011 to the present, civil society institutions have developed against a background of systemic measures in the context of the policy of further expansion of democratic reforms and the formation of civil society in Uzbekistan — a policy that was launched in November 2010 by President Karimov at a joint meeting of the houses of parliament to define the main priorities for national development.

This policy paved the way for transformations in all spheres of public life, with the clear objective of developing and adopting new legal and regulatory texts, inter alia to expand the participation of civil society institutions in building the State and society.

In the context of this policy, the following work has been carried out for the further development and strengthening of civil society institutions.

1. Parliament has adopted and the President has signed amendments to two laws: the Local Authorities Act and the law on elections of chairpersons of citizen’s bodies and their advisers.

The first law was designed to improve the infrastructure of the citizens ’ self- governing institution, the Makhallya, and make it the focal point for targeted social assistance to the population, and also to expand the functions of the Makhallya in the system of social monitoring of the activity of State authorities.

At the same time, the law on elections of chairpersons of citizens’ bodies and their advisers is designed to further improve the system of elections, to ensure that the chairpersons and their advisers are elected from among the most worthy, experienced, respected and trustworthy individuals and to increase transparency in the exercise of citizens ’ right to elect and be elected to their self-governing bodies.

2. The Environmental Control Act was adopted and has entered into force. It is designed to strengthen the role of citizens ’ self-governing bodies, non-governmental organizations and other social organizations in carrying out environmental monitoring, ensuring compliance with the human right of access to environmental information and making decisions on the most important State programmes in the sphere of environmental protection and health.

3. In April 2014 the law on transparency in the work of national and local authorities entered into force. It provides an institutional framework for implementation of the constitutional rights of citizens to information and a procedure for informing the public of the activity and decisions of national and local authorities.

For the first time in legal practice in Uzbekistan, the adoption of this law was preceded by the conduct of a legal experiment in 2013, in which the draft legislation was tested by the local authorities of the Bukharsk and Samarkand provinces. The mass media, non-governmental organizations and the citizens themselves were involved in the legal test, which demonstrated the effectiveness of this new method of drawing on the potential of civil society.

4. In September 2014 the law on social partnership was adopted and entered into force. It is designed to improve the institutions that govern the relations of non-governmental organizations with government bodies in their efforts to implement socioeconomic development programmes, resolve humanitarian problems and protect the rights, freedoms and interests of various population groups.

5. The draft bill on public monitoring in the Republic of Uzbekistan has been prepared and is currently under discussion. It provides for the establishment of a legal mechanism whereby society and civil institutions can monitor the implementation of legislation by government authorities, that is, it provides for effective feedback between society and the State.

6. A national programme of action in the field of human rights is in preparation. The programme provides for public monitoring of compliance with laws, in particular by law enforcement and regulatory authorities, in order to defend human rights and freedoms and develop a culture of human rights in society.

It is particularly important to note that the aforementioned laws and regulatory acts are being drafted by a specially established commission whose members are specialists from the relevant ministries and departments, deputies, experts from research centres and representatives of civil society institutions. The commission conducts its work in compliance with the following requirements:

• Active participation of representatives of the mass media and public organizations in the process of drafting legal and regulatory acts

• Critical analysis of current legislation and an in-depth study of national and international experience

• Broad public discussion of the plans for regulatory and legal acts, including in the form of various round tables and conferences.

Accordingly, as part of these efforts and over the period 2011-2013, the independent institute for monitoring the formation of civil society has organized and conducted about 100 regional and national round tables with the participation of about 2300 representatives of domestic non-governmental organizations, self- governing bodies, the mass media, political parties and other organizations.

In general, it can be said that the adoption of this policy has given a strong and positive boost to the development of civil society institutions and to their participation in the defence of the public interest and in the processes of democratization and modernization in Uzbekistan