International Human Rights Day Conference in Tashkent Highlights Urban Transformation and Social Justice

As cities across Uzbekistan face significant transformations, issues related to equitable access to adequate housing, preservation of cultural heritage, environmental challenges, and social inclusion have become increasingly pressing. The conference provided a platform for inclusive dialogue on how Uzbekistan’s rapid urbanization can be managed to ensure transparency, participation, rule of law, and inclusion of all.

The conference opened with remarks from H.E. Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan; H.E. Timothy Smart, British Ambassador to Uzbekistan; H.E. Konstantin Obolensky, Ambassador of Switzerland to Uzbekistan; and Dr. Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. 

In his address, H.E. Timothy Smart emphasized the importance of responsible urban planning:

“Urbanization should be embraced as an indicator of development, but it needs to be managed to ensure that the growth of cities is sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of the environment, without coming at the expense of social justice and cultural heritage. Dialogue matters, and inclusion and consultation are vital”.

H.E.Toivo Klaar highlighted:

“States have the duty to provide the space and to encourage civic engagement, but we as citizens have the obligation to claim the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. 

H.E. Konstantin Obolensky, Ambassador of Switzerland, emphasized,

“Urban transformation touches the right to adequate housing and social justice. We have to ask the question: what safeguards can be put in place so that everyone can benefit from these extraordinary economic and social developments?”

Government representatives and civil society leaders shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation and housing rights. Mr. Mohamed Nada, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank, presented global best practices, highlighting the importance of a participatory approach to urban planning. The event concluded with a moderated discussion led by Omer Fisher from UN Human Rights, who guided the participants towards a constructive dialogue.

In what has become an annual gathering of Uzbekistan’s civil society organizations, their representatives played a central role in the discussions, with more than forty organizations and activists from across the country contributing their expertise. These included NGOs focused on housing rights, environmental sustainability, disability advocacy, and gender equality. Their active participation and intersectional approach underscored their capacity and readiness to play a more central role in shaping the future of Uzbekistan’s cities.