Article written by Mr Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Islamabad.
President Shavakat Mirziyoyev is a visionary leader, who has made significant progress towards development in Uzbekistan in recent years. The government has undertaken various economic and political reforms aimed at improving the country’s business environment, promoting foreign investment, and diversifying the economy. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the Uzbekistan 2030 development strategy, which outlines the country’s long-term economic and social development goals. The strategy includes plans to modernize key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, energy, and transport, and to develop new industries, including high-tech manufacturing and tourism.
In addition, H.E Shavakt Mirziyoyev has undertaken significant political reforms focusing on promoting democracy and human rights. These reforms include the liberalization of the media, and the establishment of a dialogue with opposition parties. Uzbekistan has also strengthened its ties with neighboring countries and international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The country has actively sought to attract foreign investment and has signed various trade and investment agreements with other countries, including China, Russia, and South Korea.
Overall, H.E Shavakat Miriyoyev efforts towards modernization are aimed at creating a more open, diverse, and prosperous society for its citizens, and positioning the country as a key player in the region’s economic and political landscape.
Human rights: Recently, Uzbekistan government has presented a few reforms in the constitution. Based on past constitution Uzbek leadership is stressing upon human rights and for this, it ensures all possible measures for the freedom and basic human rights and considered it as a highest goal of the state.
Labor Reforms: Besides, President is strengthening the labor laws as the country has vast agriculture and other industrial area. Uzbekistan has recently introduced several labor reforms aimed at improving the rights and working conditions of its workers. These reforms include the following:
The Uzbekistan government has made significant efforts to eliminate the use of forced labor in its cotton industry.The government has introduced new laws and regulations aimed at preventing the use of forced labor and has worked with international organizations to monitor compliance.
Uzbekistan has decriminalized the formation of trade unions and has allowed workers to form independent trade unions. This is a significant change from the past independent unions. Also, the government has increased the minimum wage for workers, which has helped to improve the standard of living for many workers. Uzbek leadership has revised its labor code to provide better protection for workers’ rights, including the right to form and join trade unions, the right to safe working conditions, and the right to fair compensation.
These labor reforms are aimed at promoting a fairer and equitable labor market in Uzbekistan, which benefits both workers and employers. While there is still work to be done to fully implement these reforms and ensure compliance, these changes represent a significant step forward for the country’s labor market.
Reforms for people with disabilities: Other than that H.E Shavakat is striving to protect the rights of people with disabilities. is known as the “Law on the Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities”.
The law includes a number of provisions aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities in Uzbekistan, including the following:
Moreover, The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of life, including employment, education, and access to public services.The law requires that public buildings, transportation, and other facilities be made accessible to people with disabilities, and that reasonable accommodations be provided to enable people with disabilities to participate fully in society. The law requires that people with disabilities have access to a range of social services, including healthcare, rehabilitation, and vocational training.
Furthermore, The law recognizes the right of people with disabilities to live independently and to be included in their communities.
These provisions represent an important step forward in protecting the rights of people with disabilities in Uzbekistan, and in promoting greater inclusion and participation in society. However, there is still work to be done to fully implement the law and ensure that people with disabilities are able to access the services and support they need.
Children and Women Rights:President Shavakat Miriyove with his exceptional intellect qualities he introduced several laws and regulations for the rights of children and women in the labor market. These laws include:
The Labor Code prohibits the employment of children under the age of 16 and restricts the types of work that children under the age of 18 can perform. The code also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in employment.
The constitutional reforms on the Prevention of Child Labor and the Protection of Children from its Harmful Effects. This law prohibits the use of child labor and sets out measures to prevent the exploitation of children in the labor market.it is pertinent to highlight that Uzbekistan is working tirelessly on
The Law on Social Protection of Women, this law guarantees equal rights and opportunities for women in employment, education, and social services. It also prohibits discrimination against women in the workplace.
Uzbekistan has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires states to protect children from economic exploitation and from work that is likely to be hazardous or interfere with the child’s education.
These laws and regulations are aimed at protecting the rights of children and women in the labor market and promoting greater equality and social justice in Uzbekistan. However, the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws remains a challenge. In addition, Uzbekistan has made efforts to expand and improve its social services and benefits in recent years.
Large investment is dedicated to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, including the construction of new hospitals and the expansion of primary healthcare services. The aim is to improve the health outcomes of the population and reduce healthcare inequalities. To maintain the international standards of education the government has increased access to education, particularly for girls and children from low-income families. This includes the construction of new schools, the provision of free textbooks and school supplies, and the introduction of scholarships for higher education.
Civil and Social Rights: These developments represent important steps forward in improving social services and benefits in Uzbekistan, and in promoting greater social inclusion and economic development.
Health Sector Reforms: Coming towards health reforms Uzbek government undertaken significant reforms in its healthcare sector, with a focus on improving access to healthcare services, modernizing medical infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of care. Some of the key reforms include:
Uzbekistan introduced a new law on universal health coverage, which aims to provide access to quality health services for all citizens, regardless of their income or social status.
Uzbekistan has opened up the healthcare sector to private investment, allowing private entities to build and operate medical facilities. This has led to an increase in the number of private hospitals and clinics in the country, providing patients with more options for healthcare services.
The government has invested heavily in modernizing medical infrastructure across the country, with a focus on upgrading hospitals and clinics, improving medical equipment, and expanding healthcare facilities in rural areas. The Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with support and collaboration working on several paradigms to implement the advance laws which ensures the modernization of the country.
