“In Uzbekistan, a lot of attention is paid to the legal culture in the society. As you know, the success of democratic reforms to a large extent depends on the public’s education in human rights, citizens’ education of respect for law and order, which, in turn, increases the level of legal awareness and legal culture of the people.

“The Basic Law adopted in Uzbekistan meets all recognized international standards. This document is a legal basis for change and reforms in the country. The Constitution establishes the principle of the rule of law and is designed to balance the interests of society. No less important that its provisions are applied in practice. Any individual should be certain that he can go to a court if his or her rights are violated, and to get a fair protection. This is the role and importance of the Constitution. Human rights education is not only a source of knowledge, but also allows instilling the skills, necessary for promotion, protection and implementation of human rights in daily life.

“Media plays important role in ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms. They conduct monitoring of human rights. In this context, the UN Office welcomes the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the further promotion of independent media.

“Assessing the activity of civic institutions in Uzbekistan, I note that the UN agencies are working closely with them on their projects. Growth in the number and quality of NGOs indicates their growing role in the implementation of democratic reforms in the country. With no civil institutions it is difficult to talk about the full rights and freedoms of the citizens of any state. In Uzbekistan, the trend is observed along with decentralization of state power and the increasing role of Parliament of the Republic.

“At the 2010 United Nations Millennium Development Goals summit Member States reaffirmed that "good governance and the rule of law at the national and international levels are essential for sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth and the eradication of poverty and hunger".

“From the experience of the UN in more than 160 countries we know that to promote economic development it is very important to receive a fair justice and the rule of law, cooperation with civil society, empowerment of local government and the provision of local services, as well as the private sector.”