Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Participants of the international conference "Prevention of torture and ill-treatment: international and European standards and best practices", held on 20 April in Almaty, were informed about the referendum on constitutional reform in Uzbekistan.

Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Director of the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan, acted as an honored guest at the opening ceremony of the international conference.

The forum was organized within the framework of the European Union and Council of Europe Rule of Law Program in Central Asia 2020-2023.

The Rule of Law Program in Central Asia (2020-2023) was developed within the framework of cooperation between and the authorities of the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).

It aims to strengthen human rights, the rule of law and democracy in the countries of Central Asia in line with European and other international standards.

The program has three main components: promoting the creation of a common legal space between Europe and Central Asia and strengthening the protection of human rights; promoting transparency and combating economic crimes, promoting the effective functioning of state institutions and government bodies.

During the conference, the participants noted that the prohibition of ill-treatment and torture is a recognized fundamental right, included both in international human rights treaties and in national legislation around the world. The constitutions of all five Central Asian countries prohibit the use of torture and ill-treatment under any circumstances and without any exceptions.

Foreign and national experts were informed about the upcoming important political event in Uzbekistan - the referendum on constitutional reform, which will be held on April 30, 2023. In the implementation of the constitutional reform, the implementation of the generally recognized principles of legality, justice and humanism is of great importance. The provisions of the draft new Constitution significantly expand the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the country, including in relations with the authorities. Article 26 of the new edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes a prohibition of torture, violence, other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

According to experts, providing at the highest level of absolute intolerance towards such situations, as well as the development of an effective preventive legal and regulatory framework (including effective investigation of violations), combined with effective training and procedures for providing redress to victims, are key components of a sustainable and long-term solution to the prevention of torture.

The conference was attended by representatives of prosecutorial and judicial authorities, national human rights institutions, including members of the National Preventive Mechanisms, civil society from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international organizations, international experts.