Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, an interactive dialogue was held with Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, according to Dunyo news agency.

During the discussion, the mandate holder presented a report on the findings of his visit to Uzbekistan in August 2024. Speaking at the UN podium, he highly praised the country’s achievements in human rights protection, particularly in ensuring the right to adequate housing.

Balakrishnan Rajagopal expressed gratitude to the Uzbek government for its warm welcome and open cooperation, noting that significant legal reforms have been carried out to strengthen this right. He highlighted its enshrinement in the updated Constitution and the implementation of measures to improve housing conditions, including subsidized mortgages.

In his report, the Special Rapporteur provided recommendations for further improving housing policy. He emphasized the importance of continuing reforms, effectively implementing new legal frameworks, and expanding access to legal remedies. He also positively noted Uzbekistan’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while urging active implementation of its provisions.

Representing Uzbekistan, Permanent Representative Eldiyor Toshmatov thanked the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report and constructive recommendations. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to an open dialogue and pledged to implement the recommendations through a dedicated "Roadmap." In this regard, he proposed engaging expert assistance to integrate international standards into housing policy.

The Uzbek representative’s speech focused on recent reforms in mortgage lending and social support, citing laws and presidential decrees adopted in November 2024 and February this year aimed at supporting low-income citizens and improving housing conditions.

Overall, the interactive dialogue was conducted in a constructive atmosphere, with participation from representatives of 50 countries and more than 10 international non-governmental organizations.

Summing up the discussion, Balakrishnan Rajagopal expressed appreciation to the Uzbek government for the trust-based and substantive dialogue. He reaffirmed his readiness to provide further assistance to the country’s competent authorities in implementing the proposed recommendations.