U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

United States of America Statement at the

Universal Periodic Review of Uzbekistan

44^th Session, November 8, 2023

Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

The United States welcomes the distinguished delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker.

We commend Uzbekistan for criminalizing gender-based violence and taking notably significant steps toward ending statelessness.  We remain concerned about prison conditions and restrictions on civil and political rights.

In the spirit of cooperation, we recommend that Uzbekistan:

1. Allow independent, nongovernmental prison monitoring and fully investigate and prosecute, as appropriate, those alleged to have committed torture of detainees.

3. Implement the April 2023 law criminalizing gender-based violence; encourage women to pursue options for protection, support, and legal redress; and partner with the international community on adopting best practices.
4. Support expanded public discourse, political pluralism, and an expanded role for civil society.
5. Revise the NGO registration law and streamline the registration process to be less burdensome for NGOs to carry out foreign donor-funded projects.

We have enjoyed working with the Uzbekistan Mission during their HRC membership and wish them a successful UPR.  I thank you.

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