“Protection of rights of artistic expression and other cultural rights and diversity in Uzbekistan” - International Expert Discussion was held at the Ilkhom Theater under EU-funded project
11 March 2024, Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Today, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish” and Ilkhom Theatre are holding an International Public Discussion on “Protection of rights of artistic expression and other cultural rights and diversity in Uzbekistan”. The event is organised within the framework of “Enhancing the Quality of Uzbekistan's Application of international Law (EQUAL)”, project funded by the European Union.
Uzbekistan is a member of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ECESCR) since 1995, which guarantees cultural rights and diversity. The last Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights (A/73/227 of 2018) highlights that cultural rights are an integral part of the principles of universality and diversity ensuring human dignity and self-expression be in artistic or non-artistic way.
EU in Uzbekistan
The event takes place at Ilkhom theatre to illustrate a creative space and discuss challenges faced by artists, collectives and groups. Furthermore, the event is held on the day of play “Underground Girls”, performance based on true stories. The Expert Discussion aims to inspire a meaningful dialogue and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, guiding an effective implementation of this law according to international law and standards.
“Uzbekistan, with its rich tapestry of traditions, history, and diverse cultural heritage, recognizes the fundamental significance of cultural rights. These rights encompass the freedom to express one's cultural identity, preserve cultural heritage, and participate in cultural life without any discrimination. Though we see that Uzbekistan is strongly committed to upholding international standards for the freedom of artistic expression and diversity we also see that there are challenges faced by cultural rights activists and artists. Today’s open expert discussion is a strong testimony for an open and peaceful society. “ - said H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union in Uzbekistan.
The event is organised within the framework of the Project “Enhancing the Quality of Uzbekistan's Application of international Law (EQUAL)” funded by the European Union through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and implemented by the International Commission of Jurists. The main objective of the EQUAL project is to promote, by supporting civil society, equal protection of economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights for groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination in Uzbekistan.
Background
This is the fifth expert discussion held within the framework of the EQUAL project, the first being on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the second on the effective implementation of the recommendations of the CEDAW and CESCR Committees, the third on the monitoring and coordination of implementation of the UN treaties in Uzbekistan: example of CRC, ICECSR and CEDAW, and the forth on From Legislation to Action: Effective Measures for Protecting Women and Children from Violence in Uzbekistan. Earlier, between 2017 and 2021, six expert discussions took place within the ACCESS (Advancing Civil Society in Promoting ESC Rights Standards) project implemented by the ICJ under the support of the EU Delegation in Uzbekistan.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Dilfuza Kurolova
Legal Consultant
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
Rue des Buis 3
P.O. Box 91
1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland
E-mail: dilfuza.kurolova@icj.org
Website: www.icj.org
Ms. Dilorom Rozikova
Project coordinator
Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish”
Tashkent city, Sh. Ashidov, 16
(“Poytaht” Business centre, 5th floor)
Tel.: (+998 71) 239 33 23
E-mail: info@yumh.uz
Website: www.yuksalish.uz
Project is being implemented by: International Commission of Jurists and Nationwide Movement “Yuksalish”
Financial resources: The Project is financed by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan