OSCE leaders say quality law-making is the cornerstone of democracy and the protection of human rights. 

On 26 April in Vienna, the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting (SHDM II) began its two-day work. 

More than 370 participants from across the OSCE region registered for the online meeting with representatives of OSCE countries, civil society, international organizations and national human rights institutions. The meeting is taking place online on the ZOOM platform.

The event is organised by the Permanent Delegation of Sweden to the OSCE and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). Due to the large number of people wishing to speak, speakers are allowed up to 3 minutes per presentation.

Dear Organizers, dear Colleagues!

There is no system of democraatic checks and balances in Uzbekistan to date, and all power in the country is concentrated in the hands of the president. Citizens of the country cannot defend and assert their rights. Year after year, the number of suicides among women and minors is increasing.

As in Soviet times, Mirziyoyev relies on criminal gangs to control the society. Odious figures of the criminal world are already represented in power.

With Mirziyoyev’s unconstitutional coming to power, forced evictions and the raiding of homes and businesses have become widespread in Uzbekistan.

The UN, the EU and other stakeholders should mediate a dialogue between the Uzbek government and the Erkin O’zbekiston opposition movement.

Only if there is a secular, democratic and independent opposition in the country will the rule of law and human rights be possible in Uzbekistan.

Thank you for your attention, Hasanboy Burhanov – Founder of the political opposition movement Erkin O’zbekiston (Free Uzbekistan)