In particular, the renewed Constitution embodies the idea that “human dignity is the highest value.” This principle clearly shows that the Constitution’s core mission — as well as the objective of ongoing reforms — is centered around the individual.
The closer the state is to the life of its citizens, the better human dignity is protected. Indeed, many tasks lie ahead. Most importantly, these changes strengthen the state’s responsibility toward its citizens and consolidate the foundations of a true social state.
A social state is one in which human interests are prioritized, where equal opportunities in education and healthcare are ensured, and where vulnerable groups receive continuous support. The new Constitution also introduces additional guarantees for the protection of human rights and freedoms, while further enhancing the accountability of public authorities before citizens.
Constitutional reforms have ensured that services for people in need of social protection are now delivered in a targeted and systematic manner. Electronic registries such as the “Women’s Notebook” and “Youth Notebook” help identify vulnerable families and provide them with tailored assistance.
Most importantly, support is no longer limited to short-term financial aid. Instead, efforts now focus on investing in people’s futures — helping them learn a profession and gain stable sources of income. Mechanisms to support entrepreneurship in local communities have been expanded, and the work of the “mahalla seven” has been systematized.
These steps are vivid examples of the implementation of social-state principles. State support is viewed not merely as temporary relief but as a long-term solution aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards.
One of the main criteria of a social state is equal opportunity for every individual. This is especially important for persons with disabilities, who face more barriers in daily life. Infrastructure is being adapted, access to social services expanded, and systems for education and medical rehabilitation updated. Inclusive education, specialized centers, and barrier-free environments are being introduced gradually.
Appeals submitted to the Ombudsman and monitoring results show that challenges remain in ensuring employment, assessing infrastructure accessibility, and creating barrier-free environments for persons with disabilities. Significant efforts are also underway to provide equal conditions for prisoners with disabilities — including installing accessible ramps, expanding libraries with Braille books, and improving washroom facilities.
It is important to highlight that the renewed Constitution grants the Ombudsman the right to submit legislative proposals to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The Ombudsman has actively exercised this constitutional authority. Monitoring of closed institutions and appeals from inmates revealed several systemic issues. Based on these findings, a legislative proposal concerning prisoners’ rights was drafted and subsequently reviewed and approved at a session of the Legislative Chamber.
Clean air is one of the fundamental requirements of modern urban life. Although the Constitution guarantees everyone’s right to live in a healthy environment, practice shows that serious shortcomings persist. In response, strict nationwide measures have been introduced: environmental oversight has been strengthened, standards for industrial emissions tightened, and rules to preserve green areas during construction revised.
However, appeals from citizens and on-site inspections show that continuous oversight, stronger penalties for violations, and most importantly, improving environmental awareness among citizens and entrepreneurs are essential to achieving lasting results.
Ecological issues form one of the Ombudsman’s priority areas. In the first nine months of 2025, the Ombudsman’s recommendation led to the suspension of large-scale housing construction on a 2.5-hectare green zone planted with ornamental trees in Izboskan district of Andijan region.
Whether environmental protection, social assistance, or prisoners’ rights — in all these areas, achieving real change requires not only state responsibility but also public oversight. The Constitution’s recognition of the legal status of public-oversight institutions reflects this understanding.
This includes freedom of the press, access to open data, the right to submit appeals, and the ability to publicly discuss issues. Appeals from citizens, discussions on social networks, and signals from bloggers and journalists often help identify environmental, social, or legal problems in a timely manner.
The principle that the individual must stand at the center of every reform is now reflected not only in law but also in practice. Social protection, equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, environmental security, prisoners’ rights, and public oversight — these are interconnected components of a single system whose overarching purpose is to enhance human dignity.
The rights enshrined in the Constitution belong to every citizen. Ensuring their full realization requires both government responsibility and active civic engagement.
Much remains to be done. But the most important step has already been taken — recognizing human dignity as the nation’s highest value. The rest depends on our collective responsibility and consistent efforts toward this common goal.
Feruza Eshmatova
Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis
