During the meeting, Ilze Brands Kehris noted that the visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to Uzbekistan in 2023 contributed to the further expansion and strengthening of mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and that Mr. Türk still fondly remembers his meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In addition, she highly praised the systematic reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan. “We are aware of the positive processes taking place in your country and are observing the strengthening of the legal foundations of the national human rights institutions in Uzbekistan, which we consider important,” said the head of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

During the sincere conversation, Ilze Brands Kehris emphasized the relevance of the Ombudsman's work in preventing torture, supported the measures being taken to advance legislative initiatives in the field of human rights, strengthen civil society institutions, and raise awareness of human rights among the population, including youth. She also highlighted her interest in further expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan in all areas that are priorities for the country.

On the same day, the Ombudsman also participated in a meeting organized by the UN Secretariat dedicated to the protection of human rights.

Press Service of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman)