A/HRC/44/47/Add.3 Comments of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the report of the Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Mr. Diego García-Sayán according to the outcome of the mission to Uzbekistan ( September 18-25, 2019) 1. From 18 to 25 September 2019, at the invitation of the Government of Uzbekistan, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, D. García-Sayán (hereinafter the Special Rapporteur), visited the country. The visit of the Special Rapporteur was received positively in Uzbekistan and was seen as an important step in constructive cooperation to ensure the independence of judges and lawyers. 2. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur was received by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev. Mr. D.García-Sayán held also meetings with the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber and the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Chairman of the Supreme Court, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Internal Affairs, the Head of the National Centre for Human Rights, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Chairman and members of the Chamber of Advocates, and representatives of civil society. Apart from meetings in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, D. Garcia-Sayan visited to the Ferghana and Samarkand regions also. 3. Uzbekistan welcomes the reflection in the Report of Special Rapporteur of the progress made by the country in strengthening the independence of the judiciary, as well as the implementation of the judicial and legal reforms initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. M. Mirziyoyev as consistent steps towards the establishment of a truly independent and impartial justice system. 4. Uzbekistan expresses its appreciation to the Special Rapporteur for the constructive proposals and recommendations aimed at further improving the judicial and legal reform to ensure genuine independence of the judiciary; strengthening the independence of the Supreme Judicial Council and advances in selection procedure of candidates for judges; revising the term of office for judges; limiting the powers of the prosecution in the justice system; strengthening the status and independence of lawyers; ensuring public access to justice and qualified legal assistance. Uzbekistan confirms that these recommendations are in line with the spirit and content of the priorities for further development of the country within the framework of the Country's Development Strategy for 2017-2021 and expresses its readiness to accept them for implementation. 5. In his speech, at the ceremonial meeting dedicated to the Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan1, as well as in the Address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Parliament (Oliy Majlis)2, most pressing tasks essential in ensuring the rule of law and improving the judicial sphere were determined as per their priority. It was also emphasized that one of the most important tasks is to further improve the justice system, increase credibility and ensure the true independence of the judiciary.3 6. The Presidential Decree of 2 March 2020 on the State programme for the implementation of a strategy for action on five priority development areas in 2017-2021 in the Year of the Development of Science, Education and the Digital Economy (hereinafter the 1 2 3 2 Statement of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the ceremonial meeting dedicated to the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, see here https://president.uz/ru/lists/view/3119 (in Russian only). Addressof the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Parliament (Oliy Majlis), see here https://president.uz/ru/lists/view/3324 (in Russian only). Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 13, 2019 No. PR4551 “On additional measures to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution and the law, strengthening public control in this direction, as well as raising the legal culture in society”. National database legislation, 12/14/2019, No. 07/19/4551/4162 // https://lex.uz/ru/docs/4647340.