A/HRC/10/83 Page 5 the democratic system and market economy. Another problem concerned the geopolitical situation of Uzbekistan in Central Asia, a region facing many difficulties with safeguarding peace and security. It also noted the social, economic and ecological consequences of the Aral Sea crisis, which affects the population of Central Asia. 15. As subjective problems, Uzbekistan cited the low level of knowledge about human rights among the population. Uzbekistan is facing the problem of implementing international legal provisions in national legislation and practice, which requires the activity of many State bodies. In this regard, the implementation of the provisions of international law and national laws take priority. The Uzbek delegation answered to the written questions of a number of countries. 16. The Parliamentary Ombudsman Sayora Rashidova stated on the questions regarding the activities of national human rights institutions, the degree of meeting Paris standards as well as human rights defenders, that Uzbekistan established a system of national institutions of human rights on the basis of Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, namely a Parliamentary Ombudsman, a national human rights centre and institute for monitoring legislation. The Uzbek model in human rights national institutions fully complies with Paris principles. The Parliamentary Ombudsman established in 1995, the first in the Commonwealth of Independent States, is constitutionally independent body and annually submits a report to Parliament. 17. Under the Ombudsman’s office, there is a commission on the observance of constitutional rights and freedoms. Its composition is approved by both chambers of Parliament. Members of the Ombudsman’s office are prominent public figures, academics and representatives of NGOs. 18. The national centre for human rights was founded in October 1996 and implements national plans of action and national program in the area of human rights and freedoms. The Institution of monitoring of current legislation established in 1996, basic tasks are to carry out legal expertise of bills and draft laws, to control that the legislation of Uzbekistan is in compliance with international norms and standards and others. 19. The NGOs are actively protecting human rights in Uzbekistan. The partnership, constructive relations and collaboration between the authorities and NGOs facilitate development of civil society and rule of law. 20. Also there is no specific legal status of human rights defenders in legislation, virtually each NGO (they are more than 5,000) carries out legal human rights work related to the human rights of children, disabled, women or vulnerable members of population. The state provides support for establishment of these NGOs and they participate directly in protection of human rights of their members and of the population as a whole. There is preparation for round table discussion the legal status of human right defender. 21. The Deputy Minister of Justice said that Uzbekistan pays attention to civil society; in particular they participated directly in the preparations of the report for UPR. Registration of NGOs is carried out by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with national law on NGOs which is in full compliance with international standards. Every NGO can be registered if its aims and goals do not contradict the Constitution of Uzbekistan. The national report to UPR was discussed in the special interagency meeting where 32 different ministries and state departments partcipiated along with NGOs.