A/HRC/10/83
Page 12
57.
The delegation stressed that the ICCPR provisions on habeas corpus have been included
in national legislation providing for early access to lawyers, which allows identifying abuse or
torture at early stages, and the consequent changes in custody and criminal procedure.
58.
Concerning trafficking in human beings, the delegation noted the adoption of a law on
trafficking in 2008 and of an action plan for 2008-2009, as well as the existence of an
Interdepartmental Commission on trafficking, composed of members of State bodies and NGOs.
The delegation further referred to the measures adopted to raise awareness and prevent
trafficking, including television spots, information events, press statements and the distribution
of pamphlets in all regions of Uzbekistan, including ticket offices and tourist agencies.
Additionally, a rehabilitation centre for victims of trafficking has been established in 2008.
59.
With regards to child labour, the delegation noted that this practice is addressed through
the legal prohibition of labour of children under 14 and through educational measures. The fact
that legislation allows 14-16 year old children to work, subject to restrictive conditions, was
considered in line with ILO Conventions 138 and 182. It cited measures taken concerning
education and information on child labour in cooperation with UNICEF and ILO, in particular
the publication of a collection of relevant ILO conventions and of a manual on ILO Convention
182. It also referred to national legislation implementing relevant ILO Conventions and the
awareness-raising of parliamentarians on ILO standards. A national action plan for the
implementation of ILO conventions 138 and 182 was adopted.
60.
As to questions concerning child labour in the cotton harvest, the delegation emphasised
that the employment of children is not a state policy and that the cotton is produced by the
private sector. However, as a result of an increase of export prices of cotton some foreign
companies who used to buy Uzbek cotton at low price were angered and are now complaining
about child labour.
61.
Concerning questions on human rights education, the delegation stressed that the
Millennium Development Goals are being implemented and that the goal of achieving universal
primary education has been achieved. It also referred to the extensive reform of the education
system in cooperation with relevant international organisations. It stated that human rights
education is made available, on an ongoing basis, from preschool to adult education, for
example, through human rights courses for State and law enforcement officials and the general
population. It also recalled its previous initiatives to elaborate an international declaration on
human rights education and affirmed its readiness to cooperate in this regard.
62.
Belarus recommended that the Government continue to pursue a policy ensuring that
there is no distortion in the development of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.
This is the only way in which one can really guarantee rights of all sectors and categories of the
population. Belarus wished best success for Uzbekistan and expressed hope that Uzbekistan
would maintain the momentum for the positive protection of human rights in this and in the next
universal periodic review.
63.
While welcoming the reduction of crowding in places of detention and the adoption of
habeas corpus provisions, Hungary remained concerned at the many reports of the widespread
use of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, among them hundreds of participants in the Andijan
demonstrations. Hungary recommended that Uzbekistan improve the conditions of detention,
renew access of ICRC to prisons, grant access to the announced visits of independent experts to
places of detention, and guarantee detainees their fundamental rights, especially the right of
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