Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 30^th Session (7-18 May 2018) :  3rd UPR of Uzbekistan  – Interactive Dialogue,  delivered by Ambassador Rajiv K. Chander, Permanent Representative of India. [Geneva, 9 May 2018]

Mr. President,

India welcomes the delegation of Uzbekistan and thanks them for the presentation of the National Report.

2. We note various national action plans of Uzbekistan towards the implementation of previous recommendations of the Council and the treaty bodies. In this context, we appreciate the steps taken to consolidate the legal status of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner and improve the effectiveness of the National Centre for Human Rights to bring these in line with the Paris Principles.

3. It is noteworthy that several public welfare measures such as targeted social support programmes for the poor, healthy nutrition schemes, provision of health service to children with disabilities and older persons have been undertaken. We commend the adoption of the Act on Social Services for Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups in 2016 for protection of their rights as well as Youth Policy Act for protection of interests of the young generation.

4. India would like to make the following recommendations:

Further strengthen the National Centre for Human Rights and the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.

Continue implementation of various policies on gender equality, protection of rights of women, children and persons with disabilities.

5. We wish the delegation of Uzbekistan all success.

Thank you.

********