On 11 March 2024, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the “Yuksalish” Movement, Mark Weil’s “Ilkhom” Theatre and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held an international public discussion on “Advancing Cultural Rights and Artistic Expression in Uzbekistan”.
The event, organized at the “Ilkhom” Theatre, aims to inspire a purposeful dialogue and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure freedom of artistic expression and diversity in accordance with international law and standards in Uzbekistan.
“Uzbekistan, with its rich tapestry of traditions, history, and diverse cultural heritage, recognizes the fundamental significance of cultural rights. These rights encompass the freedom to express one’s cultural identity, preserve cultural heritage, and participate in cultural life without any discrimination. Today’s open expert discussion is a strong testimony for an open and peaceful society“, said H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union in Uzbekistan.
The discussion the duty to guarantee cultural rights in Uzbekistan, and the government’s and civil society’s roles in promoting universality and diversity. The dialogue considered the legal framework instrumental to fostering a safe environment for artistic expressions across a multitude of spaces such as theatres, galleries, and both public and private venues throughout Uzbekistan.
“The Yuksalish movement strives to build an open dialogue with representatives of the State and society. We consider it important that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that everyone can enjoy not only their economic, but also social and cultural rights,” said Mr Bobur Bekmurodov, Chairperson of “Yuksalish” Movement, member of the Legislative chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Republic of Uzbekistan“. “Of course, it is important not only to talk about problems, but also to solve them. We believe that this can only be done by joint efforts through open, multilateral dialogue, in which it is important to hear everyone’s opinion.”
“The public discussion about cultural rights in Uzbekistan, which is taking place at the independent Ilkhom Theater, is symbolic and encouraging. Culture is one of the most vulnerable structures that need support. We are open to dialogue. We hope that the country’s independent artists will be heard, seen, in demand and not punished,” said Ms Irina Bharat, Head of international relations division of “Ilkhom” Theatre.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, obliges States to ensure the realization of a wide array of cultural rights, including the freedom of artistic expression.
“It is the duty of Uzbekistan, as a State party, to ensure their comprehensive protection and to advocate for an environment where artists can freely contribute to cultural diversity. This commitment underlines the legal obligation to foster conditions conducive to the flourishing of artistic expression as a fundamental aspect of a vibrant and diverse cultural life”, said Temur Shakirov, Director (ad interim) of the ICJ Europe and Central Asia Programme.
The event is an important step toward a broader engagement and understanding of the importance of these rights within the national and international legal frameworks. The event underscores the necessity of a concerted effort across various sectors—governmental bodies, civil society, and international entities—to ensure that the environment in Uzbekistan fosters artistic creativity and cultural diversity. Moving forward, the collective insights and recommendations garnered at the event should guide actionable strategies to reinforce Uzbekistan’s cultural diversity and respect for artistic expression.
The event is organized within the framework of the Project “Enhancing the Quality of Uzbekistan’s Application of international Law (EQUAL),” supported by the European Union through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and implemented by the International Commission of Jurists. The main objective of the EQUAL project is to promote, by supporting civil society, equal protection of economic, social and cultural rights for groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination in Uzbekistan.
Attachment: PR in English Press Release_ED_Culture