Priority of Human Rights and Freedoms: Updated Constitution of Uzbekistan Presented in Tavricheskiy Palace

A roundtable devoted to the Constitution Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in the Tavricheskiy Palace. The event was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic Uzbekistan in Saint Petersburg, the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD), and the Development Strategy Center of Uzbekistan.

Opening the meeting, Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Saint Petersburg Abdurakhmon Makhmudov noted that the Constitution Day celebrated on 8 December is one of the most important national holidays.

He highlighted that the most substantial changes to the country's fundamental law were made following the 30 April 2023 referendum - the document was renewed by 65%. The updated Constitution enshrines the principle of human priority.

A second major direction of reforms, according to the Consul General, is strengthening the principle of a social state. The new Constitution establishes state obligations on ensuring decent living standards, accessible education, healthcare and employment.

Deputy Head of the IPA CIS Council Secretariat - Director of the International Institute for Monitoring the Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD), Doctor of Law, Professor Ivan Mushket spoke about international observation of the 2023 referendum, in which the IPA CIS Observers Group participated. He underlined that the process of drafting constitutional amendments was remarkably open.

The updated Constitution has become a solid basis for subsequent electoral cycles: the early presidential election on 9 July 2023 and the election to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 27 October 2024. Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center of Uzbekistan Eldor Tulyakov stressed that the renewed Constitution is not a formal text revision, but a profound modernisation of the entire legal system.

Head of the Department of International Relations in the Post-Soviet Space at Saint Petersburg State University Niyazi Niyazov highlighted that Uzbekistan consistently develops its education system, prioritising openness and international integration. Programmes of parallel diplomas have been launched, cooperation with foreign universities is expanding, and the Constitution defines the special status of the teacher as a key figure in societal development.

Advisor to the Rector of the Russian State Hydrometeorological University, IPA CIS IIMDD expert Stanislav Yepifantsev emphasised that "the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a foundation for building relations with Central Asian states and CIS partners."

The event concluded with an award ceremony honouring the winners of the essay contest "Constitutional Values of Uzbekistan".