"We welcome and thank Ambassador John MacGregor and his
colleagues for his report to the Permanent Council and the
good work they have clearly done in Uzbekistan over the
last year.
The excellent relationship his Office has built with the
host government is warmly welcomed by the UK. This
relationship allows the OSCE to strengthen co-operation
between Uzbekistan and the full range of OSCE institutions
and executive structures. We commend bringing the
collective and tailored strengths of different parts of the
OSCE to the country. This includes the Special
Representative for trafficking; ODIHR; the High
Commissioner on National Minorities; and the Representative
on Freedom of the Media.
The UK government continues to support the Uzbek
government’s reforms – including in the areas of law,
commerce, foreign exchange, national security, and
anti-corruption. We are also pleased to witness
Uzbekistan’s continued cooperation with its neighbours,
mirrored by the work of the Office.
I want to focus attention today – and highlight – three
specific areas of commendable work of the Project
Coordinator.
First on transnational threats. And in particular
assistance in developing the draft National Strategy on
Countering Terrorism in Uzbekistan and its related Action
Plan for 2021 to 2025. We welcome the training of law
enforcement officers on counter-terrorism policing and
improving their skills on countering illicit drug
circulation. The UK also looks forward to continuing
collaboration with the Uzbek Government on regional
security and the prevention and detection of serious
organised crime.
Second, the work on the third dimension. This includes
supporting adoption of a National Human Rights Strategy.
This is occurring via a national consultation conference
and by raising awareness of the tangible benefits of a
National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) against torture. We
welcome the Uzbek Government’s efforts to improve
engagement with the UN, OSCE and international NGOs and in
addressing longstanding human rights concerns. At the heart
of the OSCE is the principle of respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms, which we support all efforts to
advance.
And third – training to enhance women’s empowerment and
advance female participation following the December 2019
elections, as well as promoting the importance of women in
policing. Promotion of gender inclusivity is a key UK
priority. We welcome the progress made on gender issues,
and encourage implementation of the recommendations of the
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against
Women.
In addition – we welcome the Office’s Project Agreement
Process. We are glad to see that this has been both useful
and successful over the years in guiding the work of the
field mission. It is of the utmost importance that
OSCE-funded projects are effective and relevant and as such
we welcome this useful tool. We also commend the renewed
effort at sharing project ideas, successes and best
practice in programme activity.
As this is likely to be the last Permanent Council meeting
for Ambassador MacGregor in his role as Head of Mission in
Tashkent I would like to greatly thank him for his hard
work, his unbounded energy and his efforts in Uzbekistan
and in ensuring the OSCE has a strong presence there. I
wish the Office continued success and wish him all the very
best in whatever comes next."
