International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
Press release
Uzbekistan/Human Rights Council
Universal Periodic Review :
the Government keeps denying human rights abuses
23 December 2008 - Uzbekistan faced harsh criticism from many delegations last week at the Human Rights Council, during the third session of the Universal Periodic Review. FIDH has notably welcomed the fact that its main concerns on important issues such as the detention of human rights defenders, the restrictions to freedom of expression and freedom of movement and child labour were included in the interactive dialogue with the Uzbek authorities.
It is therefore with deep concern that FIDH noted that all recommendations related to the possibility of an independent investigation to establish the responsabilities in relation to the massacre that occurred in Andijan in May 2005 have been rejected by Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the Uzbek authorities have declared « unfounded » all accusations of excess use of force during the Andijan massacre.
At a time when the Uzbek authorities have conditionally released Ms Mutabar Tojibaeva from prison before the completion of her 6-year sentence, many countries called for the release of the many other human rights defenders who remain in detention for politically-motivated reasons.
« FIDH took this opportunity to reiterate its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of opinion, including the nine representatives of its member organisation HRSU and condemns Uzbekistan’s decision to reject as unacceptable because « factually wrong » all recommendations concerning the prosecution of human rights defenders for their peaceful activities », said Ms Souhayr Belhassen, President of FIDH.
Press contact : Karine Appy, kappy@fidh.org, + 33 1 43 55 14 12 / + 33 1 43 55 25 18