UN Chief Calls On Uzbekistan To Recognize Human Rights During Five Nation Tour
April 6, 2010
By: Randi Zung

While on a five nation tour of former Soviet Central Asia, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the government of Uzbekistan to improve its record on human rights.  In a speech to students at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, located in the capital city of Tashkent, Ban said that it was time for Uzbekistan to adhere to international standards for human rights, specifically on the issues of torture and civil and political rights, the New York Times reports.  Ban stated: “It is important that Uzbekistan act upon these recommendations as soon as possible so that civil society may flourish, so that your people can enjoy the benefits in their daily lives.” 

During his stop in Uzbekistan, Ban met privately with President Islam Karimov and reiterated the need to respect international standards for human rights, BBC News reports.  Karimov, who has ruled the country since before the collapse of the Soviet Union, has used his political power to silence his opposition and repress human rights activism.  The New York Times reports that Karimov was not pleased by Ban’s public announcement, citing that Uzbekistan was being unfairly singled out.  The Uzbek government has not made any official comment regarding Ban’s address.

Less than two weeks prior to Ban’s visit, the UN Human Rights Committee issued a report  that called for a more in-depth investigation of the 2005 Andijan massacre – in which the Uzbek government is accused of firing on civilian protestors.  According to the report, Uzbek officials did not properly investigate the incident.  In addition, BBC News mentions that the report also expressed concern over the use of torture by government security forces, the harassment of media journalists, and questioned the impartiality of the Uzbek judiciary.

According to an article by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Ban’s trip also focused on environmental issues.  On April 4, Ban took a helicopter tour of the Aral Sea to examine the body of water’s shrinkage.  The Aral Sea – which was once a source of direct subsistence for nearby fishing villages – is now bordered by rings of caustic salty sand that appeared when the water receded.  After viewing the environmental degradation first hand, Ban stated: "Standing on piers, on what were was once piers, I could not see anything – I could see only a cemetery of ships marooned in the sand. It was shocking."  The countries of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are currently in a dispute over water use.

Prior to stopping in Uzbekistan, Ban visited Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan.  Following Uzbekistan, Ban will continue on to Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

Sources:

New York Times - U.N. Chief Says Uzbekistan Must Observe Human Rights

BBC News - Ban Ki-moon warns Uzbekistan on human rights

RFE/RL - UN’s Ban Calls On Uzbekistan To Improve Rights Record

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