Uzbekistan, Malaysia Deepen Human Rights Dialogue

A delegation from Uzbekistan led by the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) has held talks with Malaysian MP, Chair of the Uzbekistan-Malaysia Parliamentary Friendship Group Kelvin Yii Lee, focusing on the role of national human rights institutions in both countries.

During the meeting, Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee praised the human rights reforms underway in Uzbekistan, highlighting their systematic and consistent nature, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

He noted the progress achieved in strengthening legal frameworks and institutional practices aimed at protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.

The discussions focused on the interaction of national human rights institutions with parliaments, and opportunities for experience-sharing in safeguarding civil liberties. Participants emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight and institutional cooperation in advancing rights-based governance.

Officials also recalled that inter-parliamentary ties were further reinforced by a 2023 visit to Uzbekistan by a Malaysian parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the 2024 visit to Malaysia by the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

Established in 2020, the Uzbekistan-Malaysia Parliamentary Friendship Group was described as an effective platform for bilateral cooperation. Within its framework, lawmakers regularly review legislative issues, including those related to human rights, contributing to sustained dialogue and closer institutional links between the two countries.