2022/2195(INI) Report on Uzbekistan
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
KYUCHYUK Ilhan ( Renew)
|
BILČÍK Vladimír ( EPP),
LUCKE Karsten ( S&D),
VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL Viola ( Verts/ALE),
MARIANI Thierry ( ID),
FOTYGA Anna ( ECR),
MAUREL Emmanuel ( GUE/NGL)
|
| Committee Opinion | INTA |
HAIDER Roman ( ID)
|
Heidi HAUTALA ( Verts/ALE),
Morten LØKKEGAARD ( RE),
Javier MORENO SÁNCHEZ ( S&D),
Helmut SCHOLZ ( GUE/NGL),
Witold Jan WASZCZYKOWSKI ( ECR),
Liudas MAŽYLIS ( PPE)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54, RoP 57
Legal Basis:
RoP 54, RoP 57Subjects
Events
2023/10/04
EP - Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
Documents
2023/10/04
EP - Decision by Parliament
Documents
2023/10/04
EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2023/10/03
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2023/07/03
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted an own-initiative report by Ilhan KYUCHYUK (Renew, BG) on Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan plays a key role in Central Asia, which is of strategic interest to the EU in terms of security, connectivity, energy diversification, conflict resolution and the defence of the multilateral rules-based international order.
The report welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which creates a new framework for deepening bilateral relations. The agreement focuses on shared values, democracy and the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and sustainable development. It also lays the foundations for enhanced cooperation on foreign and security policy, including issues such as regional stability, digital connectivity, international cooperation and conflict prevention.
Members took note of the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which is aimed at achieving genuine change in the country in terms of socioeconomic development, efficient administration, a more independent judicial system and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
They welcomed measures to improve the anti-corruption system and called on the authorities to continue and reinforce their efforts in this regard. They recommended that the reform programme include guarantees of freedom of religion and freedom of the press, including access to free and open media and internet.
Regional cooperation, international relations and global challenges
Members noted that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force of regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and closely interconnected economic and political area. They encouraged the European Union to deepen political, economic and security exchanges with Central Asia.
The report highlighted the great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable and digital connectivity, in particular through its ‘Global Gateway’ initiative on energy, water and security, but also through a multi-dimensional approach aimed at diversifying trade routes, encouraging more private investment, improving cooperation in science and technology, healthcare, industrial production and capacity building, providing vocational training and education, and fostering people-to-people contacts.
Members regretted that Uzbekistan has not strongly condemned Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and encouraged the authorities to do so clearly. They noted the commitment made by Uzbekistan's political leaders not to allow the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus to be circumvented and hoped that they would honour this commitment. They welcomed the fact that the Uzbek government and people had made greater efforts to provide food and medical aid to Ukraine. The report welcomed Uzbekistan's National Strategy for Combating Extremism and
Terrorism for the period 2021-2026 and called on the EU and Member States to consider closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including ensuring that terrorism from Afghanistan does not spread to the wider region. Uzbekistan is invited to use its contacts with the Taliban constructively to stress the need to respect the rights and humanity of women and girls and to called generally for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans.
Human rights and fundamental freedoms, rule of law and civil society
The report condemned the repression and violence against the people of Karakalpakstan and deplored the loss of life during the demonstrations that took place in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022. Members called on the Uzbek authorities not to use disproportionate force against peaceful demonstrators and asked for an independent investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment reported by defendants during trials related to the demonstrations.
Members expressed deep concern about the poor record of international human rights organisations regarding democracy, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law in Uzbekistan. They called on the Uzbek government to respect freedom of association, both for NGOs and political parties. They deplored the fact that, despite some progress in the fight against corruption, bribery, nepotism and extortion remain widespread practices throughout the public administration.
The report called on the Uzbekistan government to restart the reform of the criminal code in line with international human rights standards and the recommendations of UN treaty monitoring bodies. It deplored the lack of media pluralism in Uzbekistan and called on the authorities to guarantee respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers, content producers and human rights defenders.
Members encouraged the authorities to step up their efforts to stop child marriages in Uzbekistan. They expressed concern at the frequent acts of intimidation, harassment, violence and stigmatisation directed against LGBTIQ people in the country.
Sectoral cooperation
The report called on Uzbekistan to continue and strengthen its green transition programmes in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, to which Uzbekistan is a party. It called on the Commission and the EEAS to step up their efforts to contribute to the development of renewable energy sources in Uzbekistan, in line with the SDGs and to avoid future crises resulting from a shortage of fossil fuels. The Commission is asked to finalise the study on sustainable transport corridors connecting Europe to Central Asia.
Members regretted the advantages given to Russian state companies and Russian political insiders benefiting from the gas sector in Uzbekistan and Russian attempts to gain political advantages through the provision of gas.
Trade relations
Members welcomed the successful completion of negotiations on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Uzbekistan. They hope that this agreement will help to further integrate Uzbekistan into the multilateral trading system, strengthen the market economy mechanisms and increase foreign investors’ confidence. They stressed the need to continue efforts to implement the standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO),
The report stressed that the EU and Uzbekistan should use their economic and trade cooperation to actively diversify Uzbekistan’s industries in order to support an accelerated transition to renewable energy and increase efforts to ensure energy efficiency in line with the Paris Agreement, and to enhance the integration of Central Asian energy markets with those of neighbouring countries and the EU.
Documents
2023/06/27
EP - Vote in committee
2023/05/26
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2023/04/25
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2023/03/13
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2023/01/19
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2023/01/19
EP - Referral to associated committees announced in Parliament
2022/11/30
EP - HAIDER Roman (ID) appointed as rapporteur in INTA
2021/07/14
EP - KYUCHYUK Ilhan (Renew) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
Documents
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0346/2023
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0346/2023
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0227/2023
- Committee opinion: PE740.636
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE740.918
- Committee draft report: PE740.917
- Committee draft report: PE740.917
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE740.918
- Committee opinion: PE740.636
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0346/2023
Activities
- Ilhan KYUCHYUK
Plenary Speeches (2)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Katarína ROTH NEVEĎALOVÁ
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Pedro SILVA PEREIRA
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Roberts ZĪLE
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Thierry MARIANI
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Liudas MAŽYLIS
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Marc ANGEL
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
- Karsten LUCKE
Plenary Speeches (1)
- 2023/10/03 Uzbekistan (debate)
Votes
Uzbekistan – A9-0227/2023 – Ilhan Kyuchyuk – Motion for a resolution #
2023/10/04 Outcome: +: 505, 0: 76, -: 9
NI
The Left| Amendments | Dossier |
| 216 |
2022/2195(INI)
2023/04/26
AFET
182 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 a (new) – having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Energy between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan from 24 January 2011 and renewed in February 2017,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 b (new) – having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989,
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Invites the authorities of Uzbekistan to engage more intensively in the efforts by Kazakhstan and the international community to revert the disastrous agricultural policy by the Soviet Union, which led to the collapse of an entire ecosystem of the Aral Sea, one of the planet's worst environmental disasters; is of the opinion that to successfully address the adverse effects of the Aral Sea disaster, much stronger efforts of the Uzbek government are needed, with support of the international community to share innovative technologies and to financially assist in achieving this goal;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Welcomes the agreement of 27 January 2023 between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, which settles the outstanding issues between the two sides and completes a process that lasted three decades; commends Uzbekistan for being able to settle complex issues of water use, delimitation, and border disputes with its neighbours, like Tajikistan; acknowledges Uzbekistan's instrumental role in fostering closer ties with neighbouring countries, including Kazakhstan, through a range of connectivity projects; emphasises the importance of regional stability and urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any potential conflict in a peaceful and diplomatic manner; encourages Uzbekistan, as the leading electricity producer in Central Asia, to prioritize sustainable energy solutions for the region's long-term benefit;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Welcomes the historic agreement of 27 January 2023 between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, which settles the outstanding issues between the two sides and completes a process that lasted three decades and the signing of the declaration of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries; welcomes the fact that these agreements will also contribute to deepening further bilateral relations and cooperation, including in trade and energy sectors;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Welcomes the agreement of 27 January 2023 between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, which settles the outstanding issues between the two sides and completes a process that lasted three decades; equally welcomes the agreement of 22 December 2022 between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the demarcation of the Kazakh-Uzbek state border, which is the result of 19 years of negotiations;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Welcomes Uzbekistan’s growing role in regional water diplomacy, in particular in improving its relations with Kyrgyzstan in this regard; is highly concerned about the persisting risk of further ecological crises in the region and emphasises the need for a stronger focus on mitigating these risks as part of Uzbekistan’s regional water diplomacy; stresses the importance of improving regional relations in the context of water as research has shown that the water crisis in Central Asia is not caused by a shortage of total water resources but by water allocation practices; highlights that reconciling conflicts, including concerning water distribution, is crucial for achieving long-term regional stability and achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Welcomes the Uzbek government's adoption of the Water Sector Development Strategy 2020-2030 and their efforts to mobilise international support to tackle the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster; welcomes that the EU and other organisations/institutions are involved in the improvement of the environmental, but also of the socio-economic situation in the Aral Sea region; calls on the international community to continue supporting Uzbekistan's efforts to address global water problems and to mitigate the consequences of the Aral Sea tragedy, such as the recently announced Aral Culture Summit project, which will bring together the local and international community and promote sustainable agriculture;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Welcomes Uzbekistan’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and its actions to mobilise global support to tackle the consequences of the desiccation and salinisation of the Aral Sea; Encourages further regional and global cooperation to find potential solutions to the Aral Sea environmental disaster;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on Uzbekistan to continue and step up its green transition programmes in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, to which Uzbekistan is a party;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to assist Uzbekistan in water diplomacy and cooperation with its neighboring countries, particularly with Kazakhstan as well as to provide Uzbekistan and its relevant neighbors with the technical and financial assistance needed for restoring the collapsed ecosystems of the Aral Sea and its basin by increasing water flow in order to decrease salinity, improving irrigation canals, and helping to introduce crops requiring less water and toxins;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Takes note of the OSCE conclusions at the Second Tashkent International Anti-Corruption Forum; calls on the Uzbek authorities to continue and step up their efforts in this area;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas negotiations on European Union-Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which modernises the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1999, were formally launched on 23 November 2018 and were successfully concluded on 6 July 2022; whereas the
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to increase efforts contributing to the development of renewable energy sources in Uzbekistan in line with the SDGs and in view of preventing future crises due to shortages of fossil fuels; welcomes successful UNDP projects that have developed energy efficient and low carbon housing in Uzbekistan that withstood the energy crisis and calls on the Uzbek authorities to contribute to expanding these efforts and extend them also to existing housing;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Notes that despite recent reforms, the lack of genuine pluralism and meaningful engagement between candidates or with citizens meant that Uzbekistan’s presidential election was not truly competitive, while significant procedural irregularities were noted on election day by the OSCE;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7.
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022; calls on the authorities to investigate the actions of the security services that led to deaths and injuries among the protesters and calls on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice; calls for the independence and transparency of the judicial process to be
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022; calls on the authorities of Uzbekistan to refrain from using disproportionate force against peaceful protesters and calls on the authorities to investigate the actions and harsh repression of the security services that led to deaths and injuries among the protesters and calls on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice; calls for the independence and transparency of the judicial process to be ensured in the cases linked to the protests; welcomes the Uzbek authorities’ commitment to maintaining the current constitutional status of Karakalpakstan;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022; recalls
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022; calls on the authorities to
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Takes notes of the upcoming constitutional referendum in Uzbekistan, scheduled for 30 April 2023, which aims to bring significant changes to the country's legal framework; is, however, concerned about the motives behind Uzbekistan's proposed constitutional changes, particularly the suspicion that the reform is designed to allow President Mirziyoyev to extend his time in office; urges the government to ensure that any change to term limits is made in a transparent and democratic manner and that it does not undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law; underlines that the process of Uzbekistan's democratisation should be accelerated with this new constitution, if adopted, given that the country is still far from having a genuinely pluralistic political environment;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Regrets that Karalkalpak protesters have been convicted and sentenced to long jail terms; calls for an independent investigation into all allegations of torture reported by defendants during the trials linked to the protests, as well as into the death of Polat Shamshetov who died days after being convicted; calls for a retrial in those cases where there was a clear lack of evidence; calls for charges of plotting to seize power by disruption the constitutional order to be dropped since protesters were calling for the constitution to be upheld; calls for the release of all political prisoners, including those arrested during the Karalkalpakstan protests, as well as the thousands of others in prison on politically motivated charges;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the EU has allocated EUR 76 million for the first four years (2021- 2024) of its seven-year Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 for Uzbekistan, with an additional EUR 7 million earmarked for supporting human rights and civil society organisations; whereas the EU has contributed over EUR 5.2 million to the UN Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region under the European Green Deal; whereas the EU committed of planting over 27 000 trees in 2022, in cooperation with the Uzbek government's attempts to reclaim the land from the Aralkum desert;
Amendment 120 #
7a. Is concerned about the drying up of the Aral Sea, which, 60 years ago, was the world’s fourth largest inland body of water; condemns the agricultural development projects introduced by Soviet leaders which led to the disappearance of the Aral Sea and had catastrophic consequences for public health and the economy of local communities; welcomes the efforts of the Uzbek authorities to put in place solutions to save the Aral Sea; regrets that this disaster does not receive the necessary attention from the global public;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Notes that the economic, social, health and environmental situation poses risks to the stability of Karakalpakstan, where only 15% of households are connected to a sewerage system, 57% have access to drinking water, the mortality rate is twice as high as in the rest of the country and where poverty is the highest in the country, while 30% of the Uzbeks who have left the country to settle abroad are Karakalpaks;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Deplores the persistent lack of accountability for torture and ill- treatment by police and law enforcement, urges to hold perpetrators accountable, in particular, calls for prompt investigations into the allegations of torture by activist and lawyer Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov; calls upon Uzbek authorities to ensure that detainees and prisoners are held in conditions consistent with respect for their human dignity;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the government to ensure the security and non-discrimination of LGBTI people in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Expresses concern at reports of transnational repression by Uzbekistan targeting diaspora Karakalpaks in the aftermath of the July 2022 protests, as Karakalpak activists have been arrested in or forcibly deported from other countries;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls on the government to restart the reform of the Criminal Code in line with international human rights standards and the recommendations of UN treaty bodies;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 c (new) 7c. Notes the upcoming constitutional referendum slated for 30 April 2023; calls on the Uzbek authorities to ensure a free and fair vote and to allow international observation at the referendum; calls on the Uzbek authorities to ensure that voters are adequately informed about the significant amendments to the constitution proposed in the referendum, including the extension of the president’s mandate; seconds the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who stated during his recent visit to Uzbekistan that it is vital that pledges by the authorities to act on human rights are translated into action on the ground;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 c (new) Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 d (new) 7d. Welcomes Uzbekistan's efforts to eradicate the worst forms of child labor and sexual exploitation by bringing the legislation into full compliance with international standards and increasing punishments for individuals who commit such crimes; commends the elimination of systemic child labor in the cotton harvest but expresses concern on widespread individual cases in the cotton industry and beyond where children occasionally are still used as labor force; calls on Uzbekistan authorities to continue efforts on raising awareness of child labor in the society and enforce prohibitions; urges Uzbekistan government to make data on child labor more transparent for all stakeholders and allow registration of NGOs working on the issue of forced labor, child labor and exploitation;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas Central Asia is facing one of the most severe water crises on earth, which has seriously limited the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the region; whereas only 57% of the population in Uzbekistan has access to safe drinking water, with rural areas having significantly lower water security than urban areas; whereas agriculture consumes more than 90% of Uzbekistan’s water; whereas the water flowing through the Syr Darya and Amu Darya Rivers, which provide much of Uzbekistan’s water supply, is expected to decrease by up to 15% by 2050; whereas Uzbekistan's intensive cotton industry and its associated water usage majorly contribute the growing water crisis; whereas since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its unitary water management system, tensions over water have repeatedly sparked conflicts in Central Asia;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the significant barriers to NGO registration a
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the barriers to NGO registration and the obligations imposed on NGOs receiving foreign funding by the Regulation on Coordination Between Non- Governmental Non-Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities in the Implementation of International Grant Projects approved by Decree No 328 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on 13 June 2022, which shrink the space for civil society activities and impede the exercise of the freedom of association; underlines that the barrier to NGO registration will also affect EU-Uzbekistan business relations since EU and Member States’ due diligence legislation will require NGO monitoring capacity; stresses that the EU funding should be conditional on the improvement of the situation of human rights;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the barriers to NGO registration and the obligations imposed on NGOs receiving foreign funding by the Regulation on Coordination Between Non- Governmental Non-Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities in the Implementation of International Grant Projects approved by Decree No 328 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on 13 June 2022, which shrink the space for civil society activities and impede the exercise of the freedom of association; underlines that the barrier to NGO registration will also affect EU-Uzbekistan business relations since EU and Member States’ due diligence legislation will require NGO monitoring capacity;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the barriers to NGO registration and the obligations imposed on
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Uzbek authorities to implement the recommendations from the ODIHR 2021 Election Observation Mission Final Report, including to revise legislative and administrative requirements for the registration of political parties and to establish clear separation between state and party along with effective sanctions against the misuse of administrative resources;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Welcomes the establishment of the first independent trade union in Uzbekistan in the cotton sector; calls on the Uzbek authorities, in accordance with the ILO conventions ratified by Uzbekistan, to promote the establishment of independent and alternative trade unions in all sectors of the economy;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the government of Uzbekistan to allow independent human rights organizations, including international human rights groups, to register in the country and to adopt an NGO code in line with international standards;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Calls on the Uzbek authorities to ratify ILO Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas Uzbekistan became the ninth beneficiary country when it joined the EU’s sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) arrangement in April 2021;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and threats and to investigate any attacks against them; calls for the release of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders, including those from Karakalpakstan, who were prosecuted for their work; notes in this regard the specific cases of bloggers Otobek Sattoriv, Miraziz Bazarov, Fazilhoja Arifhojaev, as well as Karakalpak journalist Lolagul Kallykhanova, and others including Sobirjon Babaniyazov and Valijon Kalonov;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers, content producers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and threats and to investigate any attacks against them, including the promotion of Uzbek language media and enhanced digital training programs against disinformation also based on the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Digital Services Act (DSA);
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and threats and to investigate any attacks against them; reminds the authorities of the importance of upholding the freedom of expression, both online and offline, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association and the independence of the media;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns the recent arresting of journalists accused of participating in July 2022 protests and the sentencing of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov; Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and threats to them and their families and to investigate any attacks against them;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Underlines the importance of strengthening the role and work of Oliy Majlis in order to improve parliamentary oversight; calls for improving interparliamentary cooperation between the European Parliament, notably the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC), and the Uzbek Parliament on issues of shared interest, such as improving democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Calls on the Uzbek authorities to withdraw a draft Information Code, published on 14 December 2022, that, if adopted, would violated freedom of expression, including media freedom, and includes discriminatory provisions against “promoting same-sex relations, which would only worsen the stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTQ people in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Deplores persecutions against journalists, bloggers and government critics and calls for their immediate and unconditional release, in particular of Lolagul Kallykhanova, Otobek Sattoriy, Miraziz Bazarov, Fazilhoja Arifhojaev, Sobirjon Babaniyazov, and Valijon Kalonov;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Strongly condemns the reports of torture, cruel and inhuman treatment in detention and prisons in Uzbekistan and calls on the authorities to investigate the reported incidents in a transparent manner;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C b (new) Cb. whereas the security and stability of the Central Asia region are greatly affected by water disputes; notes that climate change in Central Asia has affected water resources and intense human activities have led to water overexploitation; whereas reckless water mismanagement and pollution of the key rivers to irrigate cotton fields, started by the Soviet regime and largely continued in the modern times, has had catastrophic consequences for the basin of the Aral Sea encompassing six countries of the region, has resulted in almost complete disappearance of the Aral Sea and many of its sub-lakes, and exposed the vulnerable population of the area to disastrous health, ecological, and social problems; whereas frequent water conflicts and political instability have limited unified planning and efficient allocation of transboundary rivers, leading to the ineffective exploitation and utilisation of water resources in the region;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Urges the Uzbek authorities to protect Christian converts who are at risk of facing physical assault, kidnappings, and forced marriages by their families and community;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Recalls President Mirziyoyev’s commitment to decriminalise defamation; regrets the legislative changes criminalising online criticism of the President;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9b. Notes that a draft Information Code, published in mid-December 2022, includes provisions that would violate freedom of expression, if adopted, and calls on the government to ensure that any restrictions on freedom of information enshrined in the Information Code are strictly limited to the extent that is necessary and proportionate, and only for legitimate purposes, as provided for under international human rights law;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9b. Stresses to importance of refraining from limiting or blocking websites to cases where such limitation is in line with international standards, is based on objective and transparent criteria defined in law, and is content- specific, while making sure the public is duly informed;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 c (new) 9c. Condemns the ongoing use of torture in detention in Uzbekistan and calls for legal safeguards to be implemented consistently and proper investigations of all reports of torture;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 c (new) 9c. Deplores religious persecution and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Bobirjon Tukhtamurodov, Oybek Khamidov, Khasan Abdirakhimov, and Alimardon Sultonov;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 d (new) 9d. Urges Uzbek authorities to take steps to rehabilitate victims of wrongful detention and repair the damage caused to them, including by removing their convictions, acknowledging and compensating them for the harm done, and providing assistance, such as medical and psychological care;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that despite the adoption of a number of laws, including the Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence of 2019, gender-based violence against women remains widespread;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C c (new) Cc. whereas Uzbekistan suffered serious and unprecedented energy shortages during the 2022-2023 winter leaving large parts of the country without heating and electricity and contributing to decreasing public confidence in the state’s administration;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that despite the adoption of a number of laws, including the Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence of 2019, gender-based violence against women remains widespread;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that despite the adoption of a number of laws, including the Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence of 2019, gender-based violence against women remains widespread;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Welcomes Uzbekistan's progress in labour rights, such as the Labour Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan that comes into force on 30 April 2023 and introduces innovations in the regulation of individual labour relations as well as the first-ever annual report on enforcement of labour standards of 2021; in particular welcomes the eradication of the pervasive practice of child and forced labour in the cotton sector, which has been confirmed and reported by the International Labor Organization last year; is convinced that this is a historic achievement and that it may serve as a model for neighbouring countries facing similar challenges; encourages the government to promote similar efforts in other sectors and invites the Uzbek authorities to continue to implement labour rights protection and invites the Uzbek authorities to continue to implement labour rights protection in other sectors and improved compliance with the international labour standards and ILO recommendations;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, that consensual same-sex sexual relations between men remain criminalised and is deeply worried about the prevalence of intimidation, harassment, violence and stigma against LGBTIQ people in the country; urges the authorities of Uzbekistan to decriminalise same-sex sexual conduct by repealing article 120 of the criminal code, in line with the ICCPR, to exclude any provisions criminalising same-sex conduct from its new criminal code and to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Emphasises that women’s active participation in public and political life, especially at the senior and decision making levels, should be facilitated by means of comprehensive legal, institutional, and educational initiatives and that political parties should be encouraged to facilitate women’s political advancement, increase visibility of women during electoral campaigns, and integrate gender issues into their platforms;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Acknowledges the International Labour Organization's (ILO) reports on the country's progress towards eliminating forced labour, including child labour; urges the government to continue these efforts and ensure fair wages for cotton workers; recognises the adoption of the new Labour Code, which will introduce innovations in labour relations and dispute resolution coming into force on 30 April 2023;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Notes that the definitions of extremism and terrorism remain vague and overbroad, leading to arbitrary detention and undue restriction to the right of freedom of religion or belief; recommends that the related legal provisions are narrowly and precisely drafted, in line with the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Deplores that LGBTQI+ people in Uzbekistan are at constant risk of serious human rights violations without any possible recourse to justice; calls on Uzbekistan to decriminalise homosexuality and to honour its international human rights commitments;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls on Uzbekistan to adopt legislation to decriminalise same-sex relations;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C d (new) Cd. whereas the Uzbek parliament’s lower house has set 30 April 2023 as the date for the referendum on constitutional reforms after a postponement due to the 2022 crisis in Karakalpakstan; whereas amendments presented in the referendum set to change about two-thirds of the constitution; whereas the referendum will ask citizens whether to “nullify” President Mirziyoev’s previous and current terms, allowing him to run for another two consecutive terms and to extend the duration of a presidential term to seven years, clearing the path to a Mirziyoev presidency until 2040; whereas promised legal reforms have stalled, including the revision of the Criminal Code and a new NGO code;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Stresses that LGBTI people in Uzbekistan are at constant risk of serious human rights violations without any possible recourse to justice and face significant challenges and discrimination, particularly regarding the criminalisation of same-sex relations between men; condemns the fact that in 2021 at least 36 individuals were convicted under Article 120 of the Criminal Code that criminalises homosexuality, of whom 26 were sentenced to prison terms; condemns the use of humiliation, torture, including forced anal examination by the authorities, and threats of persecution under Article 120 by police officers; condemns the practice that Uzbek police have access to confidential medical information of LGBTI people registered at HIV treatment centres that is used to blackmail, threaten or persecute individuals; also calls on Uzbekistan to revise plans for a new law, proposed in August 2022, requiring compulsory medical examination of so-called “dangerous groups”, namely men who have sex with men, sex workers, and drug users, to test for HIV;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Welcomes Uzbekistan’s success in eradicating child labour and forced labour in the country’s annual cotton harvest since 2021; recognises the important role that the civil society and the Uzbek government played in achieving this goal and encourages the government not to return to previous practises;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Calls on Uzbek authorities to continue to make progress in their compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles);
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Expects the Uzbek authorities to ensure equal opportunities and access to education for all students in Uzbekistan, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 c (new) 10c. Urges the Uzbek authorities to review the Article 120 of the Criminal Code in line with ICCPR in order to end the criminalisation of same sex relations between consenting adult men; calls on the Uzbek government to work towards creating a inclusive and accepting society where the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics, are respected and protected;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 c (new) Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 c (new) 10c. Welcomes progress towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) and encourages the authorities to complete this process as soon as possible;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 c (new) 10c. Underlines the importance of European Parliament’s close involvement in monitoring the implementation of all parts of the EPCA once it enters into force;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 d (new) 10d. Stresses the need to take legal and practical steps to ensure the protection, the non-discrimination and the effective inclusion of minorities; emphasises that the protection of the LGBTI+ community and the registration of NGOs working on sexual diversity issues is not guaranteed by the current legal framework; underlines the importance of freedom of religion and belief;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas protests erupted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 July 2022 following the publication of the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan’s constitution, which would have abolished its status as a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and its right to secede; whereas at least 21
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 d (new) 10d. Believes that the constitutional reform could be a good opportunity to push for many positive reforms that would address the socio-economic and human rights challenges in Uzbekistan, but encourages for these to include provisions that would enable a more solid democratic foundation and electoral process that is in line with international standards;
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 d (new) 10d. Calls on the government to protect the right to freedom of religion and to amend the 2021 religion law in accordance with recommendations issued by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief in a report from 29 March 2023;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 e (new) 10e. Welcomes the entry into force on 11 April 2023 of legislation which introduces important provisions aimed at protecting women and children against violence, including by criminalising domestic violence, and calls to ensure its effective implementation;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas protests erupted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 July 2022 following the publication of the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan’s constitution, which would have abolished its status as a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and its right to secede; whereas at least 21 people were killed, in
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 2 a (new) – having regard to the European Union/Council of Europe joint programme “Central Asia Rule of Law Programme” (2020-2023) signed on 28 November 2019,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas protests erupted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 July 2022 following the publication of the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan’s constitution, which would have abolished its status as a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and its right to secede
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas protests erupted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 July 2022 following the publication of the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan’s constitution, which would have abolished its status as a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and its right to secede; whereas at least 21 people were killed, and over 270 were injured, in the ensuing crackdown by the authorities; whereas human rights groups have documented that law enforcement officers used excessive force in response to the largely peaceful demonstrations; whereas 22 people were sentenced on 13 January 2023 for their participation in the unrest and Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, a lawyer accused of leading the unrest, was sentenced to 16 years in prison; whereas on 17
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas protests erupted in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 July 2022 following the publication of the proposed amendments to Uzbekistan’s constitution, which would have abolished its status as a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and its right to secede; whereas at least 21 people were killed in the ensuing crackdown by the authorities; whereas 22 people were sentenced on 13 January 2023
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas in June 2022, the government of Uzbekistan published proposed constitutional amendments, including a provision that would enable the president to remain in office for another two seven-year terms;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas promised legal reforms have stalled, including the revision of the Criminal Code and a new NGO Code;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas under president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, economic and political reforms have been undertaken that have led the country in a gradual improvement, despite efforts still needed to be made; whereas Uzbekistan is ranked as ‘not free’ in 2022 Freedom House’s Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net rankings and is ranked 133rd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 World Freedom of the Press Index, which is an improvement from 157th position in 2021, though the country’s overall score decreased;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Uzbekistan is ranked as ‘not free’ in 2022 Freedom House’s Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net rankings and is ranked 133rd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 World Freedom of the Press Index, which is an improvement from 157th position in 2021, though the country’s overall score decreased; whereas Uzbekistan ranks 126th out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2022;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Uzbekistan is ranked as ‘not free’ in
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas Uzbekistan
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas Uzbekistan has accelerated its imprisonment of journalists and bloggers in recent years, including of Otabek Sattoriy, an independent blogger, investigative journalist, and activist serving a six year and six-month prison sentence for his reporting on corruption; whereas a November 2022 decision by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found Sattoriy’s detention to be in violation of international law; whereas other journalists and bloggers imprisoned for their reporting or expression include Miraziz Bazarov, a blogger arrested in March 2021 and serving a three-year sentence under house arrest on charges related to his support of the decriminalization of homosexuality, Fazilkhoja Arifkhojayev, a Muslim blogger arrested in June 2021 and sentenced to seven years and six months for reposting and commenting on religious matters on social media, and Lolagul Kallykhanova, the founder of Makan.uz arrested in July 2022 and sentenced to eight years of restricted liberty for her alleged participation in the Karakalpakstan protests; whereas Valijon Kalonov, a government critic who called for a boycott of the 2021 presidential elections, is being held in a psychiatric hospital in the Samarkand region, after a court ruling that he should undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 – having regard to the concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Uzbekistan of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, consensual same-sex conduct between men is a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison; whereas this law not only violates the human rights of gay and bisexual men, but also has a harmful impact on the broader LGBTIQ community, making it challenging for them to live their lives freely and openly; whereas the criminalisation of same-sex relations between men in Uzbekistan creates a hostile and discriminatory environment, further marginalising LGBTIQ people and hindering their ability to access basic rights and services;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas in March 2020, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which monitors compliance with the International covenant on Civil and Political Rights, expressed concern about “continued reports of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence and rape, by prison officials and law enforcement personnel against persons deprived of liberty, including individuals detained on what appear to be politically motivated charges”;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas on 19 April 2023 early voting started in Uzbekistan for a referendum on a new constitution, which amongst others, would enable President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to seek a third or even potentially a fourth term as President;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas consensual same-sex relations between men remains criminalised under Article 120 of the current Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, punishable with imprisonment for up to three years;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas the OSCE stated that the 2021 presidential election lacked genuine competition and significant procedural irregularities were noted;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas in January 202, the UNHR Committee against Torture reported that “torture and ill-treatment continue to be routinely committed by, at the instigation of and with the consent of the State party’s law enforcement, investigative and prison officials, principally for the purpose of extracting confessions or information to be used in criminal proceedings”; whereas President Mirziyoyev’s promises to address the root causes of torture in state custody have led to the adoption of some positive measures such as legislation stipulating that evidence obtained under torture is not admissible in court; whereas these legal safeguards are not implemented consistently and cases of torture are typically not properly investigated by the authorities; whereas detainees often refrain from lodging complaints for fear of reprisals;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas defamation and insult, including insulting the president, remain criminal offenses, despite President Mirziyoyev’s pledge in 2020 to decriminalise both offenses; whereas blogger Sobirjon Babaniyazov was sentenced to three years in prison for insulting the President online;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas on 30 April, the referendum on changing the constitution will be held as scheduled by the Oliy Majlis;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E c (new) Ec. whereas child marriages are still prevalent in some rural areas of Uzbekistan and hinder women's rights in the country by limiting their educational and job opportunities; whereas domestic violence against women remains a problem that should be dealt with greater attention; whereas there is a lack of investigation and accountability for gender-based violence in Uzbekistan; whereas on 6 April 2023, the Parliament of Uzbekistan adopted the landmark legislation that aims to provide women and children with greater legal protections against gender-based violence; whereas the new law must still be approved by the President before it can come into effect; whereas the long- anticipated bill was approved unanimously by the upper house of the Parliament and is the first legislation of its kind in Uzbekistan to specifically target domestic abuse;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 a (new) – having regard to Uzbekistan's 2021 - 2026 National Strategy to counter extremism and terrorism,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E c (new) Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E c (new) Ec. whereas Muslims who practice their faith outside state controls continue to be targeted by authorities with spurious religious extremism-related criminal charges, for example, Bobirjon Tukhtamurodov was sentenced to over 5 years in prison for participating in a banned religious organization and other Muslims, including Oybek Khamidov, Khasan Abdirakhimov and Alimardon Sultonov, were imprisoned on extremism related criminal charges;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E d (new) Ed. whereas under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, consensual same-sex conduct between men is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison; whereas this law not only violates the human rights of gay and bisexual men, but it also has a harmful impact on the broader LGBTI community, making it challenging for them to live their lives freely and openly; whereas the criminalisation of same-sex relations between men in Uzbekistan creates a hostile and discriminatory environment, further marginalising LGBTI people and hindering their ability to access basic rights and services;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E d (new) Ed. whereas the job of righting past wrongs against individuals who were imprisoned illegally and in violation of their rights remains unfinished in Uzbekistan; whereas while Uzbekistan released dozens of former prisoners of conscience in recent years, the authorities have not taken steps to rehabilitate these individuals, who remain convicted of crimes under the law, or to repair the harm caused to them by their lengthy detentions, torture and abuse many endured, isolation from their family and friends, and loss of work, among other impacts;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E d (new) Ed. whereas in light of growing Chinese influence in the region, Uzbekistan and China have been expanding their economic cooperation in recent years; whereas the China- Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project would open up Uzbekistan's gateway to South Asia and connect the two regions while avoiding Taliban- controlled Afghanistan but also will serve as a core part of the Belt and Road Initiative;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E e (new) Ee. whereas while Uzbekistan's government expresses its neutrality on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Uzbekistan serves as a transship point to Russia and Belarus of goods and technologies under sanctions; whereas Uzbekistan has stated that it recognises Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and does not recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea and any other regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E f (new) Ef. whereas great potential exists to increase trade relations between the EU and Uzbekistan, including metals, textile and apparels; whereas Uzbekistan's cotton industry can act as an important alternative to China's textile industry, in Member States' efforts to divest away from China and taking into account the gross violations of human rights in China, in particular in Xinjiang, where Uyghur detainees work as forced labourers to produce textiles;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E g (new) Eg. whereas Uzbekistan adopted the National Strategy to counter extremism and terrorism for 2021-2026 in July 2021; whereas the stated aim of the Strategy is to pursue an effective and coordinated state policy to counter extremism and terrorism, to ensure national security and the rights and freedoms of citizens; whereas the Taliban takover of Afghanistan heightened Uzbekistan's concerns about the potential spillover of terrorism from Afghanistan to its Central Asian neighbours, particularly by ISIS- Khorasan Province, as well as the Islamic Jihad Union, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Katibat al-Imam al-Bukhari and Jamaat Ansarullah; whereas Uzbekistan continues to remain an active participant in the C5+1 diplomatic platform and related counter-terrorism / counter violent extremism (CT/CVE) cooperation;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E h (new) Eh. whereas the government of Uzbekistan has been making efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection; whereas reported environmental concerns include land degradation, soil salinization, reduced water quality and water erosion;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs visited Uzbekistan on 23 and 24 February 2022; whereas its Delegation to the EU-Kazakhstan, EU- Kyrgyzstan, EU-Uzbekistan and EU-
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 14 a (new) – having regard to the EEAS statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments in Uzbekistan of 4 July 2022,
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas Uzbekistan withdrew from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2018; whereas since Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war of aggression on Ukraine, Uzbekistan has taken a neutral stance and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict; whereas on 17 March 2022, former Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov stated that Uzbekistan will not recognise separatists states of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the Uzbek government publicly claims that there are over 10,000 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) currently operating in Uzbekistan, while civil rights groups indicate that a majority of these organisations are in fact government-organised non-governmental organisations (GONGOs);
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the completion of negotiations on the EU-Uzbekistan EPCA agreement, which creates a new, modern and ambitious framework for deepening bilateral relations; reiterates that the agreement puts a strong emphasis on shared values, democracy and the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and sustainable development; notes that it also lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in foreign and security policy, including on issues such as regional stability, digital connectivity, international cooperation and conflict prevention; welcomes the granting of GSP+ status to Uzbekistan and encourages effective implementation of the 27 core international conventions;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the completion of
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Notes that Uzbekistan joined the EU’s GSP+ arrangement in 2021; reiterates that joining this arrangement entails a commitment to effective implementation of the 27 core international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental and climate protection and good governance; calls on the Commission to take into account the impact of the upcoming constitutional referendum in its ongoing monitoring of Uzbekistan’s GSP+ obligations; reiterates its call for decriminalisation of homosexuality to be a requirement for participating in the GSP schemes;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Underlines the importance of increased EU-Uzbekistan cooperation based on the principle of shared values and respect for international law, norms and good practices, notably in light of recent geopolitical events, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression Ukraine;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Calls for a swift completion of the necessary legal and technical procedures and for the signing of the EPCA, which would open the way for the Parliament to exercise its prerogatives regarding the ratification of the agreement;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 14 b (new) – having regard to the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Tashkent on 15 March 2023,
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which aims to achieve genuine change in the country in socioeconomic development, efficient administration
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which aims to achieve genuine change in the country in socioeconomic development, efficient administration and respect for human rights; stresses that the constitutional reform is an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law and to give the reforms a solid legal foundation with access to free and open internet and media; calls on the authorities of Uzbekistan to continue this process in consultation with citizens and stakeholders, including the Venice
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which aims to achieve genuine change in the country in socioeconomic development, efficient administration and respect for human rights; stresses that the constitutional reform is an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law and to give the reforms a solid legal foundation with access to free and open internet and media; calls on the authorities of Uzbekistan to continue this process in consultation with citizens and stakeholders, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes the ambitious reforms planned under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026, which aims to achieve genuine change in the country in socioeconomic development, efficient administration and respect for human rights; stresses that the constitutional reform
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes that after years of intense policy advocacy and campaigning, led by Uzbek and international civil society, state-imposed forced labour is no longer systematically used in the cotton harvest; stresses that independent monitoring shows that human rights risks, including individual cases of forced labour, remain in the cotton industry; is concerned that independent groups that conduct field level monitoring and capacity building are unable to register and operate freely, putting progress at risk; calls on Uzbekistan to introduce broader reforms to empower civil society and develop effective institutions to provide transparency and accountability across all parts of the cotton sector;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Expresses concern about the referendum on a new constitution that would allow President Mirziyoyev to run for two more consecutive terms; reminds the government of Uzbekistan that the EPCA includes even stronger emphasis on the rule of law than the previous PCA;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Acknowledges the challenges that Uzbekistan is facing, considering the current geopolitical situation, as the government attempts to diversify its economic and trade dependencies on Russia and seeks to encourage greater cooperation with its European partners;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Calls on Uzbekistan to uphold its commitments to implement ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise and Convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining and to ratify the ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Convention (No. 131); urges the Commission to urge Uzbekistan to implement broader labour reforms and uphold international labour and human rights standards in all aspects of life within the context of its ongoing engagement with Uzbekistan under the GSP+ arrangement;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 14 c (new) – having regard to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) 2021 Election Observation Mission Final Report of 22 April 2022,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Encourages the EU and Member States to explore strengthening economic relations with Uzbekistan and to cooperate closer in international organisations;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 c (new) 2c. Welcomes Uzbekistan's 2021 - 2026 National Strategy to counter extremism and terrorism and calls on the EU and Member States to explore closer counter-terrorism cooperation, especially in ensuring no spillover of terrorism from Afghanistan to the wider region;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 b (new) Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force for regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and more closely interconnected economic and political space; welcomes Uzbekistan's engagement in C5+1 format; encourages the EU to intensify its political engagement with Central Asia in line with its geostrategic importance; underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable connectivity, in particular through its Global Gateway on initiative, energy and security but also through a multi-faceted approach to diversify trade routes, foster greater private investment, cooperation in science and technology, health care, industrial production, capacity building and providing job training, education and fostering people to people contacts;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force for regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and more closely interconnected economic and political space; encourages the EU to intensify its political, economic and security engagements with Central Asia in line with its geostrategic importance and in keeping with the values of democracy, human rights and rule of law that underpin EU external action; underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable and digital connectivity, in particular through its Global Gateway on initiative, energy, water and security, while supporting new supply-chain hubs in Uzbekistan for regional integration;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force for regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and more closely interconnected economic and political space; encourages the EU Member States to intensify
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force for regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and more closely
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Recognises Uzbekistan’s key role in Central Asia and its responsibility towards maintaining stability, connectivity and a constructive approach to regional cooperation; in this respect, considers that the EU’s 2019 Strategy on Central Asia needs to be updated further in order to reflect the consequences of multiple recent geopolitical crises, including Russia’s illegal war of aggression on Ukraine, the Taliban take- over of Afghanistan, the global ambitions of China and political changes in neighbouring countries;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 a (new) – having regard to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1984,
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Calls on the Commission to finalise the study on sustainable transport corridors connecting Europe with Central Asia, which was launched at the end of 2021 and is implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and which aims to identify the most sustainable transport corridors and to propose key actions for corridor development;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Takes note of the potential of Uzbekistan’s national resources in EU’s energy diversification, while at the same time recognises the crucial role of the EU in financing Uzbekistan’s sectoral reforms, improving its energy efficiency and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions; considers that based on the EU-Uzbekistan Memorandum of Understanding and the bilateral consultations both parts strive to enhance their energy and environmental security; in this regard, regrets the advantages of Russian state companies and Russian political insiders benefiting from gas sector in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 82 #
4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; regrets that Uzbekistan has not condemned Russia's military invasion of Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan abstained in the votes on the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those of 2 March 2022, 24 March 2022 and 23 February 2023 demanding an end to the Russian offensive and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan opposed the expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022; recognises Uzbekistan for supporting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; notes the commitment of the political leadership of Uzbekistan not to allow the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia and expresses hope that they will stick to this commitment; takes note that the sanctions imposed on Russia have had an impact on the country’s economy and caused disruptions in Uzbekistan's trade routes to Europe and that in response, Uzbekistan has been working to establish new trade corridors by strengthening its ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan; stresses the importance of Uzbekistan building and strengthening its relationship with the international community, while reducing its over-reliance on Russia and China; welcomes recent initiatives taken by the business community in Uzbekistan with regards to sanctions and calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan in this field;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; notes that Uzbekistan abstained in the votes on the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those of 2 March 2022, 24 March 2022 and 23 February 2023 demanding an end to the Russian offensive and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan opposed the expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; notes that Uzbekistan abstained in the votes on the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those of 2 March 2022, 24 March 2022 and 23 February 2023 demanding an end to the Russian offensive and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan opposed the expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022; notes
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; notes that Uzbekistan abstained in the votes on the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those of 2 March 2022, 24 March 2022 and 23 February 2023 demanding an end to the Russian offensive and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan opposed the expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022; notes the commitment of the political leadership of Uzbekistan not to allow the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia and calls for a close cooperation with the EU on these matters;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; regrets Uzbekistan’s efforts to integrate the Taliban into the international system and normalise their regime through international engagement events held in Tashkent; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 18 a (new) – having regard to the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report, 22 April 2022,
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites Uzbekistan to use its contacts with the Taliban to call for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls, persons with disabilities and minorities, which are essential conditions for greater international engagement with Afghanistan; reiterates its strong condemnation of the Taliban’s decisions to ban women and girls from attending
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites Uzbekistan to use its contacts with the Taliban to call for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls and minorities, which are essential conditions for greater international engagement with Afghanistan, including through connectivity to support human rights and prevent the effects of regional radicalisation and conflict-induced migration; reiterates its strong condemnation of the Taliban’s decisions to ban women and girls from attending secondary and university education and to prohibit the employment of women with non-governmental organisations and the United Nations;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; acknowledges the complex security situation in the region and the implications for Uzbekistan's security; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites Uzbekistan to use its contacts with the Taliban in a constructive manner to call for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls and minorities, which are essential conditions for greater international engagement with Afghanistan; reiterates its strong condemnation of the Taliban’s decisions to ban women and girls from attending secondary and university education and to prohibit the employment of women with non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Commends Uzbekistan for hosting refugees from Afghanistan and for the annual international meetings on Afghanistan since 2019, which have seen participation from a diverse range of states, including the Taliban, and provided a forum for constructive discussions on regional stability; urges the Uzbek government to sign and ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and allow more Afghan refugees to seek refuge or to transit the country;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Welcomes the statement of Uzbekistan's Embassy in Moscow in response to calls of some Uzbek citizens residing in Russia to join Russia's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, in which the Embassy stated that any form of participation in military activities on the territory of foreign countries is considered to be a mercenary activity and will be punished by up to 10 years in prison;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Notes that Uzbekistan is currently hosting several thousand Afghan refugees, but is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, creating difficulties for a long-term solution for Afghans in Uzbekistan; calls in this regard on the Uzbek government to urgently sign and ratify the convention;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Welcomes the collaboration between the EU and Uzbekistan on providing children, youth and families who were forced to flee Afghanistan with UNICEF support including through inclusive education, social services and legal aid; calls on the Member States and EEAS to engage with Uzbekistan on assisting women who try to flee Afghanistan;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Invites the government of Uzbekistan to step up efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection, including land degradation, soil salinization, reduced water quality and water erosion;
source: 740.918
2023/05/02
INTA
34 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the successful completion of negotiations on the EU- Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and expects that this agreement will contribute to Uzbekistan integrating further into the multilateral trading system, strengthen market economy mechanisms and increase foreign investors’ confidence; believes the Agreement will ensure a better regulatory environment for economic operators in areas such as goods and services trade, state-owned enterprises, procurement, and intellectual property rights; Recalls that the rule of law, good governance, implementation of shared values and principles of democracy and the respect for fundamental freedoms, human and social rights are the core basis for the enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Uzbekistan shaping bilateral relations;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses that the EU and Uzbekistan shall use their economic and commercial cooperation to actively diversify industrial structures, to support an accelerated transition to renewable energy and increasing efforts for guaranteeing energy efficiency realizing obligations from the Paris agreement on tackling Climate change, to enhance the integration of energy markets in Central Asia with those of neighbouring countries, as well as of the EU by creating synergies between various energy policy strategies and respective infrastructure projects in the region in accordance with the WTO negotiations on establishing rules and criteria for linking Trade and Climate and Environment; remembers that this shall benefit the citizens by avoiding energy poverty and by guaranteeing a just transition towards zero emissions by 2050 and establishing a Central Asian Climate Neutral Region by that date;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Acknowledges the challenges that Uzbekistan is facing, considering the current geopolitical situation, as the government attempts to diversify its economic and trade dependencies on Russia and seeks to encourage greater cooperation with its European partners;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Stresses that connectivity and cooperation in the region should support in a complex and comprehensive manner reinvigorated efforts under the water environmental regional platform; emphasizes in this context the importance of the principles of social and environmental sustainability in the course of extraction or processing of natural resources and reiterates that therefore reinvestments of revenues from natural resources is crucial for the socio- economic development of Uzbekistan and ensuring the country and its neighbouring countries to become resilient towards future global and regional challenges by enabling to implement the UN 2030 agenda with its 17 SDGs and to contribute to establish sustainable circular economies in the country as well as in the region;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses that Uzbekistan also plays a crucial role in regional security and economic stability
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses that Uzbekistan also plays a crucial role in regional security and economic stability, especially in terms of the fight against illegal immigration, organized crime, terrorism and corruption ;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Welcomes Uzbekistan's efforts to eradicate the worst forms of child labor and sexual exploitation by bringing its legislation into compliance with international standards and introducing more adequate penalties for individuals who commit such crimes; commends the elimination of systemic child labor in the cotton harvest but expresses concern on still widespread individual cases in the cotton industry and beyond where children occasionally are still used as labor force; urges Uzbekistan government to make data on child labor more transparent for all stakeholders and allow registration of NGOs working on the issue of forced labor, child labor and exploitation;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Draws attention to the presumable risks of Uzbekistan's possible assistance to Russia in circumventing trade sanctions imposed by the EU; calls for careful monitoring of the situation;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Welcomes that after years of intense policy advocacy and campaigning, led by Uzbek and international civil society, state-imposed forced labour is no longer systematically used in the cotton harvest; is concerned that independent monitoring shows that human rights risks, including individual cases of forced labour, remain in the cotton industry; is concerned that independent groups that conduct field level monitoring and capacity building are unable to register and operate freely; calls on Uzbekistan to introduce broader reforms to empower civil society and develop effective institutions to provide transparency and accountability and consolidate progress across all parts of the cotton sector;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to economic growth and yields very positive results (exports to the EU increased by 34 % in 2021); Recognises that the acceptance of Uzbekistan as a beneficiary of GSP+ reflects the recognition of reforms undertaken by the government. Notes that despite the progress made by Uzbekistan in recent years, a number of concerns remain regarding the effective implementation of the 27 international conventions. Reiterates the need for effective implementation of the conventions as well as compliance with reporting obligations under the GSP+ scheme.
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the successful completion of negotiations on the EU- Uzbekistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and expects that this agreement will contribute to
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to economic growth and yields very positive results (exports to the EU increased by 34 % in 2021);
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to economic growth and yields very positive results (exports to the EU increased by 34 % in 2021); calls on the Commission to support and closely monitor the effective implementation of all 27 core international conventions under the GSP+ addressing human and labor rights, environmental regulations, and good governance principles.
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to economic growth and yields very positive results (exports to the EU increased by 34 % in 2021); calls for cooperation with Uzbekistan to develop efficient and reliable customs procedures that contribute to digitalisation and administrative simplification, which will positively contribute to increasing trade flows.
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the importance of Uzbekistan’s membership of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, which contributes to economic growth and yields very positive results (exports to the EU increased by 34 % in 2021 and by 77% in 2021 compared to the previous years);
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses that despite progress in eliminating forced labour, poor working conditions, low wages , full respect of workers rights and the recognition of freedom of association, including the right to establish independent trade union remain major problems in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that Uzbekistan can play an important role in
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that Uzbekistan can play an important role in exporting precious metals to Europe, which are needed for the EU’s green transition
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Notes that Uzbekistan can play an important role and be a reliable partner in the region in exporting precious metals to Europe, which are needed for the EU’s green transition;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that owing to the lack of
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that owing to the lack of direct access to seaports, developing infrastructure and logistics corridors, in particular the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is crucially important for trade and for connecting Uzbekistan with the markets of potential trading partners; calls the Commission to support Uzbekistan in developing sustainable transport infrastructure that minimises its environmental impact and maximises its contribution to regional connectivity and trade;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that owing to the lack of direct access to seaports, developing infrastructure and logistics corridors,
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Welcomes the establishment of the first independent trade union in Uzbekistan in the cotton sector; calls on the Uzbek authorities, in accordance with the ILO conventions ratified by Uzbekistan, to promote the establishment of independent and alternative trade unions in all sectors of its economy;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Calls on the Uzbek authorities to ratify ILO Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls for cooperation and EU support for green development and the further exploration of Uzbekistan’s potential for building trade and economic relations with the EU .
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Deplores that the Chapter Trade and Sustainable Development of the agreement falls short in a key number of environmental and democratic issues, inter alia the involvement of Uzbekistan's minorities (e.g., Karakalpakstan, the Tagik minority, the Kyrgiz minority) in trade policy, the disappearance of the Aral Sea due to the movement of the waters of the Amur Darya and Syr Darya great rivers, or the sporadic violence in the Fergana Valley between Uzbekistan and its closest neighbours;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Recognises the efforts made by Uzbekistan in implementation of the ILO standards, notably directed towards the elimination of child labour and forced labour in the cotton sector. Underlines the need for continued efforts in this regard. Urges the government to work towards ensuring fair wages for cotton workers; recognises the adoption of the new Labour Code, which will introduce innovations in labour relations and dispute resolution coming into force on 30 April 2023;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Stresses the need to add dispositions that emphasise the need to ensure that the benefits of this EPCA are shared equitably among all segments of Uzbekistan's society, including vulnerable and marginalized groups; stresses the need to also add dispositions that ensure that the extraction and export of CRMs from Uzbekistan is done in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner, and therefore calls for measures to address any negative impacts of such activities on local communities and ecosystems;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recognises the growing strategic importance of Central Asia and the key role that Uzbekistan plays in regional cooperation and connectivity, in particular within the Global Gateway initiative; believes that under the Commission’s open strategic autonomy strategy, the resilience of the supply chain will be strengthened by establishing a network of trusted actors based on sustainable and mutually beneficial economic activity, as well as on regular diplomatic exchange.
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recognises the growing strategic importance of Central Asia and the key role that Uzbekistan plays in regional cooperation and connectivity, in particular within the Global Gateway initiative; for this reason, the EU should further strengthen economic and trade ties with the region and support Usbekistans appplication for WTO membership.
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recognises the growing strategic importance of Central Asia and the key role that Uzbekistan plays in regional cooperation and connectivity, in particular
source: 746.949
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