TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN — April 14, 2011 — Women’s Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and «Civic Initiatives Support Center» (CISC) NGO are conducting a roundtable discussion on The Concept of Development and Improvement of the National Monitoring System of Women’s Rights in Uzbekistan.

This meeting is a continuation of a series of activities initiated by the Women’s Committee and UNFPA to strengthen cooperation between national partners and international organizations to implement the National Plan of Action of the UN Convention on the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against women (CEDAW). The previous meeting held in Tashkent in late March of this year was devoted to the discussion of the Action Plan and in particular, the establishment of a coordination mechanism for effective cooperation on its implementation.

Uzbekistan ratified CEDAW in June, 1995. The Government regularly submits reports to the UN Committee on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women of CEDAW implementation. Last year Uzbekistan received recommendations for the last, forth periodical report from the Committee. Particularly, the Committee has proposed to continue expanding the ways and opportunities for further implementation of political, economic and social potential of women in Uzbekistan. Besides, it is recommended to strengthen the legislation in the area of family relations.

In order to successfully implement those recommendations, last year in August, the Government of Uzbekistan developed National Action Plan, and Women’s Committee together with UNFPA took initiative to support cooperation between national institutions and international organizations for its fulfillment.

Presented Concept of Development and Improvement of the National Monitoring System of Women’s Rights in Uzbekistan was one of the key components of the National Action Plan. The project was developed by the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan and CISC with the support of UNFPA

Round table discussion participants — deputies, regional representatives of Women’s Committee, national partners and international organizations have discussed the main provisions of the Concept, its role and significance for women’s empowerment in Uzbekistan.