MERICAN Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies www.
grnjournal.us labor relations and stimulate a comprehensive dialogue on the path towards equity and
inclusivity.
The article's objectives are twofold: first, to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges
faced by women and people with disabilities in Uzbekistan's labor market, and second, to
propose strategies and recommendations that can foster a more equitable and inclusive work
environment. Through an interdisciplinary lens that encompasses law, sociology, economics, and
human rights perspectives, this article strives to contribute to the ongoing discourse on labor
rights and social justice.
As we navigate the pages that follow, we invite readers to reflect on the experiences of
marginalized individuals within Uzbekistan's labor landscape. By acknowledging the systemic
biases that have persisted, we can collectively engage in meaningful discussions and collaborate
towards a future where every individual is empowered to contribute to the nation's progress,
irrespective of their gender or abilities.
Background On June 7, 2021, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law ―On
ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (New York, December
13, 2006)‖. The document was adopted by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on May
18 and approved by the Senate on May 29. In January 2021, a new law ―On the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities‖ came into force in Uzbekistan. In their preamble to the CRPD, States
Parties recognize that ―women and girls with disabilities, both at home and outside, are often at
greater risk of violence, injury or abuse, neglect, abuse or exploitation.‖ In this regard, in Article
3, one of the principles of the CRPD is to ensure equality between men and women. The CRPD
also includes a separate article 6 on ensuring the rights of women and girls with disabilities,
recognizing that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in
this regard, States Parties to the Convention must take the necessary measures to ensure their full
and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Also, on August 18, 1995,
the ―Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (New York,
December 18, 1979)‖ was ratified in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
A significant contribution to the development of the country’s gender legislation was made in
2019 by the adoption of the laws ―On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women
and Men‖ dated September 2, 2019, ―On the Protection of Women from Harassment and
Violence‖ dated September 2, 2019, ― On the protection of the reproductive health of citizens"
dated March 11, 2019, "On amendments and additions to Art. 15 of the Family Code" dated
August 28, 2019, "On the support of breastfeeding and food requirements for infants and young
children" dated October 23, 2019, "On amendments to the Labor Code of the Republic of
Uzbekistan" - on the removal of restrictions related to the choice by women of previously
prohibited forms of labor activity and other gender-asymmetric provisions of labor legislation,
―On the introduction of amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of
Uzbekistan in connection with the further improvement of the system of reliable protection of
the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of women and children‖ dated 11.04 .2023 and
others.
The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ―On Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for
Women and Men‖ and the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan ―On the Protection of Women
from Harassment and Violence‖ are important legal acts aimed at ensuring gender equality and
protecting women from violence. In this policy brief, we will analyze the gender aspects and take
into account the consistency of these Laws with the CRPD and CEDAW.