A grand event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions and the presentation of their translation into Uzbek language using Latin graphics was held at the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event was organized by the National Human Rights Center in partnership with the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the ICRC Regional Delegation in Central Asia.

The event was attended by more deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of government agencies, as well as international organizations and the diplomatic corps accredited in Uzbekistan.

The Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 are fundamental international treaties establishing norms of humane treatment of victims of wars and armed conflicts. The translation of these documents into Uzbek language using Latin graphics contributes to a broader dissemination of knowledge about International humanitarian law among the population of Uzbekistan.

The Director of the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, academician Akmal Saidov, stressed that the Geneva Conventions are the central element of International humanitarian law. Their translation into Uzbek language using Latin graphics is a significant step in strengthening the legal culture of our society and ensuring that every citizen has access to the fundamental norms of humanism, as well as a positive example of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the ICRC and the Swiss Confederation.

In her speech, the Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Central Asia, Biljana Milosevic, noted, “In the modern world, the principles of the humanitarian law are becoming particularly relevant. As elsewhere in the world, the ICRC in Uzbekistan seeks cooperation in promoting IHL and welcomes the government’s efforts in this area”.

Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Uzbekistan Konstantin Obolensky drew attention to the historical role of Switzerland in the development and promotion of the Geneva Conventions: “Switzerland, as the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions, deeply appreciates Uzbekistan’s efforts to disseminate and implement the principles of the International humanitarian law. We are ready to continue supporting initiatives to strengthen human rights and humanitarian values”.

During the event, participants were presented with a video and a photo exhibition highlighting the humanitarian significance of the Conventions and emphasizing the need for their broad understanding and recognition at the global level. 

The event’s culmination was the presentation of the translation of the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols into Uzbek language (in Latin script). This project symbolizes Uzbekistan’s commitment to international humanitarian standards.

The event became a platform for discussing International humanitarian law and human rights issues.

Saidmurod Rakhimov, photos by Nosirjon Khaydarov, UzA