For the first time ever Uzbekistan announced its intention to be elected a member of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for 2021-2023, the Minister of Justice Ruslanbek Davletov declared at the 37th session of the HRC in Geneva on Monday.

The move is said to be part of purposeful efforts aimed at enhancing the protection of human rights in the country, the significant stepping up by Uzbekistan of engagement into cooperation in this field, as well as following the positive assessments by international organizations on Uzbekistan's reform efforts.

The Human Rights Council inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world, established on March 15, 2006. Its 47 seats are filled by member states elected for three-year terms. The UN General Assembly elects the members who occupy the UNHRC's 47 seats. The General Assembly takes into account the candidate States’ contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard.

Over 3000 delegates from over 180 countries, including Heads of State, Governments and heads of ministries, as well as a number of international organizations attend the high-level segment of the 37th session of the HRC, which discusses topical issues of ensuring and protecting human rights.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Zeid Al-Hussein and the chairman of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, Miroslav Lajcak in their remarks mentioned the importance of ensuring the human rights throughout the world and the development of cooperation in this field.