The Bukhara Declaration is recognized as an official document of the UN General Assembly

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Bukhara Declaration, adopted by the participants of the international forum "Dialogue of Declarations" held on 16-20 May in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, was recognized as an official document of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, Dunyo news agency reported.

The document has been translated into the six official languages of the UN - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish - and distributed to all Member States, UN specialized agencies, posted in the Organization’s Journal and Official Document System under the number A/76/865.

The international forum was part of the systematic and consistent efforts of our country to implement the principles and provisions that were laid down in the Special Resolution of the UN General Assembly "Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance", adopted in 2018 at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The event was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan jointly with a number of ministries and departments of our country, as well as in partnership with the US Institute for Global Engagement. The forum was attended by prominent religious scholars, theologians, lawyers and officials from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the United States. 

In the Bukhara Declaration adopted at the end of the international forum, the participants paid special attention to the strict observance of freedom of religion as a fundamental human right. At the same time, they noted that restrictions on freedom of religion are allowed solely for the purpose of ensuring public safety, order, health and morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

The declaration condemns the growing intolerance and intensification of acts of violence based on religion or belief. In this regard, attention is focused on preventing the propaganda of religious intolerance and discrimination in the information space, including social networks.

Participants also encourage an open and constructive discussion of social, cultural and religious processes, as well as the expansion of multi-religious and intercultural dialogue in the national, regional and international context.

It emphasizes the need for the commitment of all religions to strengthen interfaith dialogue (and partnerships), especially between religious leaders, so that, as a result, multifaith programs serve the entire society to achieve a deeper understanding of universal human values and deeply rooted beliefs.

The document recognizes the importance of education and enlightenment in promoting religious tolerance and mutual encouraging understanding and respect among civilizations, cultures, religions and beliefs, as well as preventing any form of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.

It should be noted that the Bukhara Declaration reflects the practical steps of Uzbekistan, as well as the world community in the field of promoting freedom of religion. The document calls on representatives of all religions to implement initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and harmony in society.

The adoption of this document as an official document of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly tests to the recognition by the international community of the important contribution and efforts of Uzbekistan to ensure freedom of religion and strengthen interreligious dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect , trust and understanding.