On 27 June, the Uzbek parliamentary ombudsperson Sayyora Rashidova received John Hanford, the US State Department’s ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, the secretariat of the Uzbek Supreme Assembly’s [parliament’s] human rights commissioner (ombudsman) says.

The visitors were familiarized with various aspects of the Uzbek ombudsman’s activities, UzReport.com reported.

The ambassador expressed gratitude for the reception and spoke about the aims of his visit. Noting that Uzbekistan has faced the threat of terrorism, he showed understanding of the measures the Uzbek government had taken to fight terrorism. He also expressed the US State Department’s viewpoint on the issue of freedom of conscience.

During the meeting, Hanford expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to openly and constructively discuss issues with the Uzbek side. He also expressed interest in the state of [Uzbek] prisoners, the issues of cooperation between prisons and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the implementation of the recommendations by the UN special rapporteurs, and the fulfilment of the conditions of the law "On freedom of conscience and religious organizations"

The ombudsman spoke about how citizens’ complaints on the issues of religious freedom are considered, and the measures being taken to protect the rights of convicts. The ombudsman gave comprehensive answers to the questions asked. The meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere.