The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan was adopted on December 8, 1992. On April 24, 2003 some amendments and addenda were introduced into it. It has been worked out based on the experience of developed countries. Thus, it appeared to have reflected the will and spirit of the people of this land, its public consciousness and level of culture. Constitution has imbibed fundamental ideas and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Constitution of 1992 consists of 6 sections that include 26 chapters, and 128 articles. Its distinctive feature is that, that it has ensured the accountability of state bodies and authorities before public, that is, the priority of interests of each citizen has been legally maintained and further guaranteed.
The citizenship of the Republic of Uzbekistan, no matter how it is obtained, is fully equivalent for all. It allows for each person to fully participate in economic, political, legal, and cultural spheres of life in the country. Moreover, it obliges with some duties. Naturally, the state is obliged to protect the interests and freedoms of Uzbek citizens on its territory and abroad. The citizens of Uzbekistan regardless of their origin, race, nationality, and other, are equal. Constitution guarantees respect towards language, customs and traditions of all nationalities and peoples who are the citizens of Uzbekistan.
The structure of state power
People govern the state directly or through their elected representatives. Participation by people in the state administration is defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and secured by special laws. In this regard, the referendum is an important political event. It is, in other words - voting by the people, is held on the most important issues of state and society, for instance, while adopting the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and other resolutions, or amending them. The way of holding referenda is defined by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan" of November 18, 1991. Decisions, taken as a result of referenda bear the supreme legal power on the territory of Uzbekistan, and may be amended or canceled only by way of referenda. Elections to Kengashs (Councils) of people's deputies, national discussion of the most important issues, meetings of voters, early recall of people's deputies, and others are examples of how people may directly participate in the state administration. Certain laws also define rules of their holding.
People administer the state through deputies whom they elect to Oliy Majlis (national parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kengashs (Councils) of people's deputies of viloyats (provinces), tumans(districts), and towns. Only those elected to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan can act on behalf of the people.
The main principle of the state power is state sovereignty. The state sovereignty means full independence in carrying out domestic and foreign policies. According to Article 15 of Constitution, the absolute supremacy of Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan are recognized. The state, its bodies, officials, public organizations, and citizens act in line with Constitution and laws.
The separation of the state power is another fundamental principle. According to Article 11, the state power in Uzbekistan is separated to legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a legislative branch of power. It consists of two chambers - the Legislative chamber (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a head of the state as well as executive branch of power. President stands as a guarantor of citizen's rights and liberties, Constitution, and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Judiciary is independent from legislative and executive branches, political parties, and other public organizations. It consists of Constitutional, Supreme, and Supreme Economic Courts of the Republic o
Constitution of 1992 consists of 6 sections that include 26 chapters, and 128 articles. Its distinctive feature is that, that it has ensured the accountability of state bodies and authorities before public, that is, the priority of interests of each citizen has been legally maintained and further guaranteed.
The citizenship of the Republic of Uzbekistan, no matter how it is obtained, is fully equivalent for all. It allows for each person to fully participate in economic, political, legal, and cultural spheres of life in the country. Moreover, it obliges with some duties. Naturally, the state is obliged to protect the interests and freedoms of Uzbek citizens on its territory and abroad. The citizens of Uzbekistan regardless of their origin, race, nationality, and other, are equal. Constitution guarantees respect towards language, customs and traditions of all nationalities and peoples who are the citizens of Uzbekistan.
The structure of state power
People govern the state directly or through their elected representatives. Participation by people in the state administration is defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and secured by special laws. In this regard, the referendum is an important political event. It is, in other words - voting by the people, is held on the most important issues of state and society, for instance, while adopting the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and other resolutions, or amending them. The way of holding referenda is defined by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan" of November 18, 1991. Decisions, taken as a result of referenda bear the supreme legal power on the territory of Uzbekistan, and may be amended or canceled only by way of referenda. Elections to Kengashs (Councils) of people's deputies, national discussion of the most important issues, meetings of voters, early recall of people's deputies, and others are examples of how people may directly participate in the state administration. Certain laws also define rules of their holding.
People administer the state through deputies whom they elect to Oliy Majlis (national parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Kengashs (Councils) of people's deputies of viloyats (provinces), tumans(districts), and towns. Only those elected to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan can act on behalf of the people.
The main principle of the state power is state sovereignty. The state sovereignty means full independence in carrying out domestic and foreign policies. According to Article 15 of Constitution, the absolute supremacy of Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan are recognized. The state, its bodies, officials, public organizations, and citizens act in line with Constitution and laws.
The separation of the state power is another fundamental principle. According to Article 11, the state power in Uzbekistan is separated to legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a legislative branch of power. It consists of two chambers - the Legislative chamber (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a head of the state as well as executive branch of power. President stands as a guarantor of citizen's rights and liberties, Constitution, and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Judiciary is independent from legislative and executive branches, political parties, and other public organizations. It consists of Constitutional, Supreme, and Supreme Economic Courts of the Republic o
f Uzbekistan, the Supreme, and Economic Courts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, elected for a five-year term, military and economic courts of provinces, city of Tashkent, districts and towns, appointed for the same term.
On its state structure, the Republic of Uzbekistan is a unitary state. The Article 70, the Section IV of Constitution on the administrative-territorial division, stipulates that the sovereign Republic of Karakalpakstan is a part of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Article 71 provides that Republic of Karakalpakstan has its own Constitution. The laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan are binding on the entire territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan (Article 72). The relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan are regulated with treaties and agreements reached within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On its state structure, the Republic of Uzbekistan is a unitary state. The Article 70, the Section IV of Constitution on the administrative-territorial division, stipulates that the sovereign Republic of Karakalpakstan is a part of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Article 71 provides that Republic of Karakalpakstan has its own Constitution. The laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan are binding on the entire territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan (Article 72). The relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan are regulated with treaties and agreements reached within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan
PREAMBLE
The people of Uzbekistan,
solemnly declaring their adherence to human rights and principles of state sovereignty,
aware of their ultimate responsibility to the present and the future generations,
relying on historical experience in the development of Uzbek statehood,
affirming their commitment to the ideals of democracy and social justice,
recognizing priority of the generally accepted norms of the international law,
aspiring to a worthy life for the citizens of the Republic,
setting forth the task of creating a humane and democratic rule of law,
aiming to ensure civil peace and national accord, represented by their plenipotentiary deputies adopt the present Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
PART ONE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Chapter 1. State Sovereignty
Article 1.
Uzbekistan is a sovereign democratic republic. Both names of the state - the Republic of Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan - shall be equivalent.
Article 2.
The state shall express the will of the people and serve their interests. State bodies and officials shall be accountable to the society and the citizens.
Article 3.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall determine its national-state and administrative-territorial structure, its structure of state authority and administration, and shall pursue independent home and foreign policies.
The state frontier and the territory of Uzbekistan shall be inviolable and indivisible.
Article 4.
The state language of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be Uzbek. The Republic of Uzbekistan shall ensure a respectful attitude toward the languages, customs and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups living on its territory, and create the conditions necessary for their development.
Article 5.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall have its state symbols - the flag, the emblem, and the anthem-sanctioned by the law.
Article 6.
The capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be the city of Tashkent.
PREAMBLE
The people of Uzbekistan,
solemnly declaring their adherence to human rights and principles of state sovereignty,
aware of their ultimate responsibility to the present and the future generations,
relying on historical experience in the development of Uzbek statehood,
affirming their commitment to the ideals of democracy and social justice,
recognizing priority of the generally accepted norms of the international law,
aspiring to a worthy life for the citizens of the Republic,
setting forth the task of creating a humane and democratic rule of law,
aiming to ensure civil peace and national accord, represented by their plenipotentiary deputies adopt the present Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
PART ONE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Chapter 1. State Sovereignty
Article 1.
Uzbekistan is a sovereign democratic republic. Both names of the state - the Republic of Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan - shall be equivalent.
Article 2.
The state shall express the will of the people and serve their interests. State bodies and officials shall be accountable to the society and the citizens.
Article 3.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall determine its national-state and administrative-territorial structure, its structure of state authority and administration, and shall pursue independent home and foreign policies.
The state frontier and the territory of Uzbekistan shall be inviolable and indivisible.
Article 4.
The state language of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be Uzbek. The Republic of Uzbekistan shall ensure a respectful attitude toward the languages, customs and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups living on its territory, and create the conditions necessary for their development.
Article 5.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall have its state symbols - the flag, the emblem, and the anthem-sanctioned by the law.
Article 6.
The capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be the city of Tashkent.
Chapter 2. Democracy
Article 7.
The people are the sole source of state power. State power in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be exercised in the interests of the people and solely by the bodies empowered therefore by the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the laws passed on its basis. Any seizure of powers belonging to state authority, suspension or termination of activity of the bodies of state authority contrary to the procedure prescribed by the Constitution, as well as the formation of any new or parallel bodies of state authority shall be regarded as unconstitutional and punishable by law.
Article 8.
All citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regardless of their nationality, constitute the people of Uzbekistan.
Article 9.
Major matters of public and state life shall be submitted for a nation-wide discussion and put to a direct vote of the people (a referendum). The procedure for holding referendums shall be specified by law.
Article 10.
The Oily Majlis (Supreme Assembly) and President of the Republic, elected by the people, shall have the exclusive right to act on behalf of the people. No section of society, political party, public association, movement or individual shall have the right to act on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan.
Article 11.
The principle of the separation of power between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities shall underlie the system of state authority in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Article 12.
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, public life shall develop on the basis of a diversity of political institutions, ideologies and opinions. No ideology shall be granted the status of state ideology.
Article 13.
Democracy in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall rest on the principles common to all mankind, according to which the ultimate value is the human being, his life, freedom, honour, dignity and other inalienable rights. Democratic rights and freedoms shall be protected by the Constitution and the laws.
Article 14.
The state shall function on the principles of social justice and legality in the interests of the people and society.
Article 7.
The people are the sole source of state power. State power in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be exercised in the interests of the people and solely by the bodies empowered therefore by the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the laws passed on its basis. Any seizure of powers belonging to state authority, suspension or termination of activity of the bodies of state authority contrary to the procedure prescribed by the Constitution, as well as the formation of any new or parallel bodies of state authority shall be regarded as unconstitutional and punishable by law.
Article 8.
All citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regardless of their nationality, constitute the people of Uzbekistan.
Article 9.
Major matters of public and state life shall be submitted for a nation-wide discussion and put to a direct vote of the people (a referendum). The procedure for holding referendums shall be specified by law.
Article 10.
The Oily Majlis (Supreme Assembly) and President of the Republic, elected by the people, shall have the exclusive right to act on behalf of the people. No section of society, political party, public association, movement or individual shall have the right to act on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan.
Article 11.
The principle of the separation of power between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities shall underlie the system of state authority in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Article 12.
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, public life shall develop on the basis of a diversity of political institutions, ideologies and opinions. No ideology shall be granted the status of state ideology.
Article 13.
Democracy in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall rest on the principles common to all mankind, according to which the ultimate value is the human being, his life, freedom, honour, dignity and other inalienable rights. Democratic rights and freedoms shall be protected by the Constitution and the laws.
Article 14.
The state shall function on the principles of social justice and legality in the interests of the people and society.
Chapter 3. Supremacy of the Constitution and the Law
Article 15.
The Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have absolute supremacy in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The state, its bodies, officials, public associations and citizens shall act in accordance with the Constitution and the laws.
Article 16.
None of the provisions of the present Constitution shall be interpreted in a way detrimental to the rights and interests of the Republic of Uzbekistan. None of the laws or normative legal acts shall run counter to the norms and principles established by the Constitution.
Chapter 4. Foreign Policy
Article 17.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall have full rights in international relations. Its foreign policy shall be based on the principles of sovereign equality of the states, non-use of force or threat of its use, inviolability of frontiers, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and other universally recognized norms of international law.
The Republic may form alliances, join or withdraw from unions and other inter-state organizations proceeding from the ultimate interests of the state and the people, their well-being and security.
PART TWO
BASIC HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND DUTIES
Chapter 5. General Provisions
Article 18.
All citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have equal rights and freedoms, and shall be equal before the law, without discrimination by sex, race, nationality, language, religion, social origin, convictions, individual and social status.
Any privileges may be granted solely by the law and shall conform to the principles of social justice.
Article 19.
Both citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the state shall be bound by mutual rights and mutual responsibility. Citizens’ rights and freedoms, established by the Constitution and the laws, shall be inalienable. No one shall have the power to deny a citizen his rights and freedoms, or to infringe on them except by the sentence of a court.
Article 20.
The exercise of rights and freedoms by a citizen shall not encroach on the lawful interests, rights and freedoms of other citizens, the state or society.
Chapter 6. Citizenship
Article 21.
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, uniform citizenship shall be established throughout its territory.
Citizenship in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be equal for all regardless of the grounds of its acquisition.
Every citizen of the Republic of Karakalpakstan shall be a citizen of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The grounds and procedure for acquiring and forfeiting citizenship shall be defined by law.
Article 22.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall guarantee legal protection to all its citizens both on the territory of the republic and abroad.
Article 23.
Foreign citizens and stateless persons, during their stay on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shall be guaranteed the rights and freedoms in accordance with the norms of international law.
They shall perform the duties established by the Constitution, laws, and international agreements signed by the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Article 15.
The Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have absolute supremacy in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The state, its bodies, officials, public associations and citizens shall act in accordance with the Constitution and the laws.
Article 16.
None of the provisions of the present Constitution shall be interpreted in a way detrimental to the rights and interests of the Republic of Uzbekistan. None of the laws or normative legal acts shall run counter to the norms and principles established by the Constitution.
Chapter 4. Foreign Policy
Article 17.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall have full rights in international relations. Its foreign policy shall be based on the principles of sovereign equality of the states, non-use of force or threat of its use, inviolability of frontiers, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and other universally recognized norms of international law.
The Republic may form alliances, join or withdraw from unions and other inter-state organizations proceeding from the ultimate interests of the state and the people, their well-being and security.
PART TWO
BASIC HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND DUTIES
Chapter 5. General Provisions
Article 18.
All citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have equal rights and freedoms, and shall be equal before the law, without discrimination by sex, race, nationality, language, religion, social origin, convictions, individual and social status.
Any privileges may be granted solely by the law and shall conform to the principles of social justice.
Article 19.
Both citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the state shall be bound by mutual rights and mutual responsibility. Citizens’ rights and freedoms, established by the Constitution and the laws, shall be inalienable. No one shall have the power to deny a citizen his rights and freedoms, or to infringe on them except by the sentence of a court.
Article 20.
The exercise of rights and freedoms by a citizen shall not encroach on the lawful interests, rights and freedoms of other citizens, the state or society.
Chapter 6. Citizenship
Article 21.
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, uniform citizenship shall be established throughout its territory.
Citizenship in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be equal for all regardless of the grounds of its acquisition.
Every citizen of the Republic of Karakalpakstan shall be a citizen of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The grounds and procedure for acquiring and forfeiting citizenship shall be defined by law.
Article 22.
The Republic of Uzbekistan shall guarantee legal protection to all its citizens both on the territory of the republic and abroad.
Article 23.
Foreign citizens and stateless persons, during their stay on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shall be guaranteed the rights and freedoms in accordance with the norms of international law.
They shall perform the duties established by the Constitution, laws, and international agreements signed by the Republic of Uzbekistan.