UNITED NATIONS CERD International Convention On the Elimination Of all Forms of Racial Discrimination Distr. GENERAL CERD/C/UZB/CO/5 4 April 2006 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Sixty-eighth session 20 February- 10 March 2006 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination UZBEKISTAN 1. The Committee considered the third to fifth periodic reports of Uzbekistan, due respectively from 1996 to 2004, submitted as one document (CERD/C/463/Add.2), at its 1743rd and 1744th meetings (CERD/C/SR.1743 and 1744), held on 28 February and 1 March 2006. At its 1754th meeting (CERD/C/SR.1754), held on 8 March 2006, it adopted the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the comprehensive report submitted in due time by the Sta te Party, which was drafted in accordance with the guidelines for the preparation of reports, and with contributions from some NGOs. The continuation of an open and constructive dialogue with the State Party is equally welcomed. More information should be provided, however, on the practical implementation of the Convention. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee welcomes the wide range of information provided by the delegation on many aspects, and especially takes note that following a reform of the institution, the Parliament’s Ombudsman (with a mandate to receive individual complaints), reports to both Chambers of Parliament and has gained in independence. GE.06-41184