Proprietary Rights Guaranteed in Uzbekistan: A Legal Milestone for Development

In Uzbekistan, significant strides have been taken over the past five years to fortify private property rights and bolster their legal protection. The commitment to prioritizing private property is evident through the adoption of various laws, culminating in the "Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026," a sequel to the Action Strategy.

Embedded within the document is a crucial emphasis on justice and the rule of law as fundamental prerequisites for the country's development. A series of essential objectives have been outlined, with a primary focus on ensuring the reliable protection of property rights, curbing unauthorized state interference in property relations, and reinforcing guarantees for private property.

Key goals include the unconditional provision of property rights, especially concerning land plots, establishing private property as a paramount principle, and introducing a protective system for individuals who acquire property based on official state information.

In a pivotal move towards safeguarding property rights, the draft Constitution, currently under active consideration, stipulates that no one can be deprived of their home without a court decision. Furthermore, the Constitution guarantees compensation for owners who have lost their homes, ensuring fair valuation and reparations as per the law's stipulated procedures.

The incorporation of such a provision in the constitution is poised to significantly elevate the well-being of the population, foster entrepreneurship, and legally fortify ownership relations. The ongoing constitutional reforms will solidify legislative frameworks governing citizens' property rights, with a particular focus on reinforcing norms that guarantee housing rights for the population.

Noteworthy is the meticulous preparation of the draft Constitution, which incorporates the opinions and suggestions of the Uzbek people alongside a comprehensive study of international legal documents and the experiences of more than 190 countries.

In Uzbekistan, the commitment to ensuring the inviolability of private property, protecting it from external threats, and creating a conducive environment for its preservation and growth reflects a pivotal criterion for a legal democratic state and a thriving civil society.

Avazbek Kholbekov,

Expert of the Development Strategy Center