Uzbek Senate Passes Legislation to Strengthen Child Rights

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved the Law "On Introducing Additions and Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the Child Social Protection System" during its 17th plenary session.

During the discussion, it was noted that systemic measures have been implemented in the country in recent years to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of children, protect them from all forms of violence, and establish a safe educational environment.

The law introduces administrative liability for the use of physical violence against minors during the upbringing and teaching processes in educational organizations, as well as for insulting children.

The document also provides for restrictions on engaging in pedagogical activities. Individuals held administratively liable for physical and or psychological violence against minors committed while performing pedagogical duties will be prohibited from working in preschool educational organizations for one year.

In addition, the law establishes that a father or mother cannot be exempted from the obligation to pay child alimony, even if the child is fully supported by a state or non-state institution.

Another amendment introduces a rule stipulating that orphans and children left without parental care can be placed into family care exclusively with their relatives.

According to the senators, the adopted changes are aimed at strengthening the legal guarantees for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of children, ensuring their dignity and inviolability, and improving the social protection system for minors.

Following the discussion, the law was approved by the Senate.