Uzbekistan Approves 2026–2030 Strategy for Protecting Children from Violence

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree “On the Approval of the Strategy for Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence for 2026–2030,” aimed at establishing a national system of zero tolerance for violence against children and ensuring reliable protection of their rights and legitimate interests.

The document has been adopted to ensure the effective implementation of the Law “On the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence” and provides for a comprehensive set of institutional, legal, and social measures. The decree notes that Uzbekistan has joined the Bogota Call to Action and become a member of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.

The Strategy for Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence for 2026–2030 has been approved, along with a program of priority measures for its implementation in 2026–2027. The primary focus is on preventing violence, early identification of risks, protection of affected children, and family rehabilitation.

From February 1, 2026, a professional foster care service will be introduced in the country for children removed from families due to violence or living in socially dangerous conditions. Such foster families will undergo specialized training in social rehabilitation programs aimed at mitigating the effects of psychological trauma in children.

Placement of children in professional foster families will be carried out on a contractual basis through the “Inson” social service centers, and expenses for care and accommodation will be reimbursed from the State Social Protection Fund.

At the same time, the phased creation of compact social support centers for children in need of protection will begin. Initially, such centers will open in Kashkadarya, Navoi, and Khorezm regions, and by the end of 2026, in all regions of the country. For children affected by sexual violence, temporary placement in regional women’s rehabilitation centers is envisaged, provided they are housed separately.

From September 1, 2026, children who have experienced violence or witnessed it will be guaranteed free legal assistance at the state’s expense from the moment of their participation in procedural actions. In the investigation and court proceedings of cases of violence against children, the participation of guardianship authorities will be mandatory. To prevent re-traumatization, children’s testimonies will be recorded on video, and administrative liability will be introduced for educational, medical, and social institution staff who fail to report identified cases of violence.

The decree also provides for structural reforms in the child social protection system. Specifically, the system of specialized educational institutions for boys and girls will be abolished, and a Child Support and Social Integration Center will be established on their basis, with regional branches in several provinces. Additionally, from March 2026, the “Mehrli Oila” (Caring Family) service will operate within the “Inson” centers, focusing on restoring family relationships and providing free psychological support to parents.

Special attention is given to education. Children in socially dangerous situations will be able to attend specialized educational institutions free of charge by the decision of child affairs commissions. Ministries and agencies will be required to allocate up to 5 percent of annual admission quotas for such children.

In the field of digitalization, a unified electronic platform within the “Unified National Social Protection” system is planned. This platform will enable interagency data exchange, record all cases of violence against children, and monitor measures taken. It will be integrated with government information systems and the emergency response service “112.”