Uzbekistan Approves Major Social Protection Reform

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed and approved a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at improving the country’s social protection system, expanding access to social services, and strengthening the legal framework in this area.

The country is continuing a large-scale transformation of its social support system, focused on targeted and transparent assistance, digitalization of services, and the introduction of proactive support mechanisms.

Particular attention is being paid to people with disabilities, individuals requiring constant care, families raising children with disabilities, women affected by harassment and violence, and the development of the social services sector with private sector participation.

During the presentation, proposals were discussed to reform social services for persons with mental disorders. The objective is to ensure their full integration into society and to create care conditions as close as possible to a family environment, including support for caregiving families.

According to the proposals, by June 1, 2026, the country plans to gradually introduce an “Early Intervention” service for children aged 0 to 3 with developmental disorders. The service will include corrective pedagogical assistance, speech and physical development programs, and will be delivered by specialized professionals through non-governmental organizations via a dedicated electronic registry.

Costs for additional medical examinations and surgical operations for children with congenital anatomical defects will be covered by the State Health Insurance Fund.

New social services for persons with Group I and II disabilities and mental disorders are also set to be introduced in 2026. These include daytime care services under the “Yangi Kun” program, home-based care, small-group support housing under the “Madad” model, and short-term placement services referred to as “social respite.”

These measures are designed to promote independent living skills, social adaptation, and family support.

The services will be implemented through public-private partnerships involving non-governmental organizations. In 2026, coverage is expected to reach up to 8,300 individuals, with around 600 organizations and entrepreneurs involved. Funding will be provided through subsidies from the State Social Protection Fund.

From September 1, 2026, a monthly caregiver allowance will be introduced for legal guardians of individuals over 18 with profound intellectual disabilities.

The powers of “Inson” social service centers will also be expanded. Their representatives will participate in guardianship and trusteeship commissions and conduct ongoing monitoring of beneficiaries’ rights and property protection.

A separate reform track предусматривает transformation of “Muruvvat” residential institutions into “Gamhurlik” centers focused on social adaptation, life skills development, labor and creative therapy, and family-like living conditions.

Legislative improvements include strengthening liability for discrimination based on disability, expanding access to court decisions for persons with disabilities, and enhancing targeted service delivery through the Unified Social Registry.

Additional measures under consideration include tax incentives for day-care centers supporting children with disabilities, expansion of such services through 2030, and broadening eligibility for free public transport to include persons with Group I disabilities and their caregivers.

In the area of protecting women and children, the reforms предусматривают stronger measures against violence, introduction of new liabilities for crimes related to child pornography, and improvements in procedures for questioning minors and safeguarding their rights in the judicial system.

Projects tailored to the specific needs of the Jizzakh region were also presented. Following the review, the president approved the proposed measures and signed the relevant legislative acts.