Uzbekistan Senate Approves New Law on Social Work

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved the Law on Social Work during its 17th plenary session. The law establishes the legal foundations for organizing the social work system, defines the powers of state bodies, and regulates the provision of social services and public assistance.

During the discussion, it was noted that the ongoing reforms in the country have strengthened the population's social protection system, consolidated it into a single structure, expanded the list of social services, and improved the quality of their delivery.

According to the law, the social work system will operate within the healthcare, education, social protection, and employment sectors, as well as within the judicial, law enforcement, and penal systems.

The National Agency for Social Protection has been designated as the specially authorized state body in the field of social work.

The document also delineates the powers of the Cabinet of Ministers, executive authorities, and local executive bodies in this sector. Furthermore, the law establishes the participation of citizens' self-government bodies, non-governmental non-profit organizations, business entities, and individuals in providing social support.

The law regulates the types of social services and social assistance, the locations where they are provided, the categories of entities providing these services, and the procedure for recognizing citizens and families as needing social protection. It also defines the grounds for appointing and terminating social assistance, alongside the funding sources for these activities.

Specific provisions of the document are dedicated to the legal status of social workers, their social protection measures, and restrictions related to their professional activities.

According to the senators, the adoption of this law will allow for the formation of a comprehensive social work system, regulate relations in this area, and increase the effectiveness of social support for vulnerable categories of the population.

Following the discussion, the Law on Social Work was approved by the Senate.