The key facts

  • The law amends 5 codes and 6 laws; for sexual violence against children under 14 — up to 25 years or life imprisonment with no statute of limitations
  • For an intentional crime resulting in a child's death — no mitigations: neither a suspended sentence nor parole
  • The bill was initiated by the Adolat Social Democratic Party faction; sources differ on the dates of its passage through parliament

Signing of the law

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law aimed at improving the system of protecting children from all forms of violence and tightening liability for violent acts against minors. This was reported by the head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva. The document provides for amendments and additions to five codes and six laws. According to Darakchi.uz, Mirziyoyeva did not specify when the law will enter into force, whereas UPL.uz claims that after the president's signature the law has entered into force.

Key provisions

Under the law, persons who commit sexual violence against a child under 14 years of age face imprisonment for up to 25 years or life imprisonment. For such crimes, statutes of limitations for prosecution and for execution of the sentence will not apply. Persons who commit an intentional crime resulting in a child's death will not be able to count on a suspended sentence or parole. Liability has also been increased for causing children physical or mental suffering — including for employees of educational institutions and close relatives.

Protection of child victims

The law provides additional guarantees for children who have suffered violence: their interrogations will be recorded on video, a face-to-face confrontation with the accused may be conducted only by decision of the investigation, the prosecutor or the court, and from the start of proceedings the child will be provided with a state-appointed lawyer. It will also become possible to terminate employment contracts with employees of educational and upbringing institutions who have committed violence against children, and administrative penalties are being tightened for inadequate parental care, sexual harassment and other violations of minors' rights.

Statements and passage through parliament

Saida Mirziyoyeva wrote: "Everyone who causes harm and pain to a child will bear responsibility: from employees of educational institutions to relatives who committed violence. For any crime that results in a child's death, there will be no mitigations whatsoever." She also noted that "a child's safety cannot depend on circumstances" and that anyone who encroaches on the life, health and dignity of children will not escape severe punishment. According to Daryo.uz, the bill was developed on the initiative of the Adolat Social Democratic Party faction and submitted to the Legislative Chamber on September 27, adopted at first reading on September 29, at second reading on September 30, and the Senate approved it on October 2. UzNews.uz gives different dates: submission to parliament on September 28 and Senate approval on December 2; the outlet also notes that the document provides new procedural guarantees for minors and restrictions on working with children for persons held liable for violence.