Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law introducing amendments and additions to several legislative acts aimed at further strengthening the protection of children’s rights.

Under the amendments to the Law "On Guarantees of Children’s Rights," parents and legal guardians are granted the right to provide religious and moral education to their children in accordance with their beliefs.

At the same time, the law strictly prohibits the illegal involvement of children in religious education. This includes enrolling them in unregistered or unlicensed organizations, as well as placing them under the instruction of individuals who lack formal religious education and authorization from Uzbekistan’s central religious affairs authority.

Corresponding amendments have also been made to the Code of Administrative Responsibility. Parents or legal guardians found guilty of illegally involving a child in religious education will face a fine ranging from 5 to 10 sizes of the base estiated value (BEV).

For repeat offenses within a year after an administrative penalty has been imposed, stricter measures apply, including fines ranging from 10 to 15 BEV or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.

The adopted law takes effect upon its official publication.