Uzbekistan Senate Strengthens Protection of Women and Children

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of Uzbekistan has approved a law aimed at further strengthening guarantees of children’s rights and improving the protection system for women affected by harassment and violence.

The document, adopted during the Senate’s 15th plenary session, introduces amendments and additions to several legislative acts and continues the country’s policy of reinforcing legal mechanisms in the field of social protection.

During the discussions, senators noted that Uzbekistan has in recent years implemented consistent reforms aimed at enhancing human dignity and strengthening the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of women and children. The new law was described as a logical continuation of these reforms.

One of the key provisions of the document is the legal introduction of the concept of the “best interests of the child.” This principle is established as a priority criterion in all decisions concerning children. Relevant amendments to the Family Code grant children the right to freely express their opinions when issues affecting their interests within the family are considered.

The law also expands the powers of state bodies responsible for protecting women affected by harassment and violence. The National Agency for Social Protection is granted the right to file applications, complaints, and lawsuits in courts without paying state duties, as well as to participate in legal proceedings through authorized representatives.

The legislation further clarifies social guarantees for individuals placed in specialized assistance centers for victims of violence. It establishes that a stay of up to one month in such centers may serve as grounds for issuing temporary disability certificates.

Senators emphasized that the adoption of the law marks a new stage in strengthening the system for protecting the rights of women and children, while also promoting the principles of humanism and social justice in society. The law was approved by the Senate following the review.