Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At the plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis held on October 2, the Law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the System for Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence” was considered and approved.
 

✅ Up to 25 years or life imprisonment
 

The Law introduces a punishment of up to 25 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment for committing sexual acts with a person under the age of 14, as well as for satisfying sexual needs against such a person by force in an unnatural manner.
 

In addition, statutes of limitation for prosecution and enforcement of sentences do not apply to especially serious crimes committed against the sexual inviolability of children.
 

Conditional sentencing and early conditional release from punishment are completely prohibited for intentional crimes resulting in the death of a child.

✅ Free legal assistance and recording of investigative proceedings
 

A system is being introduced to provide free qualified legal assistance at the expense of the state to children who have suffered from sexual violence or witnessed it, from the first moments they are involved in procedural actions.
 

The interrogation of minors who have suffered from violence is to be recorded on video. A special procedure is being established for confrontations between a child who is a victim of a crime against sexual freedom and a suspect, accused person or defendant, while a confrontation between a child victim and the accused may be conducted only on the basis of a decision by an investigator, prosecutor or court ruling.
 

If the violence was committed by family members or close relatives, the participation of a representative of the guardianship and trusteeship authority in the procedural proceedings is made mandatory.

✅ Employees of educational institutions may be dismissed for violence
 

According to the amendment to the Labour Code, the employment contract of an employee of an educational organization who is responsible for educating and teaching children may be terminated at the employer’s initiative if the employee has been held accountable for committing violence against a child. Such persons will be restricted from working with children in the future.
 

At the same time, administrative liability measures are being strengthened for parents’ failure to care for children, deliberate failure to meet their basic needs, violation of legislation on the marriageable age, as well as failure to protect children from information that may harm their health.
 

To ensure that women and children who have experienced pressure and violence do not hesitate to seek help out of fear of repeated violence, a procedure is being introduced whereby, at their request, written or electronic responses will not be sent to their place of residence.
 

“This will help prevent further escalation of family conflicts and repeated acts of violence,” the senator said.

Source: @Rasmiy_axborot_official