Uzbekistan has significantly increased penalties for crimes against minors, introducing sentences of up to 25 years or life imprisonment for sexual violence against children under the age of 14. The relevant legislation, which amends five codes and six laws, was signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as reported by Saida Mirziyoyev, Head of the Presidential Administration.

Under the new legal framework, statute of limitations will no longer apply to such grave offenses. Furthermore, individuals convicted of intentional crimes resulting in the death of a child are now completely barred from receiving suspended sentences or early parole. The measures represent a stringent legislative response to mounting public concern over child safety. The new statute also introduces comprehensive safeguards for minor victims of abuse. Witness interrogations involving children must now be video-recorded to mitigate the risk of secondary psychological trauma, while face-to-face confrontations between the child and the accused are restricted and permitted only by order of authorized officials or a court of law.

In addition, the state will provide free legal representation to victimized children from the earliest stages of criminal proceedings. Stricter employment regulations have also been established, providing clear legal grounds to terminate the contracts of educational and childcare personnel found guilty of abusing minors.

Alongside criminal reforms, authorities have stepped up administrative liability for improper childcare, sexual harassment, violations of the legal marriage age, and failures to protect children from harmful media content. These developments underscore ongoing societal challenges regarding child protection within the country.

Source: podrobno.uz