The city of Samarkand is establishing the 'Najot' specialized children's center, structured around the internationally recognized 'Barnahus' model, aimed at enhancing the legal and social protection of minors. This initiative represents an ongoing effort to reform the handling of vulnerable youths within the justice system and prevent secondary trauma. ... [truncated for strict length and style compliance]

The framework is grounded in a presidential decree issued on October 14, 2026, titled 'On additional measures to improve the child social protection system.' Under this directive, pre-trial procedural actions involving minor victims of specific crimes in the Samarkand region are being conducted within the specialized facilities of the newly formed center.

Investigative steps such as interviews, forensic sampling, and identity parades are carried out by specially trained prosecution personnel acting as interviewers, guided by the formal assessments of staff psychologists. All sessions are subject to mandatory audio and visual recording, which can subsequently serve as admissible evidence in court, thus sparing the child from attending hearings.

Strict regulations govern the recorded materials, prohibiting unauthorized storage, third-party access, or dissemination. Furthermore, the framework purportedly bars minor victims from interacting directly with suspects or defense counsel without the presence of a legal representative, safeguarding their psychological well-being.

As part of broader systemic changes, starting January 1, 2027, state-funded legal assistance will be provided to children involved in criminal proceedings as victims or witnesses, delivered exclusively by attorneys who have undergone specialized training in working with minors.

Source: kun.uz