In accordance with a recent presidential decree, authorities in Uzbekistan are implementing a specialized framework to enhance the protection of minors and prevent secondary trauma during legal proceedings. A dedicated child support center named 'Najot' is being established in the city of Samarkand based on the internationally recognized Barnahus model, aimed at handling vulnerable young victims within a controlled, child-sensitive environment.

Beginning October 20, 2026, investigative interviews and procedural actions involving minor victims of specific severe offenses—including sexual crimes and related human trafficking cases—will be conducted exclusively within the specialized facilities of the Najot center. The interrogations are designed to be carried out by specially trained prosecutors acting as interviewers, accompanied by psychologists, social workers, and legal representatives. All proceedings are subject to mandatory audio and video recording, which can be admitted as legal evidence in court to spare the child from testifying repeatedly.

Furthermore, starting January 1, 2027, children involved in criminal cases as victims or witnesses will be provided with state-funded legal assistance from attorneys who have undergone specialized child-handling training. The Ministry of Justice and the Chamber of Lawyers are tasked with maintaining a dedicated registry of qualified defenders, prioritizing female advocates, with plans to train at least 10 lawyers from each regional jurisdiction by the end of 2026.

The operational framework of the center is financed through the State Social Protection Fund and other legal sources, alongside the integration of a round-the-clock helpline (1246) with the national 112 emergency dispatch system. Implementation and oversight of the decree's execution have been officially delegated to high-ranking enforcement and governmental officials.

Source: www.gazeta.uz