A specialized center named 'Najot' is being established in the Samarkand region to facilitate necessary procedural actions for children who have allegedly suffered from violence, operating under secure conditions. According to official claims, the facility will involve psychologists, while interrogations and other investigative procedures will reportedly be recorded on audio and video. The new initiatives also purportedly involve training specialized attorneys to protect minors and integrating the social protection hotline with the unified 112 emergency response system. *

The 'Najot' center will operate under the Child Support and Social Integration Center of the National Agency for Social Protection without establishing a separate legal entity. Four staff positions have been allocated for its operation, with provisions to engage psychiatrists, educators, and rehabilitation specialists as deemed necessary. Starting October 20, the center is scheduled to conduct interrogations of minor victims, particularly in cases involving sexual violence and exploitation within the region. *

The procedures will reportedly be conducted by a specially trained prosecutor taking into account the conclusions of the center's psychologist. Legal representatives, defense attorneys, investigators, and social workers may also participate in the process. Strict confidentiality measures have been supposedly established, strictly prohibiting the storage of recordings outside the center, transferring them to third parties, or distributing them in any form. *

Furthermore, by the end of 2026, at least 10 attorneys in every region of Uzbekistan are planned to undergo specialized training programs based on international standards for working with children. Starting January 1, 2027, these attorneys will begin providing state-funded legal assistance to children recognized as victims or witnesses in criminal proceedings.

Source: podrobno.uz