A presidential decree “On improving the system of providing preschool education services to children of convicted women serving sentences in penal institutions” has been adopted in Uzbekistan. According to the decree, starting December 1 this year, special state preschool educational organizations called “Mother and Child Center” will be established at the Children’s Home at correctional colony No. 21 under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as at colony-settlement No. 42. These centers will accept children up to three years old. The special preschool educational organizations will organize round-the-clock groups designed to accommodate up to five children. In addition, necessary conditions will be created for the residence of pupils, their medical care, as well as development and upbringing taking into account age characteristics. The decree aims to maintain the bond between convicted women and their children, ensure full development of children, and facilitate the resocialization of mothers.
Key Takeaways: Starting December 1, Mother and Child Centers will open at colony No. 21 and colony-settlement No. 42; children up to 3 years old will be admitted; groups will operate round-the-clock for up to 5 children; the Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Social Protection will monitor conditions.
This decree is a continuation of Uzbekistan’s policy of humanizing and liberalizing the penitentiary system in recent years. Previously, children of convicted women were often separated from their mothers after birth or handed over to relatives. This could negatively affect the child’s psychological development. The new centers will allow mothers to keep their children with them, which is important for the child’s full development and the mother’s resocialization. It is also a step towards protecting children’s rights and fulfilling Uzbekistan’s international obligations. In recent years, the country has adopted a number of legislative acts aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, including the law “On guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for women and men,” and has ratified international conventions on the rights of the child.
According to the decree, correctional colony No. 21 and colony-settlement No. 42 will provide pupils with food, clothing, footwear, and soft inventory in accordance with the norms established by legislation for children’s home pupils. The Ministry of Health will ensure timely vaccination and medical checkups of the pupils. The National Agency for Social Protection will conduct quarterly monitoring of the conditions created for children and their mothers. These measures will ensure a comprehensive approach to children’s health and development. In addition, the administration of the colonies will control the daily routine, nutrition, and hygiene of the children. The centers are planned to have play areas, medical rooms, and sleeping quarters.
The new centers are scheduled to begin operations on December 1 this year. In the future, this experience may be extended to other correctional institutions. The responsible agencies will continue work to ensure the implementation of the decree and create a safe environment for children. It is expected that such initiatives by the Uzbek government will have a positive impact on the social rehabilitation of convicted women and the healthy upbringing of their children.
Source: www.uznews.uz