Crucial law in Uzbekistan: Beating, humiliating, forcing a child to beg will result in punishment

The law approved by senators provides for the protection of children from all forms of violence, including the issuance of protection warrants for them.

In developing the law, the experience of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Georgia and other countries on ensuring the best interests of the child was studied. Also, representatives of the National Social Protection Agency, Ministry of Justice, UNICEF, Children's Ombudsman, Prosecutor General's Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of School Education, Ministry of Health and other authorities participated in its development and preparation for consideration by the parliament.

Almost all forms of child abuse are recognized by law. It is legally recognized that there are not only physical, sexual, and mental forms of violence, but also forms of neglect, exploitation, coercion, and bullying.

General and individual measures to prevent violence against children are being determined by the law.

In particular:

- issuing a protection order for a child victim of violence;
- taking the child away from the family and ensuring his safety, when cases of violence against the child by two close relatives of the parents, which endanger the child's life and health, are detected in the family;
- application of behavior correction measures to persons who commit violence or are prone to commit it, etc.

The law prohibits the use of corporal punishment, cruel or degrading treatment and types of punishment in raising a child. Parents may not abuse their children under any circumstances.

According to Regina Castillo, head of UNICEF's representative office in Uzbekistan, this law was an important step towards the protection of children's rights in Uzbekistan.

"This law provides comprehensive legal protection against abuse, discrimination and exploitation of children, and it protects the right of every child to grow up in a safe environment. In addition, the law fully complies with international conventions on children's rights and confirms that Uzbekistan is committed to protecting children everywhere - at home, at school and in society.

UNICEF is proud to have supported the development and adoption of this bill, and we will continue to work closely with the government to ensure its full implementation.

This law is not just a legal norm, but it is also an obligation for the future of the children of Uzbekistan, Regina Castillo says.

The representative of the National Agency of Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan noted that with the adoption of this law, the agency has a great responsibility and obligation:

"When a social worker receives information about violence, he immediately makes a comprehensive assessment of his life situation together with the guardianship and patronage bodies, the internal affairs body, and, if necessary, health departments; determines the risk factors that directly threaten his life and health.

It should be noted that the law defines "victim of violence" and "child at risk" separately. The social situation of the child is assessed based on the cooperation of the social worker and other officials. Based on the identified risk factors and their level, psychological, legal, medical and social assistance is provided to the child and his parents, which strengthens the family and helps to eliminate violence in his family.

However, if a child is seriously affected by violence and is found to be at high risk, measures will be taken to take him away from his parents who committed the violence in order to ensure his safety. Of course, this measure is a last resort, but the main goal is to protect the child from the risk of continued abuse in the future.

Identifying our children who are victims of or at risk of violence, and the support of the general public in the fight against violence without compromise is essential. First of all, everyone should remember that responsibility for violence is inevitable, that the sad consequences of violence can lead to an unforgivable end not only for the child, but also for the abuser himself," he says.

The representative added that in connection with the adoption of the law, many new regulatory legal documents will be developed that will regulate the protection of the child and measures aimed at changing the behavior of the abuser. A 24-hour helpline for children affected by violence will be established. Changes will be made to the Criminal Code, the Administrative Responsibility Code, which will strengthen the responsibility.