Uzbekistan Urged to Strengthen Women and Child Protection by Saida Mirziyoyeva

Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of Uzbekistan’s presidential administration, held a meeting with officials responsible for protecting the rights of women and children. She urged authorities to move beyond words and take real action.

Uzbekistan was the first Central Asian country to adopt a law against domestic violence. The country has also increased penalties for sexual crimes against children.

«But we cannot stop here. We need an effective system to respond quickly to cases of violence,» she said.

Mirziyoyeva also highlighted that the true extent of violence is often hidden.

«Often the real situation is not visible. Many cases are concealed. We still fear statistics, accountability, and looking bad in the eyes of others. Criticism is not always accepted,» she said.

Amendments to Uzbekistan’s legislation protecting women and children were passed in spring 2023. Domestic and international experts, along with civil society representatives, took part in drafting the laws. A year later, a law was adopted to protect young people in Uzbekistan from all forms of violence.