Uzbekistan Introduces Strict Child Protection Laws and Expanded Disability Support
Uzbekistan is set to implement sweeping legislative changes aimed at bolstering child protection and increasing state support for vulnerable families. The new initiatives, recently presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outline a dual approach focusing on digital safety and comprehensive care for children with disabilities.
According to the press service of the children’s ombudsman, the republic will introduce targeted punishments for the possession of child pornography with the intent to distribute. First-time offenders will face administrative charges, while any repeat offences will automatically trigger criminal liability.
The state is also toughening the penalties for any depraved or predatory acts directed at minors under the age of 16 on the internet and social media platforms.
Furthermore, the justice system is reforming how it interacts with vulnerable youth. To protect the psychological wellbeing of young victims and witnesses, it will now be mandatory for a legal representative to be present during any police interrogations. Authorities will also place strict time limits on conversations between investigators and children to minimise trauma.
Sweeping reforms for special needs care
Alongside the tightened criminal codes, the government is introducing robust medical and financial support mechanisms for families raising children with disabilities.
A specialised early intervention programme for infants and toddlers up to three years old who experience developmental disorders is scheduled to launch by the summer of 2026. For children born with congenital anatomical defects, the financial burden on parents will be drastically reduced as the State Medical Insurance Fund will now fully cover the costs of all additional medical examinations and necessary surgical procedures.
The state is also moving away from institutionalised care models. Traditional «Muruvvat» boarding schools will be gradually reformatted and rebranded into modern «Zabota» (Care) centres.
To provide direct financial relief to parents of special needs children between the ages of three and 18, the government is introducing targeted tax breaks. If a family utilises the services of a day care centre, up to three million soums of their monthly earnings will be completely exempt from income tax.
This financial incentive is intended to help families manage care costs while simultaneously encouraging the establishment of more day care facilities across the country.
