Children who are victims or witnesses of violence in Uzbekistan will be entitled to state-funded legal assistance, including in criminal cases involving sexual violence, under a law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The law amends the legislation on state-funded legal aid, granting children the right to receive legal assistance from the moment they become involved in relevant procedural actions.
Under amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, lawyers providing state-funded legal assistance must participate in criminal cases involving sexual violence against minors to protect the interests of child victims and witnesses.
The law also requires a representative of the guardianship and trusteeship authority to participate in all investigative and court proceedings when a minor is allegedly subjected to a crime by their parents, adoptive parents, guardians, trustees or other relatives.
In addition, educational organizations will be allowed to terminate employment contracts with employees who have been held legally liable for committing violence against children.
The law will enter into force on the date of its official publication.
The legislation also introduces stricter penalties for certain sexual crimes against children under the age of 14. Under Parts Four of Articles 118 and 119 of the Criminal Code, offenders face 15 to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment.
The amendments aim to strengthen safeguards for children affected by violence and improve their access to legal protection throughout criminal proceedings.