Uzbekistan's President Signs Decree to Strengthen Protection of Women and Children

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan has signed a decree establishing a comprehensive framework for protecting the rights of women and children. The document outlines a state policy aimed at preventing early marriages, combating all forms of violence, and fostering a societal atmosphere of intolerance towards such practices.

The decree sets specific national goals, including increasing the coverage of free courses on building a happy family life free from domestic violence. The targets are to reach 50% coverage by 2026, 60% by 2027, and achieve full 100% coverage by the year 2030.

To combat early marriages, the order introduces stricter regulations for lowering the marriageable age and establishes new incentives. Starting in 2027, young couples entering into their first marriage where both partners are at least 21 years old will receive enhanced state benefits. This support includes financial assistance increased by 1.5 times compared to current norms. Furthermore, couples who sign a prenuptial agreement will be exempt from paying the state fee for marriage registration.

The policy also addresses educational access for young parents. It provides pregnant students and those raising children under three years old with the opportunity to continue their higher education, including through distance learning, with additional time granted to complete their academic programs.

A significant component of the decree is the introduction of administrative liability for inciting or promoting marriage with minors. Beginning September 1, 2026, 15% of fines collected for violations of marriage age legislation will be allocated as rewards for individuals who report such cases.

The government is establishing an interagency notification system requiring civil self-government bodies, registry offices (ZAGS), educational and medical institutions, and religious organizations to report cases of early marriage or pregnancy in girls under 16 to law enforcement and social service centers. Failure to report will result in administrative penalties, while guarantees for confidentiality and protection of information for affected women are mandated.

In the fight against violence and harassment, a dedicated mobile application named "my.ihma.uz" will be launched on April 1, 2026. This app is designed for women who have obtained protection orders to report incidents of violence immediately.

From November 1, 2026, investigations into certain crimes against the sexual freedom of minors will be conducted exclusively by prosecutors' offices. The decree also strengthens criminal penalties for offenders convicted of crimes against minors, including bans on transfer to colony-settlements and mandatory participation in psychological correction programs.

Starting January 1, 2027, investigations and court proceedings for crimes involving violence against women and children are to be handled by specially trained investigators and judges. Relevant agencies are tasked with ensuring at least one such investigator and judge is trained in each region by the end of 2026.

The legal framework is set to be toughened further. Amendments will provide for life imprisonment or lengthy prison terms for individuals previously convicted of crimes against the sexual freedom of minors if they commit serious repeat offenses.

The presidential decree emphasizes expanding protection from all forms of violence—including femicide, domestic killings, stalking, cyberviolence, child sexual exploitation, and online grooming—in line with international standards.