Uzbekistan Launches Major Social Protection Reforms for Vulnerable Groups

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at transforming Uzbekistan's social protection system. The ambitious plan focuses on expanding access to services, enhancing support for vulnerable groups, and digitalizing aid delivery.

The ongoing nationwide transformation prioritizes targeted, transparent assistance and the introduction of proactive support mechanisms. A key pillar is bolstering aid for people with disabilities, citizens requiring constant care, families raising children with disabilities, and women affected by violence and oppression.

Significant changes are planned for social services supporting individuals with mental health disorders. The goal is to ensure their full integration into society by creating care conditions that resemble a family environment as closely as possible, while also providing support to the families who care for them.

A new "Early Intervention" service for children aged 0-3 with developmental disorders will be introduced in phases by June 1, 2026. This service will include correctional-pedagogical assistance, speech development sessions, and physical therapy provided by specialists. It will be delivered by non-governmental organizations through a special electronic registry.

Furthermore, costs for additional medical examinations and surgical operations for children with congenital anatomical defects will be covered by the State Health Insurance Fund.

New social services for individuals with disabilities of groups I and II who have mental disorders are slated for introduction in 2026. These include the "Yangi kun" (New Day) daytime care service, home care services, small-scale "Madad" (Help) support homes, and short-term placement under a "Social Respite" program. These measures aim to develop independent living skills and provide household adaptation support.

The implementation of these social services will be based on public-private partnerships involving non-governmental organizations. By 2026, coverage is expected to reach up to 8.3 thousand people, with up to 600 organizations and entrepreneurs participating. Funding will be channeled through subsidies from the State Social Protection Fund.

Starting September 1, 2026, a monthly care allowance is planned for legal representatives of individuals over 18 years old with profound intellectual disabilities.

The authority of "Inson" (Human) social service centers will be expanded. Their representatives will participate in guardianship commissions and conduct constant monitoring to ensure the rights and property of their wards are protected.

A separate reform direction involves transforming "Muruvvat" (Mercy) residential institutions into "Gamkhurlik" (Care) centers focused on social adaptation, developing independent living skills, occupational therapy, creative therapy, and creating family-like environments.

Legislative improvements propose strengthening liability for disability-based discrimination, making court decisions more accessible to people with disabilities, and developing a targeted social service delivery system based on the Unified Social Registry.

Additional measures under consideration include tax benefits for daycare centers catering to children with disabilities and expanding the coverage of such services by 2030. The list of citizens entitled to free public transport is also proposed to be expanded to include individuals with Group I disabilities and their accompanying persons.

In the sphere of protecting women's and children's rights, plans involve strengthening measures against violence introducing new types of liability for crimes related to child pornography improving procedures for interviewing minors protecting their rights within the judicial system

The approved reforms also incorporate projects developed considering regional specifics such as those in Jizzakh Region Following discussions President Mirziyoyev endorsed the proposed measures signing corresponding legislative acts