️ President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan approved a package of new initiatives on March 3 aimed at radically strengthening the protection of women's and children's rights. State policy is taking a firm stance against harassment and violence, implementing strict legal filters and modern technological solutions to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable populations.
️ One of the most significant measures is the toughening of penalties for sexual violence. Sexual harassment will now be punishable by administrative detention of up to 5 days. Individuals who commit crimes against the sexual integrity of minors face penalties up to life imprisonment. A key procedural change involves transferring the investigation of criminal cases under six articles on sexual offenses from internal affairs bodies to the prosecutor's office. Additionally, those convicted under Articles 118 and 119 of the Criminal Code for crimes against children will lose the right to transfer to colony-settlements.
️ A technological solution is being introduced for rapid assistance to victims of violence. A special "SOS" application will be installed on the mobile devices of women who have obtained protection orders. When the panic button is pressed, internal affairs officers within a 5-kilometer radius must arrive at the scene within 10 minutes. Only lawyers, investigators, and judges who have undergone specialized training will now be allowed to participate in the investigation and trial of such cases.
️ Special attention in the decree is given to combating early marriages. Given that 40 percent of marriages in the country are contracted at ages 18-19, mechanisms to encourage family formation upon reaching 21 years of age have been proposed. A system to incentivize citizen vigilance is being implemented: individuals who report violations of marriage age legislation will receive 15 percent of the fine amount. Furthermore, administrative liability is established for concealing cases of early marriages or pregnancies under 16 years old, which internal affairs bodies and "Inson" centers are now required to report.
️ To support young mothers in the educational process, benefits are provided: female students who are pregnant or raising children under three years old will be given the opportunity to continue their studies through flexible programs. The head of state instructed responsible agencies to ensure widespread explanation of the adopted measures so that every citizen is aware of the new protection mechanisms and the inevitability of punishment for violence.
Source: podrobno.uz