Uzbekistan tightens domestic violence laws to protect women and children, introduces reconciliation procedures

At the latest plenary session of the Senate, the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Strengthening of Measures to Protect Against Domestic Violence" was discussed.

The law was developed based on a recommendation from the World Bank to increase the effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing harassment and violence against children and women and to improve the spiritual and moral atmosphere within families.

According to WHO data, one in three women worldwide experiences physical harassment from their spouse. In 38% of cases, deaths resulting from harassment and violence occur due to the actions of the spouse or a cohabiting individual.

From 2023 to May of this year, 55.6% of the 894 crimes related to domestic violence (506 cases) were terminated due to reconciliation between the parties. For the remaining 44.4% (388 cases), the court issued appropriate verdicts.

In this regard, a new procedure for submitting a reconciliation request in domestic violence cases is introduced, allowing it to be filed during the court hearing stage, not during the investigation or pre-trial inquiry.

Specifically, it is established that a reconciliation request in cases of domestic violence can be submitted at any stage of the court proceedings, but before the court retires to the deliberation room.

Article 592 of the Administrative Liability Code and Article 1261 of the Criminal Code are amended to include provisions establishing liability for committing domestic violence against a child.

This law will contribute to the comprehensive, thorough, and objective consideration of criminal cases related to domestic violence, further increase the positive influence on the behavior of the person who committed harassment and violence, enhance the effectiveness of preventive measures against harassment and violence towards children and women, improve the moral and ethical environment in families, and improve the country's standing in international indices related to women's rights protection.

The law has been approved by the senators.