Uzbekistan considers life sentences for sexual crimes against children

Uzbekistan is preparing to significantly tighten criminal penalties for sexual offenses against children, with proposed legislation providing for punishment of up to life imprisonment for sexual crimes committed against minors under the age of 14.

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The measures are outlined in the draft State Program for the implementation of the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy and reform priorities for the Year of “Neighborhood Development and Social Advancement.” The document envisions a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s approach to preventing and prosecuting violence against women and children.

Under the proposed reforms, liability for crimes involving violence against women and minors will be strengthened. In particular, sexual crimes committed against children under 14 would carry the harshest penalties available under the law, including life sentences.

The draft also provides for institutional changes in criminal investigations. All investigations into sexual and violent crimes against minors would be transferred to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Prosecutor General’s Office. In addition, cases involving pressure, violence, or abuse against women and children would be handled by investigators and judges who have undergone specialized training in dealing with such sensitive matters.

The reforms further introduce administrative liability for parents or guardians who engage minors below the legal marriage age, as well as for individuals who promote or encourage illegal marriages. These provisions aim to curb early and unlawful marital practices.

Preventive measures are also emphasized. The effectiveness of special educational programs for young couples at family and women’s support centers is set to be improved, with a target of covering at least 40% of prospective newlyweds. Psychologists, legal experts, and other specialists would be involved to help prevent domestic violence and strengthen family stability.

According to the draft, the new legal norms are scheduled to come into force on 1 April 2026.

The initiative follows several high-profile criminal cases that have intensified public debate on child protection. Most recently, a convicted pedophile who escaped from an open prison colony and raped a third-grade schoolgirl was sentenced to 18 years in prison.