Uzbekistan to widen social support, tighten protections for children and disabled

The proposals focused on improving the social services system for people with mental disabilities, with the aim of ensuring their full participation in society, expanding integrated services in family-like settings, and supporting caregivers.

A new “Early Intervention” service for children aged 0–3 with developmental disorders will be introduced in stages by June 1, 2026, providing corrective and pedagogical support, as well as speech and physical therapy.

The service will be delivered by non-governmental organizations through an electronic register. Costs of additional medical examinations and surgeries for children with congenital conditions will be covered by the State Medical Insurance Fund.

New social services for people with Group I and II disabilities and mental disorders will be introduced in stages in 2026, including the “Yangi Kun” day care service, in-home care, the “Madad” small group home program and short-term placements under a “social respite” scheme.

The services aim to support families through care and supervision, while promoting daily living skills and improving vocational and financial independence.

The services will be delivered under public-private partnerships by non-governmental organizations that meet established requirements. The program is expected to cover 8,300 people with mental disorders in 2026 and involve up to 600 non-governmental organizations and individual entrepreneurs. Costs will be covered through subsidies from the State Social Protection Fund.

From September 1, 2026, a monthly care allowance will be introduced for legal representatives caring for people aged 18 and over with profound intellectual disabilities.

The mandate of the Inson Social Service Centers will be expanded, with staff joining guardianship and custody commissions under the district and city administrations, effective June 1.

They will also monitor the performance of guardians, the protection of beneficiaries’ rights and property, and cases of abuse and violence.

The presentation also focused on reforming residential care institutions, with plans to gradually convert Muruvvat boarding homes into “Gamkhurlik” (Care) centers.

The facilities will shift from a medical-social model to a more socially oriented approach aimed at integration, including sports and creative activities, occupational therapy, and supervised independent living in small, family-like homes.

The presentation also covered new measures to strengthen the legal framework for social protection, including plans to increase accountability for disability-based discrimination, improve access to court decisions for people with disabilities, and expand targeted support through the Unified Social Register.

The development of day care services was also identified as a priority, with plans to exempt parents of children with disabilities aged 3 to 18 from income tax on monthly fees of up to UZS 3 million.

Entrepreneurs providing such services under public-private partnerships will also be exempt from taxes until 2030. Currently, 396 entrepreneurs provide these services, covering more than 4,400 children with disabilities.

The presentation also considered expanding eligibility for free travel on urban public transport, including proposals to extend the benefit to people with Group I disabilities and one accompanying person, as well as those «equated to war veterans with disabilities of the 1941–1945 period».

The presentation also covered new measures to support the economic independence of women who have experienced violence, including plans to allow them to be registered as job seekers without a separate application based on referrals from Inson centers, with follow-up employment assistance and information sharing on outcomes.

“Measures to strengthen legislation in the field of protecting children’s rights and countering certain forms of violence against minors were also considered. In particular, it is planned to establish separate administrative liability for the possession of pornographic materials depicting minors with intent to distribute, to apply criminal liability for repeat offenses, and to toughen penalties for committing obscene acts against persons under the age of 16 via the internet and telecommunication networks,” the message reads.

Proposals also include custodial sentences for the import, production, advertising, or distribution of child sexual abuse material, as well as for involving minors in such acts.

Measures were also outlined to strengthen protections for minor victims and witnesses, including the introduction of legal representation and clear time limits for questioning.

The presentation also reviewed projects developed in the Jizzakh region by reform headquarters, based on the comparative advantages of neighborhoods.

The president approved the measures and signed the relevant legislative acts.