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

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.