Children’s Ombudsman reports sharp rise in child rights complaints for 2025, calls for stronger safeguards

The number of complaints received by children's rights ombudsman nearly doubled in 2025, reaching 1,934 – up from 1,064 recorded in 2024. The figures were presented by Parliamentary Commissioner for Children's Rights Surayyo Rahmonova at a Senate session, as reported by Gazeta.uz.

Of the total complaints, 509 were resolved in favor of the applicant, while 708 resulted in legal clarifications being provided. Tashkent city recorded the highest volume of complaints at 470, followed by Surkhandarya region with 254.

Based on its analysis of incoming complaints, the children's ombudsman's office issued three warnings, six submissions, and 25 conclusions, and filed three petitions to contest court decisions.

The office also initiated 19 criminal and 26 administrative cases related to violence against children. Additionally, 20 decisions to refuse criminal proceedings were overturned and referred for further pre-trial investigation. Internet monitoring activities led to a further 23 criminal and 28 administrative cases being opened for child rights violations identified online.

Fifteen teachers were held administratively liable for using corporal punishment in educational institutions or for negligence in their professional duties, while six more faced disciplinary action for cruel treatment of children. Two law enforcement officers were also disciplined for breaching child rights legislation.

Presenting separate figures at the same session, Orzigul Kozikhonova, chair of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women, Culture and Sports, said courts examined 666 criminal cases related to violence against children last year, with 937 individuals held accountable.

"This points to insufficient preventive measures and gaps in legislation. Of particular concern is the fact that 72 of those criminal cases involved parents or individuals acting in their place," Kozikhonova said.

According to the ombudsman's data, 2,584 criminal cases involving minors were examined by courts in 2025, with 3,301 young people implicated – accounting for 4.09% of all crimes recorded. Separately, 1,783 offences were committed by 1,917 schoolchildren, and 224,900 parents were held administratively liable for failing to fulfil their child-rearing obligations.

Kozikhonova stressed that issues of family environment, upbringing, and supervision cannot be overlooked, calling on state bodies and the neighborhood system to intensify targeted preventive work at the community level.