The legislation was approved at the 20th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and introduces amendments to the Criminal, Criminal Procedure, Administrative Liability, Penal Enforcement and Labor Codes.
Under the new provisions, people convicted of sexual violence against children under 14 could face up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. Statutes of limitation would not apply to prosecution or enforcement of sentences for such offences.
The law also prohibits suspended sentences and early conditional release for people convicted of intentional crimes that resulted in a child’s death.
Several measures are aimed at reducing additional psychological trauma for child victims during criminal proceedings. Their questioning will be video-recorded, while a confrontation between a child victim and an accused person will be allowed only on the basis of a decision by an investigator, prosecutor or court.
Children involved in proceedings will also be entitled to a state-funded lawyer from the earliest stage of the process.
The legislation provides legal grounds for terminating the employment contracts of staff at educational and childcare institutions who commit acts of violence against children.
Administrative liability will also be strengthened for parents who fail to provide adequate care for their children, as well as for sexual harassment, violations of the legal marriage age and failure to protect children from information that could harm their health.
The Senate approved the legislation following its discussion.
