Responsibilities for protecting the rights of women and children will be strengthened in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has drafted a bill to protect the rights of women, children and elderly parents. Responsibility for defamation of persons under 18, the use of force and sexual gratification has been strengthened, he said. In particular, amnesty does not apply to them.

The draft law "On introducing amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with further improvement of the system of reliable protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of women and children" was adopted by the Ministry of Justice on 11 January.

The draft increases liability for defamation of a victim under the age of 18, the use of violence against a victim, gratification of sexual needs in an unnatural way, prostitution and the production of pornographic material depicting a minor. In particular, they are not eligible for parole or reduction of sentence.

Apart from,
- Forcing a woman to have an induced abortion (sentence: fine of 30 million to 60 million sums or deprivation of certain rights for a period of 3 to 5 years; or 300 to 360 hours of compulsory labour or punitive deduction of earnings for 2 to 3 years)

Touching honour or satisfying sexual desire in an unnatural way (sentence: part 1: 5 to 8 years' imprisonment; part 2: 8 to 10 years' imprisonment)

forced sexual intercourse (sentence: 300 to 480 hours of compulsory labour, 2 to 3 years of correctional labour, 1 to 3 years of restriction of liberty or imprisonment);

Sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age (proposal: 5 to 8 years imprisonment);Penalties are increased for committing indecent acts (sentence: 3 to 5 years' deprivation of liberty or 3 to 5 years' deprivation of liberty).

Liability (a fine of 120 million to 180 million soums or up to 360 hours of compulsory community service or up to 3 years of correctional labour) is established for the disclosure of information reflecting a person's private life (violation of the inviolability of intimate life).

Insulting a person in a public place is also defined: describing a person's height in a sexual manner, making calls, comments, comparisons and committing acts indicating sexual desire (1.2 million to 600,000 soums, fine of up to soums).

The draft law provides for the compulsory imposition of paid community service on minors, incapacitated persons and persons who evade financial support from their parents.

Persons previously convicted of crimes against life and health, freedom, honour and human values, against Uzbekistan, peace and security of mankind are prohibited from being employed in educational and health-care institutions which serve minors.

For information, the adoption of the draft does not require additional spending from the state budget and the discussion process will continue until 26 January.

Earlier, Bright Uzbekistan reported that Said Mirziyoyeva stressed that domestic violence should be considered a crime.