Uzbekistan signs law protecting children from violence: life imprisonment for rape
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 14 October signed a law strengthening protection of children from violence. Sexual offences against children under 14 now carry 15–25 years or life imprisonment, the statute of limitations is abolished, and child victims and witnesses are guaranteed state-funded lawyers.
Uzbekistan has signed a new law aimed at improving the system of protecting children from all forms of violence. On 14 October, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts in Connection with Improving the System of Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence.” The act amends five codes and six laws.
Tougher penalties
Under the law, rape and other serious sexual offences against a child under 14 carry 15–25 years or life imprisonment. The statute of limitations for such crimes is fully abolished. Suspended sentences and early release are prohibited for intentional crimes resulting in a child's death.
How the law was adopted
The bill was adopted by the Legislative Chamber on 30 September 2026, approved by the Senate on 2 October and signed by the President on 14 October.
Free lawyers for child victims
Children who have experienced or witnessed violence are entitled to free state-funded legal assistance from the moment they are involved in proceedings, regardless of the family's financial situation. If a parent, guardian or relative is the suspect, a representative of the guardianship authority also protects the child's interests during the investigation and trial.
Why the law was needed
According to Times of Central Asia, 445 criminal cases of child rape were opened in 2022–2025, and 122 cases of violence against children were identified in educational institutions in 2025. The bill was prompted by a case of alleged sexual violence against a five-year-old girl at a state kindergarten in the Uchqurghan district of Namangan region.
