Uzbekistan Adopts 2026–2030 Strategy to Protect Children

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree approving the Strategy for the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence for the period 2026-2030.

According to the presidential press service, the strategy is designed to ensure the effective implementation of the Law on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

It aims to promote a zero-tolerance approach toward any form of violence against children and to provide strong safeguards for their rights and legitimate interests.

The strategy provides for the introduction, starting February 1, 2026, of new mechanisms of social protection for children. These include the establishment of a professional foster family service for children who have suffered violence or are in socially dangerous situations, as well as the phased opening of compact social support centers across the country’s regions.

Particular attention is given to the rehabilitation of children and the restoration of family relations through specialized social and psychological programs.

The document also establishes additional guarantees for children’s rights within criminal procedure. Specifically, beginning in September 2026, legal assistance for children who have suffered violence or witnessed it will be provided at the state’s expense. Mandatory participation of guardianship authorities in procedural actions and video recording of testimonies will be introduced to prevent secondary traumatization. Administrative liability is also envisaged for failure to report cases of violence.

Another key focus of the Strategy is the introduction of digital technologies and the strengthening of interagency coordination. A unified electronic platform for recording cases of violence against children will be created, and training programs will be organized for specialists from law enforcement, judicial, and social service bodies.