Uzbekistan’s Senate has approved tougher penalties for sexual violence against children under the age of 14, including life imprisonment.

Under the new provisions, offenders convicted of such crimes will face prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment.

Statutes of limitations will not apply to crimes in this category, according to Sputnik Uzbekistan.

A person convicted of an intentional crime that resulted in a child’s death will not be eligible for a suspended sentence or parole.

The legislation also introduces employment consequences for school and kindergarten staff who commit violence against children.

Their employment contracts will be terminated if they are found to have committed such offenses.