Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate recently discussed a law aimed at enhancing measures to protect against domestic violence. The law has been developed in line with World Bank recommendations and is designed to improve the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and children while strengthening the moral atmosphere within families.

In September 2023, the Senate Committee on Women and Gender Equality established a working group comprising representatives from various ministries and agencies to implement these objectives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women worldwide experiences physical violence from a partner, with 38% of those cases resulting in death at the hands of a spouse or another cohabitant.

In Uzbekistan, from 2023 to May 2024, 55.6% of domestic violence cases were closed due to reconciliation, while 44.4% resulted in court convictions.

The legislative changes involve amendments to Article 592 of the Administrative Offenses Code and Article 1261 of the Criminal Code, introducing accountability for domestic violence against children. A new provision also allows for reconciliation requests to be submitted at any stage of legal proceedings until the court deliberates.

The law aims for a comprehensive approach to criminal cases related to domestic violence, enhancing preventive measures, especially for women and children. Additionally, it seeks to improve Uzbekistan’s international rankings regarding women’s rights protection.

The law has been unanimously approved by the senators.