Uzbekistan is preparing changes to its criminal legislation aimed at tightening penalties for crimes involving violence against women and children. Among the proposed reforms is the introduction of life sentences for those convicted of pedophilia and administrative detention of up to five days for sexual harassment.
These initiatives were discussed during a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Fergana reported, citing the president’s press service. The proposed changes were prepared by a coordination council, taking into account public opinion, expert advice, and international best practices.
Mirziyoyev reportedly approved the initiatives and signed a decree instructing relevant authorities to amend the existing laws.
The Prosecutor-Generl’s Office, the Supreme Court, the National Social Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Justice have been tasked with preparing a draft of the amendments to the Criminal Code within three months.
The amendments will introduce life sentences for individuals previously convicted of crimes against the sexual freedom of minors, as well as for engaging in immoral acts with them.
Starting from November 1, 2026, investigations into crimes related to sexual violence will be exclusively handled by prosecution authorities. These cases will include those related to the following articles of the Criminal Code:
· Article 118 — rape
· Article 119 — forced satisfaction of sexual needs in an unnatural way
· Article 121 — coercion to engage in sexual intercourse
· Article 128 — sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age
· Article 128-1 — sexual intercourse with a person aged 16-18 years for material goods or other advantages
· Article 129 — immoral acts towards a person under 16 years of age
According to the decree, those convicted under Articles 118 and 119 will not be eligible for transfer to correctional colonies. Improvement in their living conditions will only be possible after undergoing psychological correction.
Starting January 1, 2027, investigations into cases involving violence against women and children will be conducted by specially trained investigators and judges. To this end, a new educational program, "Procedural Aspects of Working with Women and Children Affected by Crimes," will be introduced at educational institutions.
Additionally, from April 1, 2026, women with protection orders will be required to install the my.ihma.uz application on their devices. Developed by the National Social Protection Agency, the app will allow women to instantly report incidents of violence or harassment to law enforcement authorities.
