It is planned to introduce administrative and criminal liability for domestic violence in Uzbekistan. The Legislative Chamber at March 23 meeting passed the relevant bill in the second and third readings and sent the document for approval to the Senate.

MP Gulrukh Azamova underscored that at present there were a number of problems in the practice of law enforcement in matters related to the reliable protection of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of women. In particular, proportionate sanctions have not been established for criminal acts affecting the rights of women and children, liability for violating the secrets of private life, humiliation of their honor and dignity.

While, it does not allow for sufficient protection of the rights and legitimate interests of women, the duration of the protection order, which provides state protection to the victim of harassment and violence, is 30 days. The imposition of fines as a punishment for non-payment of alimony leads to even greater financial difficulties, the deputy noted.

The bill toughens the punishment for sex crimes - rape and satisfaction of sexual desire in an unnatural form, forcing a person to have sexual intercourse, engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age, committing indecent acts against a person under 16 years of age, making and distribution of pornographic products with the participation of a minor and others.

A ban is being introduced on the use of facilitating punishments, including parole, to persons who have committed these crimes.

Meanwhile, the responsibility for the commission of crimes against the sexual integrity and freedom of persons with disabilities, minors, as well as for the commission of these crimes by a person who performs his duties of educating, training or caring for the victim, is being harshened.

One of the main and long-awaited changes is the introduction of administrative and criminal liability for domestic violence. Based on international norms and foreign experience in protecting the rights of women and children, administrative and criminal liability for economic and psychological violence is also established.

Moreover, liability is being introduced for disclosing information about a person's private life that infringes on his/her honor and dignity, sexual harassment, failure to fulfill the duties of appointing guardians or trustees to his minor children.

As a measure to ensure the performance of obligations, a new administrative penalty is introduced in the form of mandatory involvement to paid public works.

While, a rule is being introduced that prohibits persons who have previously committed sexual crimes against minors from educating, raising, protecting the health of children, as well as working in children's sports and creative organizations.

The bill was passed by the deputies of the Legislative Chamber unanimously.