The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has approved a bill banning parents from using physical violence for disciplining children. The issue of violence against children by parents is a pressing concern in the country. Uzbek deputies propose to ban parents from hitting children, extending the prohibition to educational institutions.
According to the bill, law enforcement agencies will issue protection orders to children who have been abused, valid for 30 days with the possibility of extension up to 1 year. Minors will also have the right to seek compensation for material damage and moral harm through the courts.
The legislation will not only apply to parents but also to educators in schools. Disciplinary measures involving physical punishment or any other forms of cruel behavior are now prohibited in educational institutions.
Recent amendments to the law on the protection of children's rights in Uzbekistan allow children capable of expressing their opinions to seek protection from guardianship authorities in case of rights violations.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has expressed concern over the situation of child violence in Tajikistan, emphasizing that physical punishment harms children's physical and mental development. More than 300 studies worldwide over the past 50 years have confirmed that corporal punishment does not have any benefits.
The Ministry of Education has developed a module for teachers on positive upbringing and discipline, along with a mechanism for children to lodge complaints.
The severity of the violence will determine whether actions fall under the Criminal Code or the Administrative Offenses Code. Single instances of non-severe violence may result in administrative penalties, such as warnings or fines ranging from 3 to 7 monthly indicators.
Under the Criminal Code, individuals using violence against children may face fines or imprisonment. Not only parents or guardians but also third parties will be held accountable under relevant sections of the Criminal or Administrative Codes.
