Uzbekistan extends shelter stay for victims of violence to six months

Uzbekistan has enacted legislative changes that extend the maximum duration victims of violence can stay in specialized protection centers from 30 days to six months, as part of a wider initiative to enhance social protection services.

This legislation was approved during a Senate plenary session under the law titled "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Further Improvement of the System of Providing Social Services to Persons Affected by Oppression and Violence."

With the new amendments, individuals who have experienced violence can now reside in specialized rehabilitation and protection centers for up to six months, replacing the former limit of 30 days.

The law also specifies the duties of the National Agency for Social Protection regarding the safeguarding of women from oppression and violence, as well as the coordination of support for victims.

Additionally, the legislation introduces various forms of state assistance for women who have suffered violence and their minor children. Victims will not be required to pay state fees for replacing lost biometric passports or for obtaining duplicate marriage or birth certificates.

The amendments further establish a framework that allows women affected by violence and their minor children to access qualified legal assistance funded by the state.

These changes aim to bolster targeted social protection initiatives, improve access to support for victims, and enhance the overall social services system available to women and children impacted by violence. This new law builds on previous reforms initiated in 2026.

In March, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree outlining additional organizational and legal measures to strengthen the rights of women and children and to prevent violence and abuse. Among the initiatives introduced in that decree is the launch of an SOS mobile application for women facing violence, which commenced on April 1, 2026, as part of efforts to enhance access to emergency assistance and protection services.