Fines may be introduced in Uzbekistan for those who fail to report offenses
In Uzbekistan, a fine of 1.32 million soums may be introduced for those who fail to report underage marriages and other offenses.
Fines may be applied in Uzbekistan for failure to report offenses
The Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan has opened for public discussion a draft law "On introducing additions to the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with establishing liability measures for failure to report cases of underage marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth."
The document provides for the establishment of administrative liability for failure to report identified offenses.
Within the framework of the draft, it is proposed to supplement the Code of Administrative Responsibility with a new Article 188-5. According to it, the failure of an official or an employee of a state body or other organization, who is entrusted with the relevant obligation, to report an offense to the internal affairs bodies and the "Inson" social services centers shall be considered an offense.
For this violation, it is proposed to impose a fine on citizens and employees ranging from 3 to 5 times the base calculating quantity (BCQ) — from 1.32 million soums to 2.2 million soums. For officials, the fine will range from 5 to 10 times the BCQ, i.e., from 2.2 million soums to 4.4 million soums.
If the offense is repeated within one year after the application of an administrative penalty, it is proposed to set a fine for citizens and employees ranging from 5 to 10 times the BCQ — from 2.2 million soums to 4.4 million soums. For officials, the fine will range from 10 to 15 times the BCQ, i.e., from 4.4 million soums to 6.6 million soums.
It is planned to send cases under the proposed article to criminal courts for consideration.
According to the explanatory materials, the draft law was developed to ensure the implementation of the presidential decree adopted on March 3, 2026, aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights of women and children, as well as preventing harassment and violence against them.
The decree provides for the introduction of liability for failure to report cases of underage marriage, pregnancy of girls under 16, childbirth, and other offenses to the internal affairs bodies and the "Inson" social services centers.
According to the document, the relevant obligation is imposed on representatives of citizens' self-government bodies and registry offices, educational and healthcare institutions, as well as religious organizations.
The Prosecutor General's Office noted that current legislation does not contain separate administrative liability for failure to report identified offenses by officials and employees of state bodies and other organizations.
According to the assessment of the draft law's authors, the absence of such liability in some cases leads to the concealment of offenses or failure to take necessary measures in a timely manner. The authors of the draft believe that timely reporting will allow for the earlier detection and prevention of offenses, as well as the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms.
If the law is adopted, it will enter into force from the date of its official publication.