Number of Appeals to Uzbekistan’s Child Ombudsman Nearly Doubles in 2025

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2025, the Office of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Children’s Rights received 1,934 appeals, almost double the figure recorded in 2024, when 1,064 appeals were registered. This was reported by Child Ombudsman Surayo Rakhmonova during a Senate session on 19 May.

Out of the total number of appeals, 509 were resolved positively, while 708 applicants received legal clarifications. The highest number of complaints was recorded in Tashkent (470), Surkhandarya region (254), and Tashkent region (236).

Following the analysis of appeals, the Ombudsman’s office issued 3 warnings, 6 submissions, 25 conclusions, and filed three motions requesting protests against court decisions due to violations of children’s rights and interests.

It was also noted that as a result of reviewed cases, 19 criminal and 26 administrative proceedings were initiated concerning violence against children. In addition, decisions refusing to open 20 criminal cases were overturned, and additional pre-investigation reviews were ordered.

According to the Ombudsman, monitoring of online information led to the initiation of 23 criminal and 28 administrative cases related to violations of children’s rights.

Data shows that 15 education workers were held administratively liable for corporal punishment and improper performance of duties, while 6 teachers received disciplinary penalties for child abuse. Disciplinary measures were also applied to two law enforcement officers for violations involving minors.

Senate Committee Chair on Youth, Women, Culture and Sports Orzigul Kozikhonova noted that in 2025 courts considered 666 criminal cases involving 937 individuals in cases of violence against children, 72 of which involved parents or guardians.

She also stated that courts reviewed 2,584 criminal cases involving 3,301 minors, accounting for 4.09% of total crimes, with 1,917 schoolchildren involved in 1,783 offenses.

Additionally, 224,900 parents were held administratively liable for improper fulfillment of child-rearing responsibilities.

According to Kozikhonova, the data indicates the need to strengthen preventive work and address gaps in the child protection system.