Last Change:

06/30/2025

Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence"

Year: 2019

Type: Domestic law

Rights Category: Liberty & security of person

Description

The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence" (2019) establishes legal and institutional measures to prevent gender-based violence, protect victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. It guarantees women access to free legal, psychological, medical, and social assistance, allows them to seek compensation for damages, and exempts them from state fees when filing claims. The law mandates gender-sensitive policies, interagency coordination, and the creation of support systems to prevent and respond to harassment and violence. Law enforcement and healthcare institutions are responsible for monitoring, prevention, and victim assistance, ensuring effective protection and rehabilitation. The Criminal Code includes provisions for prosecuting offenders, reinforcing legal protections for women.

Selected provisions
Article 4 - Rights of Victims of Harassment and Violence

A victim of harassment and violence has the right to:
File a complaint with the relevant authorities, organizations, or the court regarding harassment, violence, or threats thereof;
Receive free legal consultation, economic, social, psychological, medical, and other assistance at specialized centers, as well as through a free hotline;
Request a protection order from law enforcement agencies and notify them in case of its violation;
Seek compensation for material damages and moral harm resulting from harassment and violence by filing a claim in court.
A victim is exempt from paying state fees when filing a lawsuit for compensation of material damages and moral harm.

Article 21 - Types of Individual Measures for Preventing Harassment and Violence Against Women

The types of individual measures for preventing harassment and violence against women include:
Conducting preventive counseling;
Issuing a protection order;
Placement in specialized centers providing assistance to victims of harassment and violence;
Participation in corrective programs aimed at changing violent behavior.

Article 28 - Placement of Victims of Harassment and Violence in Specialized Centers

If an act of violence has occurred, victims of harassment and violence, or their legal representatives, may request shelter. In such cases, the relevant authorities ensure their placement in specialized centers. Minor children of the victim may also be accommodated alongside them.
Placement in a specialized center is voluntary and granted for up to thirty days, with the possibility of extension as per the center’s regulations. If the victim remains at risk after this period, the center’s administration must notify law enforcement authorities.
Victims placed in specialized centers retain their employment rights, and their stay does not affect their educational enrollment, even if they miss classes.
Expenses related to assisting victims and their minor children in specialized centers may be recovered from the individual found guilty of harassment and violence.