PRESIDENT'S NEW DECREE: PROTECTION OF FAMILY AND SOCIETY UNDER STATE CONTROL!

The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-33 dated March 3, 2026, "On additional organizational and legal measures to strengthen the protection of the rights of women and children, as well as to prevent cases of pressure and violence against them," signed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is particularly noted as an important step in further strengthening social protection in our country, supporting the institution of the family, and protecting children from any negative influences.

The adoption of the Decree is one of the most important legal documents within the framework of state policy and legislative reforms being carried out in the field of women's and children's rights.

Regarding the goals and objectives of the Decree, its main goals are as follows:

Prevention of early marriages and cases of pregnancy before the age of 16: this ensures the protection of the rights of minors, increases parental responsibility for children, and ensures the preparation of youth for a healthy life.

Encouraging responsible marriage among financially independent youth: state support measures (subsidies, grants, loans) are established, and the amount of financial assistance for families included in the social register will be increased by 1.5 times.

Reducing cases of pressure and violence against women and children: the system of support for such individuals and mechanisms for their protection will be improved.

Introduction of special training courses: special courses for those getting married, "Preparation for a happy family life without domestic violence," will be organized in family and women's centers. It is planned to cover 50% with these courses in 2026, 60% in 2027, and 100% in 2030.

The Decree is aimed at stabilizing the system of protection of family and children in social, legal, and spiritual aspects.

Special attention is paid to the rights of youth, early marriages, and cases of early marriages and pregnancy before the age of 16:

Starting from 2027, additional benefits and state support measures will be introduced for young families entering into marriage for the first time.

Pregnant young students and students raising children up to 3 years of age will have a second chance in higher education; they will have additional time and conditions for distance learning and mastering subjects.

The Decree outlines a number of legal and practical measures to improve the system of combating pressure and violence against women and children:

Individuals who have received a protection order will be able to immediately report through the "SOS" mobile application.

A procedure for mandatory outpatient psychiatric examination will be introduced if perpetrators of violence have mental disorders.

From January 1, 2027, crimes related to pressure and violence against women and children will, as a rule, be investigated and considered by investigators and judges who have undergone special training.

The Decree provides for prioritizing female investigators and judges in the investigation and judicial processes, as well as training investigators and judges through special training programs based on international standards.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the Decree is an important step in protecting the rights of women and children. It envisages preventing early marriages and pressure, strengthening cooperation among authorized bodies, fostering an atmosphere of intolerance in society, and supporting the institution of the family. Thus, this Decree serves as a key legal mechanism in strengthening social protection and ensuring law and order in Uzbekistan.