Uzbekistan’s Progress on Domestic Violence Stalls Despite Legal Reforms
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan – Three years after criminalizing domestic violence, Uzbekistan is facing criticism that its progress in protecting women remains too slow, particularly as International Women’s Day approaches on March 8. While the government has enacted significant legal changes, implementation gaps and a continued reliance on reconciliation are hindering justice for survivors, according to rights groups.
In April 2023, Uzbekistan took a crucial step forward by classifying domestic violence as a criminal offense. Subsequent 2023 legislative reforms broadened protections to include penalties for sexual harassment and stalking, introducing both administrative and criminal liabilities, including fines and detention. Further progress came in February 2025, when the mandatory court-imposed reconciliation period in divorce cases involving domestic violence was eliminated – a practice that previously forced some women to remain in abusive situations.
Despite these advancements, data reveals a concerning trend. A 2024 study by civil society organizations and the United Nations Development Programme found that over 55% of domestic violence cases were dismissed through reconciliation procedures since the law changed. More than 90% of victims lacked legal representation during these proceedings.
The Supreme Court reports that over 10,000 individuals were prosecuted for domestic violence in the first ten months of 2025 alone. However, rights advocates argue that the focus on reconciliation undermines the deterrent effect of the new laws.
“The numbers do not paint a full picture,” states a recent report by Human Rights Watch. “The state continues to focus on reconciliation instead of prosecuting perpetrators… leaving too many survivors without recourse to justice.”
The International Partnership for Human Rights echoed these concerns in a December 2025 report, highlighting restricted access to shelters, services, and legal aid as significant barriers for survivors. Social stigma and geographic disparities in service availability also contribute to the problem.
In February 2026, the government approved a new state program aimed at strengthening penalties, improving enforcement, expanding support services, and establishing measurable benchmarks. However, advocates emphasize the need for consistent enforcement of existing laws and a shift away from prioritizing reconciliation.
Authorities are urged to end the routine dismissal of cases through reconciliation, ensure consistent enforcement of legal protections, expand survivor-centered services, and address the surrounding stigma. For survivors of gender-based violence, true safety and justice remain elusive in Uzbekistan.
