Pedophiles should be given the most severe punishment, without any relief – Children’s Ombudsman

Earlier, it was reported that the body of a murdered 12-year-old girl with signs of violence was found in Yangihayot district of Tashkent city.

Child rights representative Aliya Yunusova expressed her reaction to the situation.

According to Aliya Yunusova, the tragic death of the girl deeply saddened everyone.  Discussions on the internet, public anger and, of course, the death of a young girl show that children’s safety is not fully ensured in the country.

“Among the appeals sent to me personally, there are also children who are regularly sexually abused by family members, grandmothers, stepbrothers or stepfathers.

Even children aged 4-9, 10-14 are being sexually abused.  Of course, this is a very sad situation.  It is very difficult to read such appeals.  After all, children need protection.  “We are taking control of these cases and sending an official letter to the Prosecutor General’s Office,” said the representative of childrens' rights.

He said that the aforementioned situations can be eliminated by strengthening the type of punishment for sexual violence against children.

It should be noted that on 31 August 1995, Uzbekistan acceded to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 16 December 1966.  According to this document, the death penalty has been abolished in the country, and this is an international obligation of the state.  Therefore, the Children’s Ombudsman recommends that those who commit sexual violence against children should be given the severest punishment, and they should not be released from punishment on the basis of any amnesty, parole, or lighter sentence.  This is the position and no replacement should be used,” says Aliya Yunusova.

She also said that it is necessary to immediately start the activity of phone hotlines so that children can personally send appeals to the Children’s Ombudsman.

“It is necessary to increase the number and qualifications of specialists who study the mental state of children in kindergartens, schools and other institutions.  “We need to strengthen the specialization of judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers on guarantees of children’s rights,” she said.

According to her, children should also be trained in the skills of signaling when they are abused, whether by family members or in other situations.

“Actually, such events should encourage us to further strengthen the protection of children and increase our responsibility to ensure that children live in a society where their rights are protected and their safety is ensured,” added the representative of the Children’s Office.