Early marriages in Uzbekistan surges sevenfold, love accounts for a quarter (video)

Early marriages in Uzbekistan increased sevenfold in 2024 compared to 2023. This statistic was revealed on March 18 during the fifth plenary session of the Senate by Senator Gulnora Marufova.

The Senate reviewed a report on compliance by state bodies with child rights legislation, presented by the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights. Senator Ma’rufova highlighted that nearly 300 early marriages occurred in 2024, a sharp rise compared to the previous year. She emphasized that most of these marriages were happening under parental or familial pressure, often without the girls' consent.

“What updates and impactful measures are being taken to address this issue? What proposals are being made?” Marufova asked the Women’s Committee representative.

Mukarram Nurmatova, Deputy Chairperson of the Women and Family Affairs Committee, responded, acknowledging the sharp rise in early marriages this year. She attributed the increase to proactive efforts by community activists and social protection workers conducting home visits to identify such cases. Nurmatova stated that studies revealed parents were responsible for 70% of the cases, 26% were attributed to love, 3.4% were related to pregnancies, and 1.5% were linked to religious beliefs.

Nurmatova added that amendments to Articles 15 and 16 of the Family Code were being considered. Under current law, district and city mayors can grant exceptions for early marriages in certain cases. However, the proposed changes would limit this exception to cases involving childbirth, pregnancy, or when a minor is declared fully competent, reducing the marriageable age by no more than one year. Additionally, it is proposed to increase fines under Article 47-3 of the Administrative Responsibility Code for violations related to early marriages.

Proposed Fine Increases:
Engaging in actual marital relations with a minor:

• Current: 5-10 times the base calculation amount (BCA) (1.7-3.4 million UZS)
• Proposed: 10-15 times BCA (3.4-5.1 million UZS).

Parents or guardians forcing a minor into marriage:

• Current: 10-15 times BCA (3.4-5.1 million UZS)
• Proposed: 15-20 times BCA (5.1-6.8 million UZS).

Performing religious marriage ceremonies for minors without official registration:

• Current: 15-20 times BCA (5.1-6.8 million UZS)
• Proposed: 20-30 times BCA (6.8-10.2 million UZS).

Violating formal procedures for registering marriages:

• Current: 15-20 times BCA (5.1-6.8 million UZS)
• Proposed: 15-30 times BCA (5.1-10.2 million UZS).

Senators agreed that addressing this issue requires more stringent penalties and concerted efforts. The proposed measures aim to curb the rise in early marriages while ensuring better protection of children’s rights.