Draft law aims to ease divorce for women suffering domestic violence

Uzbekistan may now stipulate that when considering divorce cases, the court may not set a deadline for reconciliation at the request of the victim of a crime of family (domestic) violence. This is stipulated in the draft law “On Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the Family and Women's Support System”.

The law provides for norms aimed at further strengthening the protection of the rights of victims of family (domestic) violence and preventing the recurrence of such situations.

It is noted that the failure to resolve the issue of divorce promptly in some cases leads to tragic consequences, such as suicide and untimely death of women. The implementation of this norm in practice will prevent serious crimes in conflict families with regular situations of oppression and violence.

In addition, the Law introduces an amendment to the Housing Code, which provides that when considering disputes over the use of housing, the court may, upon the agreement of the parties, at the initiative of the owner, oblige the owner to place the party being forcibly removed from the housing in another housing with comparable conditions or to pay rent for the rented housing.

This law was discussed on February 11 at a meeting of the Senate Committee on Youth, Women, Culture, and Sports with the participation of senators, heads of ministries and departments, experts, as well as members of the Youth Policy, Culture, and Sports Commissions of local Councils from the regions and members of the Youth Parliament. It was noted that the adoption of this Law will further strengthen the rights of women and legally resolve their housing issues. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted a relevant resolution.