Uzbekistan has introduced administrative penalties for involving children in illegal religious education.
The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan (No. ZRU-1035 dated February 20, 2025) has introduced amendments and additions to certain legislative acts aimed at further strengthening the protection of children's rights.
According to the amendment in the Law "On Guarantees of Children's Rights," parents or guardians have the right to provide religious and moral education to their child in accordance with their own beliefs. It is prohibited to unlawfully involve their child in religious education by parents or guardians, meaning transferring the child to receive religious education from unregistered or unlicensed organizations or individuals, who do not possess special religious education and conduct religious training without the permission of the central authority overseeing religious organizations in Uzbekistan.
According to the amendment in the Code of Administrative Offenses, unlawfully involving their child in religious education by parents or guardians will result in a fine ranging from 5 to 10 BRV.
It is also established that repeated commission of this offense within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty will result in a fine ranging from 10 to 15 BRV or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
The law comes into effect from the day of its official publication.