A Line Drawn Against Domestic Violence: "Reconciliation Period" Abolished
Uzbekistan
On April 9, 2023, Uzbekistan passed a historic law to combat domestic violence. Two years later, on April 9, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved major legislative changes that officially abolish the “reconciliation period” previously imposed by courts during divorce proceedings. This decision has sparked widespread public attention and is recognized as another crucial step in the protection of human rights.
On April 15, Presidential Assistant Saida Mirziyoyeva shared her thoughts on this reform via her official Telegram page, calling it a significant move toward protecting women from domestic abuse and upholding their rights.
“If human dignity is not respected in a family, and a person is subjected to physical, psychological, or economic abuse, reconciliation becomes absolutely impossible,” Mirziyoyeva emphasized.
Previously, courts in Uzbekistan typically imposed a mandatory “reconciliation period” in divorce cases. This often posed a serious barrier for women who were victims of domestic violence, forcing them back into harmful environments. With this new legal reform, such a practice is now officially abolished.
According to Mirziyoyeva, this decision is crucial not only for women but also for children growing up in violent households. A family’s environment directly affects a child’s development and future outlook on life.
She also expressed her gratitude to the broad coalition that worked on the legislative amendments:
“A large team that worked on these changes stands with you,” she stated.
In conclusion, she shared an important message with society:
“No matter how difficult the road may be — choose peace for yourself and your children. Parents must understand: it is not a shame if your daughter escapes to safety. The real shame is forcing her to endure violence.”
This reform marks a turning point in Uzbekistan’s approach to protecting women’s and children’s rights. It reaffirms that domestic violence is not a private family matter but a serious societal issue that must be addressed by the state with determination.
“If human dignity is not respected in a family, and a person is subjected to physical, psychological, or economic abuse, reconciliation becomes absolutely impossible,” Mirziyoyeva emphasized.
Previously, courts in Uzbekistan typically imposed a mandatory “reconciliation period” in divorce cases. This often posed a serious barrier for women who were victims of domestic violence, forcing them back into harmful environments. With this new legal reform, such a practice is now officially abolished.
According to Mirziyoyeva, this decision is crucial not only for women but also for children growing up in violent households. A family’s environment directly affects a child’s development and future outlook on life.
She also expressed her gratitude to the broad coalition that worked on the legislative amendments:
“A large team that worked on these changes stands with you,” she stated.
In conclusion, she shared an important message with society:
“No matter how difficult the road may be — choose peace for yourself and your children. Parents must understand: it is not a shame if your daughter escapes to safety. The real shame is forcing her to endure violence.”
This reform marks a turning point in Uzbekistan’s approach to protecting women’s and children’s rights. It reaffirms that domestic violence is not a private family matter but a serious societal issue that must be addressed by the state with determination.
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