Children's Support after Marital Dissolution in Uzbekistan

Abstract

Uzbekistan is a country with approximately 80% of ethnic Uzbeks living in its territory, who profess Islam.1) After gaining independence, the country declared its adherence to a democratic state and a secular society, however, still religious and cultural factors influence almost all spheres of life. This is particularly true when family issues are concerned. Traditionally, (1) family in the society is the most important social unit, and contrary to western families are extended ones, including more links than just the immediate “husband wife children”. (2) usually, an Uzbek family has at least 3-4 children. Perhaps, due to this reason, statistical data reveals that 64% of the whole population of Uzbekistan is children - persons under 18 years old. Therefore, the problems related to children’s support, children’s rights and legal interests are of a vital importance for the country. From the moment Uzbekistan got its independence children, childhood and children’s rights have been the core element of the state policy. In 1992 Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on Children’s rights and since then has always been working hard at creating an effective mechanism for protection of children’s rights. This paper is the author`s humble attempt to provide a reader with the picture of current situation of children’s support and protection scheme in the country. It starts with a brief introduction of the family law system in Uzbekistan, presents a summary of divorce law of the country and reveals the problems currently exist in children’s support system after parents’ divorce. Finally, the paper provides with some recommendations for the improvement.