Children's Ombudsman Demands Review of Investigation into Namangan Kindergarten Violence Case
After a kindergarten employee in Uchkurgan district of Namangan region was detained on suspicion of raping a 5-year-old girl, Uzbekistan's Children's Ombudsman submitted a representation to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. The ministry is required within 15 days to report on the review of the internal investigation, remediation of shortcomings, and holding those responsible accountable.
Sources
· 5Детский омбудсман внёс представление в министерство из-за насилия в наманганском детсаду
1В Намангане задержан сотрудник детсада по делу об изнасиловании 5-летней девочки
2В Намангане задержан завскладом детсада по подозрению в изнасиловании 5-летней девочки
3Узбекистан проверяет все госдетсады после случая насилия в Учкургане
4Узбекистан отстраняет жестоких педагогов от работы на год
5Key points
- The Children's Ombudsman submitted a representation to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education over a case of sexual violence in a kindergarten in Namangan region.
- A 52-year-old caretaker of a state kindergarten in Uchkurgan district was detained on September 12 on suspicion of raping a 5-year-old girl.
- A criminal case was opened under Part 4 of Article 118 of the Criminal Code (sexual intercourse with a person under fourteen years of age).
- The child has been identified as being in a high-risk situation and is receiving psychological, medical, and legal assistance.
- The ministry is required to report within 15 days.
What happened
In Uchkurgan district of Namangan region, a 52-year-old caretaker of a state kindergarten was detained on September 12 on suspicion of raping a 5-year-old girl. The investigative unit of the Uchkurgan District Internal Affairs Department opened a criminal case under Part 4 of Article 118 of the Criminal Code (sexual intercourse with a person under fourteen years of age). The suspect has been taken into custody. Uzbekistan's Children's Ombudsman submitted a representation to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education in connection with the case of sexual violence in a kindergarten in Namangan region. The ministry is required to report within 15 days.
Why it matters
The affected child has been identified as being in a high-risk situation and is receiving psychological, medical, and legal assistance. After the incident, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education set up a working group to study the incident and began inspections of all state kindergartens. On September 11, 2026, the President of Uzbekistan signed a law establishing administrative liability for violence against children in educational organizations: a fine of 1 to 5 base calculation units and a one-year ban on teaching activities.
What changed
Earlier, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education reported that it had set up a working group and begun inspections of all state kindergartens. Now the Children's Ombudsman has demanded that the results of the internal investigation be critically reviewed and a report submitted within 15 days.
What to watch
The Ministry of Preschool and School Education is required to report on the representation within 15 days.
What's Next
The ministry must report on the Children's Ombudsman's representation within 15 days.