Over 2,000 parents in Uzbekistan lost parental rights in three years

Rahmonova, during a podcast, revealed that the majority of cases where parents lost their rights stemmed from either criminal behavior or failure to fulfill parental responsibilities. In some cases, health issues also played a role. The Children's Ombudsman highlighted that a significant 86% of these terminations were due to parents neglecting their duties, while the remaining 14% were attributed to more severe situations. These include abandonment of children, physical or emotional abuse, substance abuse, or the commission of deliberate crimes against the life or health of their spouse or child.

Rahmonova emphasized that when parents are deprived of their rights, the state takes on full responsibility for the child's well-being. "When parental rights are revoked, the state assumes full social responsibilities for the child. The state becomes the child's primary guardian and trustee," she explained. Guardianship and trusteeship authorities, which are now under the control of the National Agency for Social Protection, act as the legal representatives of these children. These authorities also provide social support to families and fulfill guardianship roles at the local level.

The Children's Ombudsman also reassured the public that children who fall into the category of orphans or those deprived of parental care are entitled to full social rights. This includes assistance with housing once they reach adulthood. Rahmonova affirmed that ensuring these children's access to their legal rights, including monitoring their progress into independent living, is a key responsibility of her office.