10-07-202656
The reliable protection of women's and children's rights, the prevention of coercion and violence against them, and the strengthening of the family institution are among the most important factors in forming a healthy social environment within society. For this reason, issues related to the prevention of early marriage, early childbirth, and violence against women and children have consistently remained a priority of state policy in our country.
With a view to coordinating the activities of law enforcement agencies and competent authorities in this area, an interdepartmental council has been established, and a number of legal and organisational measures aimed at ensuring the safety of women and children are being implemented. These include: stricter administrative detention of up to 5 days for sexual harassment, the introduction of penalties up to and including life imprisonment for serious crimes such as paedophilia, the prohibition of transferring convicts guilty of sexual offences against minors to settlement-colonies, and the transfer of investigative jurisdiction over a number of articles on sexual offences from internal affairs bodies to prosecutorial authorities.
Engaging specially trained lawyers, investigators, and judges to handle cases of violence against women and children also constitutes a key measure in this area. In order to ensure the safety of women who have suffered from violence and been issued a protection order, a mechanism for installing a special 'SOS' application on their mobile devices is being introduced. Under this system, when the call button is pressed, internal affairs officers within a 5-kilometre radius are required to arrive at the location within 10 minutes. Issues of preventing early marriage and encouraging young people to approach family formation responsibly are also of particular importance. According to available data, approximately 40 per cent of marriages in our country are contracted by individuals aged 18–19. International organisations, in turn, recommend 21 years of age as the optimal age for marriage — an age at which a person has typically achieved financial independence and is fully prepared for family life. On this basis, measures have been adopted to introduce additional financial support mechanisms for individuals entering into marriage at the age of 21, as well as to promote the widespread adoption of prenuptial agreements through concessions on state duty.
Furthermore, it was proposed to increase the effectiveness of detecting early marriages by establishing a procedure whereby 15 per cent of the fine imposed for violations of marriage age legislation is paid to the person who reported the fact. An interdepartmental system for reporting cases of early marriage and pregnancy under the age of 16 to internal affairs bodies and the 'Inson' social services centres has been established, and administrative liability for failure to report such cases is also envisaged.
These measures aimed at protecting the rights of women and children serve to strengthen an atmosphere of justice, security, and mutual respect within society. For in a society where the dignity of women and children is upheld, a solid foundation is laid for a healthy family, sustainable development, and a prosperous future.