Following a string of tragic child killings by their own parents, Tajikistan’s Child Rights Ombudsman has launched a new initiative to identify and monitor at-risk families across the country.

At a news conference in Dushanbe, Child Rights Commissioner, Ms. Mizhgona Bobojonzoda, said that recent murders of six children by their parents in the districts of Farkhor, Qubodiyon, and Tursunzoda have reignited serious concerns about child protection in Tajikistan.

“These tragic events have underscored the urgent need for decisive action,” she said.

Sukhaili Abduhofizzoda, head of the state child protection department within the Ombudsman’s Office, stated that a registry of vulnerable families is now being compiled nationwide.  These families include those where parents or guardians struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, chronic illness, or psychiatric conditions.

“In the past six months, children from two such families have been removed and placed in state care,” he said.  However, he cautioned that such interventions alone cannot fully prevent violence. “We cannot place a guardian in every home. Parents, schools, society, and law enforcement must all share responsibility.”

A series of disturbing cases

In just six weeks, three parents—two mothers and one father—were involved in the deaths of six children.

On June 21, a 24-year-old Yulduz Bozorova from Quabodiyon district in Khatlon province attacked her daughter and two young sons with a knife.  Her six-month-old daughter, Khadicha, later died in intensive care on July 5.  Her two sons, aged 4 and 5, survived.  Bozorova reportedly attempted to harm herself after the attack but only sustained minor injuries. Her motive remains unclear.

Less than ten days later, on the night of June 29, a 27-year-old Madina Halimova from Farkhor district in Khatlon province jumped into the Surkhob River with her four children.  Halimova survived, but all four children drowned.  Three bodies have since been recovered; the fourth child, a 5-year-old Latofat, remains missing.

Emergency officials told Asia-Plus that Halimova acted after learning her husband had taken a second wife.  She has been charged with murder and faces up to 25 years or life in prison.  Her family claims she suffers from mental illness, though her lawyer disputes this, attributing her actions to extreme emotional distress.

In the most shocking case, a 40-year-old Parviz Odinayev from Tursunzoda tortured his 15-year-old son Khusrav on July 26, allegedly for stealing money.  According to the Interior Ministry, Odinayev tied the boy’s legs to a car and dragged him for several meters.  Khusrav died later that day from his injuries.

The boy’s mother and relatives later shared additional details with Asia-Plus, painting a grim picture of domestic abuse.

Child abuse on the rise

The Office of the Child Rights Ombudsman reports that child abuse remains a deeply troubling issue in Tajikistan.  In the first half of this year alone, incidents of violence against children rose by 30%.

“These numbers are alarming,” the office said in a statement, stressing the need for collective action from all sectors of society to protect children.