Fundamental principles aimed at protecting children and preventing violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking in children are enshrined in the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. These norms provide a legal basis for protecting children and establish the priority of their best interests. 

According to Article 27 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, every child has the right to a standard of living necessary for his or her physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. The state is obliged to guarantee the protection of the interests of the child and create conditions conducive to his or her well-being. Article 32 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic prohibits the propaganda of national, racial, religious hatred, as well as any calls for discrimination, hostility or violence, which excludes conditions conducive to the abuse or exploitation of children. In turn, Article 56 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic directly prohibits torture, inhuman, cruel and degrading treatment, guaranteeing each person physical and moral integrity. 

National criminal legislation details these principles, criminalizing certain crimes against children. In particular, Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of October 28, 2021 №127 establishes punishment for torture, including causing physical or mental suffering to children. In the case of particular cruelty, actions against a child or a group of persons, the punishment may reach 12 years of imprisonment. 

For child trafficking, as provided for in Article 167 of the Criminal Code, the perpetrators may be sentenced to up to 15 years of imprisonment, especially if the victim is under 14 or if the crime involves moving a child across the border. Cruel treatment not involving serious harm to health is criminalized in Article 138 of the Criminal Code, which establishes sanctions for torture, especially if it is committed against children. The threat of violence, according to Article 139 of the Criminal Code, is also a criminal offense. 

In addition, special attention is paid to the protection of children in the family environment. Article 177 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of October 28, 2021 №127 punishes intentional actions of family members causing physical or mental harm to a child, with a maximum penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment. The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic enshrines the key principles of child protection, and the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic criminalizes the most dangerous crimes against them. These norms create a comprehensive legal basis for preventing violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking in children, as well as for holding those responsible accountable, and are reflected in laws regulating certain areas. 

The legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic is aimed at creating a comprehensive and effective mechanism for the protection, prevention and assistance of child victims of human trafficking. This mechanism is based on the observance of the highest interests of the child, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and national legislation. 

According to Article 27 of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking" of March 17, 2005 №55, when providing assistance to child victims of human trafficking, all measures corresponding to their primary interests must be taken. This provision emphasizes the obligation of the state to respect the rights of the child and take into account his individual needs, as stipulated by international standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

Part 2 of Article 27 stipulates that authorized bodies, shelters and centers are obliged to immediately notify the bodies for the protection of the rights and interests of children upon identification of a child victim of human trafficking. This measure is aimed at prompt intervention and ensuring the protection of the rights of the child in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on the rights and interests of children. In accordance with Part 3 of Article 27, child victims of human trafficking placed in shelters must be kept separately from adults. This provision is aimed at preventing possible victimization and creating a safe environment for children. 

Part 4 of Article 27 establishes the right of child victims of human trafficking to access education. They are provided with the opportunity to attend state educational institutions, which complies with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Education" of August 11, 2023 №179 and the principle of equal opportunities. 

If a child is left without parental care or does not know the whereabouts of his or her family, Part 5 of Article 27 provides for measures to search for the family or establish guardianship or trusteeship over him or her. These actions are carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on children's rights and are aimed at restoring family 

The Model instruction for the detection, identification and referral of victims of human trafficking, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on September 19, 2019 № 493 details the procedure for interdepartmental interaction. In particular, paragraph 39 provides for the referral of a minor victim of human trafficking, accompanied by a specialist or legal representative, to the authorized labor and social development agency. This enhances coordination between agencies to ensure comprehensive assistance. 

Particular attention is paid to children outside the Kyrgyz Republic. According to paragraphs 39 and 42 of the instructions, such children are returned to the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic accompanied by a representative of the authorized body, and their interview can be conducted via video link. These measures ensure the continuity of protection of the child, regardless of his or her location. 

In accordance with paragraphs 41 and 42 of the instructions, the identification and interview of children should be carried out in the presence of a psychologist, and, if necessary, without the participation of parents or guardians. This minimizes stress for the child and protects his or her interests. It is also recommended that the interview be conducted by a specialist of the same gender as the child to create comfortable conditions. 

Paragraph 44 of the instructions emphasizes that all actions regarding child victims of human trafficking must comply with the Kyrgyz Republic Code on Children and international treaties to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party. This includes compliance with human rights and child protection standards. 

If the victim of human trafficking is a foreign citizen, the state bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic are obliged to notify diplomatic missions, as provided for in paragraph 43 of the instructions. This demonstrates respect for international obligations and ensures the protection of the rights of the child, regardless of his or her citizenship. 

Moreover, child trafficking is prohibited by the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of October 28, 2021 №127 and is criminalized, and persons guilty of committing this crime are subject to criminal liability in accordance with the law. 

Thus, the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic forms a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children - victims of human trafficking. It includes interdepartmental cooperation, compliance with the highest interests of the child, consideration of international standards and ensuring access to basic rights. However, as the analysis above showed, assistance to victims of human trafficking is provided by crisis centers supported by international organizations. 

The national laws and policies of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of protection and defence against domestic violence have the potential to prevent, reduce the risk and address violence against children, but their effectiveness depends on several key factors. 

The legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic covers a wide range of actions that qualify as domestic violence. According to the definition in the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the Protection and Defense from Domestic Violence" of April 27, 2017 № 63, domestic violence includes physical, psychological and other types of violence directed against family members or persons equivalent to them. Particular attention is paid to the protection of children, including those who have witnessed violence (paragraph 4 of the Law on the Protection and Defence against Domestic Violence). This is an important aspect, since children, even if they are not direct victims, suffer from the negative impact of domestic violence. 

The internal affairs agencies play a key role in the prompt response to cases of domestic violence. They are obliged to notify the authorized body for the protection of children about the identified facts of violence, which increases the possibility of a rapid response to threats to minors. The authorized body for child protection, in turn, coordinates the activities of its territorial divisions, organizes a set of protection measures, including placing victims in crisis centers and providing information on available services (Article 15 of the Law on the Protection and Defense from Domestic Violence). 

The legislation provides for the development of educational and training programs for parents and children aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence (Article 13 of the Law on the Protection and Defense from Domestic Violence). These programs help develop conflict management skills and awareness of children's rights in children and parents. However, their real impact depends on the quality of implementation and coverage of the target audience. 

Special protection is provided to children under 14 years of age, as well as to persons recognized by the court as incompetent. A temporary protection order issued to legal representatives allows for the prompt isolation of the victim from the aggressor (Article 28 of the Law on the Protection and Defense from Domestic Violence). This reduces the risk of repeated violence in the short term and provides time to assess the situation and develop further protective measures. An important role in identifying and providing assistance to child victims is played by child protection agencies and educational institutions, which, in accordance with the Procedure for Providing Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence: 

- accept and register applications about minors who have suffered from domestic violence; 

- travel to the place of residence (location) of the child and family, take measures to further organize social support for the child who has suffered from domestic violence, in accordance with the procedure established by law for identifying children and families in difficult life situations; 

- maintain special control (regardless of the financial situation of the family) over children from families of labor migrants; 

- take appropriate measures to place children living with relatives and other persons without formal guardianship/trusteeship. 

Upon identification/appeal, educational institutions: - accept and register applications (messages) about students who have suffered from domestic violence. 

- immediately inform the internal affairs agencies and authorized child protection agencies about the identified facts of domestic violence against students; - provide the victim with assistance from social workers, work with the victimized student and family members living with him/her; 

- carry out constant monitoring of the mental and physical condition of students; 

- conduct preventive work among students and parents (persons replacing them) every quarter on the inadmissibility of domestic violence and measures for protection and defense; 

- implement educational and upbringing programs for students to prevent and suppress domestic violence; 

- keep records of students who have been subjected to domestic violence, analyze the needs for social assistance; 

The system of providing assistance to victims of domestic violence includes the participation of internal affairs agencies, healthcare, social development, education and other entities. Also, an important aspect is the participation of crisis centers and consultative and preventive organizations that provide psychological and social assistance to victims. 

Article 177 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of October 28, 2021 №127 establishes criminal liability for domestic violence, including intentional actions causing physical or mental suffering. The sanctions include community service or imprisonment for a term of two to five years, which indicates a serious approach to this problem. Criminals are also required to undergo a correctional program aimed at changing violent behavior. The legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic is largely aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of domestic violence against children, as well as protecting victims. However, to be maximally effective, increased educational campaigns, increased funding for social services, and improved mechanisms for interdepartmental cooperation are needed. If these shortcomings are addressed, laws and policies can become powerful tools for combating domestic violence and protecting children’s rights.