Three officials sanctioned for child abuse at orphanage in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on three individuals involved in heinous crimes against children, specifically human trafficking and sexual exploitation, on December 2, 2024. The officials sanctioned include Yulduz Khudaiberganova, the head of a state-run orphanage, along with Anvar Kuryazov and Aybek Masharipov, who held government positions that gave them access to vulnerable children. The orphanage was located in Urgench, where it was reported that these individuals engaged in physical abuse and sexual assault of orphans. According to U.S. officials, Kuryazov was the head of the district's emergency department, while Masharipov had a previous role as head of the Khorezm Regional Justice Department, which allowed them to manipulate situations to their advantage. As detailed by the Treasury Department, the systematic abuse was further facilitated by Khudaiberganova's use of threats such as physical violence and deprivation of basic needs to compel children to comply with the abusers. This news broke on the International Day for the Abolishment of Slavery, underscoring the tragic realities of exploitation faced by many in state care. Bradley Smith, the acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, stated that this action underscores the responsibility of government officials to protect and not exploit children in their care. In addition to the sanctions, these individuals face visa restrictions imposed by the State Department, marking the U.S. commitment to holding accountable those who perpetuate a system of gender-based violence and trafficking against vulnerable populations.