Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Authorities in Uzbekistan are working to return two girls from Kazakhstan who were sexually abused by their uncle.

The office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights of Uzbekistan received an appeal stating that after the death of her parents, 17-year-old I.A. and 12-year-old S.R. were transferred to the guardianship of their uncle R.R, who lives in Kazakhstan.

The applicant reported that her uncle committed indecent acts against the girls. She asked to take legal measures against the man, to help return the sisters to Uzbekistan and to appoint her as their legal representative, since she is their closest relative.

At the request of the Children’s Ombudsman, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Consul General of Uzbekistan in Almaty, with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took prompt action.

On 8 June, the police and guardianship authorities took the girls from their uncle’s house and placed them in the Almaty adaptation center for children in difficult social situations.

At the moment, girls are provided with the necessary social and psychological support.

At the request of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, thanks to the prompt cooperation of the Uzbek Consul General in Almaty, R.R. was detained by Kazakh police. He has been charged with sexual assault against minors. On 17 June, the court chose for R.R. preventive measure in the form of detention.

The Children’s Ombudsman, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan are taking steps to appoint a new guardian for the girls and their return to Uzbekistan.