The Government continues to place a very high priority on human development and social protection. Uzbekistan has been in a position to substantially protect expenditures in the social sectors as it has not had to face the drastic decline in economic activity experienced by some of its neighbors. Despite difficult economic and social situations, HDI ranking remained in the 100 to 104 range during 1994 - 1998. However, substantial challenges confront the Government with respect to improving human development through the provision of social services. Uzbekistan's well-developed human skills base is a major asset for the future development of the country.
Educational attainment is high.
Basic education coverage is comprehensive, with a low level of disparity between rural and urban areas and between genders. By the labor code and corresponding legislation, child labor under 14 years of age is strictly prohibited. The new education law and the National Program for the Personnel Training System extends the duration of compulsory education from nine to 12 years. All the children are obliged to go to primary and senior secondary education schools. However, enrollment in other levels of education declined.