Press Release

Meeting of the National Human Rights Institutions for Children to discuss international practices and Uzbekistan’s experience

04 November 2020

Today, UNICEF, together with the Ombudsman Office, is hosting a Round Table with wide participation of National Human Rights Institutions, Members of the Parliament, Representatives of State Bodies, Organizations and NGOs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and international organizations.

Held under the theme, “Activities of Human Rights Institutions for Children: International Practices and Uzbekistan’s Experience”, the Round Table aims to share experiences from various countries as well as to exchange views among specialists on the best ways to organize the work of the national human rights institutions for children.

“The Office of Children’s Ombudsperson can be a central mechanism for child rights in Uzbekistan, especially for the most vulnerable groups of children,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “It is vital that the Office of Children’s Ombudsperson has all necessary powers, capacities and resources to carry out its tasks efficiently and independently,” he added.

UNICEF will support the Office of Children’s Ombudsperson with capacity building activities to fulfill its tasks in line with international standards and best practices of other countries.

This meeting is the first of its kind in Uzbekistan since the post of Children’s Ombudsperson was established in February 2020, in response to the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and international human rights obligations of Uzbekistan.

The meeting which also draws on international expertise will emphasize the need for children’s voices, the need for, children’s consultation on the decisions that directly and indirectly concern their rights and legal interests.

Special attention will be given to marginalized and discriminated groups of children. Experts will look at the vulnerability of children in prison settings and other closed facilities and their risk to various forms of violence and abuse.

This round table will be augmented by a 2-day workshop aimed at developing the capacity of Children’s Ombudsperson and regional representatives. It will equip them with knowledge and skills on relevant international standards and best practices on child participation and applying child-friendly approaches in their work.