Marking the 30th anniversary of Tajikistan’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World Children's Day

DUSHANBE, 17 November 2023 – An inaugural National Forum for Child Rights Commissions was held today in Dushanbe to mark the 30th anniversary of Tajikistan’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and World Children`s Day, which is celebrated globally on 20 November each year.

Over one hundred Representatives of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, ministries and agencies, executive bodies of cities and districts, civil society, mass media, young people, and development partners participated in the forum.

The forum participants discussed current issues on the advancement of children's rights, including achievements of the Republic of Tajikistan during the 30 years since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Increased cooperation of state authorities, development partners and civil society organizations on reintegration and rehabilitation of children returned from conflict zones, the role of commissions on child protection, achievements, and gaps in child protection at the local level, raising awareness of local guardianship bodies and secretaries of local commissions on children's rights, were discussed.

At the end of the event, the Forum participants adopted a declaration that will serve as a roadmap for strengthened joint efforts for better promotion of child rights, such that, all children can live free from any type of violence, abuse, and neglect.

“Since the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1993, the Government of Tajikistan and UNICEF have been working together to promote the rights and well-being of every child in the country, with a particular focus on those most in need. Today, we have come together to celebrate the achievements of the commissions on the rights of the child and to discuss their role in promoting the best interests of the child while creating a protective environment for every child in Tajikistan” -said Ruslana Sirman, UNICEF, Chief of Child Protection in Tajikistan.

The event was organized in coordination with the National Commission on Child Rights and supported by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. The event was funded by the United States Department of States, Migration Multiparter Trust Fund, and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).