UNICEF and Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan join efforts to promote children’s rights

BISHKEK, 6 September 2016 – Today, a friendly football match between the national teams of Kyrgyzstan and Philippines takes place devoted to the rights of children with disabilities. Earlier this year, UNICEF and the Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan (FFKR) launched a partnership to promote children’s rights in the country. The dream of children with disabilities is about to come true: they will escort the players of the national football teams to the central stadium after D.Omurzakov in the city of Bishkek. 

Before the beginning of the match, President of the Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan Semetei Sultanov stated: “We are very proud to contribute to addressing serious and urgent issues faced by the society through our game. Football is more than a game. And children is our everything.” 

This initiative aims to draw public attention to the protection of children’s rights, especially the most vulnerable children, and importance of sport and football in children’s development.

Over two million children live in Kyrgyzstan, including 28,000 children with disabilities.  

Far too often, children with disabilities do not have proper access to inclusive education and medical services, they are deprived of parental care and face discrimination and exclusion in the society. 

Attending the match with children, UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan a.i. Munir Mammadzade said: “UNICEF works worldwide to promote the rights and wellbeing of every child.” ”We at UNICEF want that every child is surrounded by love, care and respect every day. Every child, including children with disabilities, have talents and abilities. Integration of children with disabilities, support to their families, and inclusive education are important components for the development of every society. Sport, and especially football, has a unique power to rehabilitate children with disabilities. I believe that football can help us unite for children,” he added. 

Kyrgyzstan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994. The Convention is an international agreement, which defines how a state and society of each country must implement the rights of persons under 18 and protect them. Every child is born with equal rights regardless of nationality, religion and health. The right to health, education, development and upbringing in a family environment applies to every child, including children with disabilities. This year UNICEF celebrates its 70th anniversary. 70 years for each child!