Uzbekistan joins global movement to end violence against children

On May 26, Uzbekistan joined the global "Bogotá Call to Action" initiative by declaring its national commitment to end violence against children, UNICEF Uzbekistan’s press service reported.

This decision is a continuation of the legal and institutional reforms implemented in recent years to strengthen child protection systems. A key milestone in this reform process was the enactment of the Law “On the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence,” which came into force on May 15.

The country is now drafting a multi-sectoral national strategy and action plan for 2025–2035, focused on preventing and combating violence against children.

Uzbekistan also called on the ambassadors of Central Asian countries to collaborate in the regional effort to eliminate violence against children.

“Uzbekistan’s national pledge under the Bogotá Call to Action and its aspiration to become a Pathfinding Country are powerful signals of commitment, not for leadership’s sake, but for shared responsibility, peer learning, and real results for children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“Every child must be protected from all forms of violence. There are no ‘other people’s’ children in this world – just as there are no ‘others’ when it comes to their pain. We urge everyone to pay attention to the deep pain in young hearts and to give children the opportunity to be heard. They have the right to speak,” said Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection.

The event also featured the presentation of the national multi-sectoral child protection strategy and action plan, a screening of the film "Haqqim bor" ("I Have the Right"), and the official signing of the National Commitment.