Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The second international forum of children’s rights commissioners from Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 27 October under the theme “Children’s Voices: National Strategies and a Safe Digital Environment.”
Participants discussed national strategies for protecting children’s rights, improving child protection mechanisms and strengthening international cooperation, according to Uzbekistan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the Oliy Majlis.
The initiative to establish a regional cooperation platform for Central Asian child ombudspersons was proposed by Uzbekistan. The first forum was held in Tashkent.
The event brought together children’s rights commissioners from Central Asian countries, China and Japan. Representatives of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC), UNICEF and the OSCE also attended, along with Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children.
Discussions focused on ensuring equal opportunities for children, developing inclusive environments, protecting children from threats in the digital space and promoting their psychological well-being. Participants also examined mechanisms for safeguarding children’s rights and legitimate interests, sharing best practices and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
During the plenary session, Uzbekistan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the Oliy Majlis outlined the country’s experience in ensuring that children’s best interests are prioritised.
He described this as a long-term strategic task for the state. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has adopted key legislation on children’s rights, established specialised bodies and introduced new forms of social protection for children.
According to the commissioner’s office, Uzbekistan’s experience received high praise from forum participants.
