Media centre

Press releases and news notes

President of the State Reflects on Child Rights during CRC Panel Discussion
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

National football star announced UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

UNICEF and MTV: Lights! Camera! Action!
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

More reforms needed as some children still languish in custody in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, warns UNICEF
GENEVA, November 11, 2009 - Despite some progress in juvenile justice system reform, too many children are still being held in detention awaiting trial in Eastern European and Central Asian countries, a new UNICEF study warns.

2 November 2009: I have the right to know! UNICEF announces the launch of media campaign timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

Turkmenistan starts off massive celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 30 October 2009 – Turkmenistan’s Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have officially started celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Turkish universities champion child rights
ISTANBUL, November 6, 2009 – Seven Turkish universities are leading the way in European journalism studies by teaching a new child rights syllabus as part of their degree courses.

The Voice of Children and Youth at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

Yukie Mokuo: Investments to children is key to the successful national development of Ukraine
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

“Playground for Ability Development” in Rousse gives chance to the most vulnerable children
ROUSSE, 13 October 2009 – “Playground for Ability Development” was opened today in the city of Rousse.

More than two million children in Tajikistan vaccinated against measles and rubella
DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN, 12 October 2009 – More than 2.2 million children in Tajikistan have been vaccinated during a national measles and rubella immunization campaign, which ends today.

Orlando Bloom named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, 12 October 2009 - Actor Orlando Bloom was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador today, in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world.

UNICEF calls for action to tackle flow of children into institutions
Geneva, October 7, 2009 – UNICEF experts are calling on governments in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States to adopt measures that will stem the flow of children being abandoned in state-run institutions.

Without a protective environment, it’s a harsh life for children
TOKYO, 6 October 2009 - While progress is being made in reducing some violations of children’s rights, not enough is yet known about the extent of abuses against children.

UNICEF commends the Kosovo authorities for the endorsement of the Strategy and Action Plan on Children’s Rights
Pristina, 1 October 2009 – UNICEF today commended the Kosovo authorities for the endorsement of the Strategy and Action Plan on Children’s Rights 2009-2013.

September 29, 2009: Izhevsk has joined the UNICEF Global Initiative “Child Friendly Cities”
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

New six year vaccine procurement MOU will ensure universal immunization coverage in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan - 30 September 2009 – The Government of Turkmenistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF for procurement of life saving vaccines, drugs and other medical supplies.

National immunization campaign against measles and rubella started in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - 28 September 2009 – Saving children’s lives and ensuring their healthy development is the aim of the national immunization campaign against measles and rubella which starts in Tajikistan today.

UNICEF and EU launch project aimed to support children in difficult life circumstances
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

Call for submission of good practice and tools for disaster risk reducation in education
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebo is visiting Ukraine to fundraise for children
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

UNICEF welcomes creation of the position of the Child Rights Ombudsperson under the President of the Russian Federation
Apart from being a very successful sportsmen, widely recognised in the country and abroad, Edin Dzeko has demonstrated his strong personal commitment to children and young people,

Innocenti Social Monitor 2009: Child well-being at a crossroad - Evolving challenges in the CEECIS
This study examines the evolving and diverging challenges for the well-being of children after two decades of transition.

Animated children's book on immunization from Turkmenistan now on Youtube
Watch the video version of an animated children's book on immunization produced jointly by UNICEF and Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan marks the National Breastfeeding Week 2009
Turkmenistan marks the National Breastfeeding Week on 1-7 September focusing on the recently adopted national law that supports exclusive breastfeeding.

UNICEF Montenegro and the Ministry Of Health launch the awareness-raising campaign “The Early Years – An Opportunity Of A Lifetime”
UNICEF Montenegro and the Ministry of Health launched a 3-month awareness raising campaign “The Early Years – An Opportunity of a Lifetime” on August 1, beginning of the World Breastfeeding Week.

Mark Hereward - New UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan
BAKU, August 5, 2009 – Mr. Mark Hereward has been appointed new Representative for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan.

A mother's milk is the most complete form of nutrition she can offer her newborn
July 31, 2009 - In Montenegro, latest research reveals that only 19% of women exclusively breastfeed their children within the first six months and only every fourth mother breastfeeds her baby within the first hour after birth.

UNICEF Chief commemorates Breastfeeding Week by promoting better nutrition and child health in Nigeria
KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA, 31 July 2009 - Executive Director Ann M. Veneman emphasized the contribution that breastfeeding can make to improving children’s nutrition, health and development, speaking in Nigeria today at the start of World Breastfeeding Week.

New UNICEF Representative is appointed to Ukraine
21 July 2009, Kyiv – Yukie Mokuo has been appointed as the new United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Ukraine.

Ana Ivanovic' special Adidas t-shirts for UNICEF's "School without violence" programme
July 2009 - In cooperation with UNICEF, Serbia’s renowned tennis player and UNICEF National Ambassador Ana Ivanović launched her very own line of Adidas t-shirts.

Vaccine safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina
July 18, 2009 - The Ministries, Public Health Institutes, UNICEF and WHO are jointly concerned about the credibility of information made available to the ‘Association of Parents of Sick Children’.

Rapid assessment and response with youth, injecting drug users and prisoners
July 14, 2009 - Prishtinë/Pristina – WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA publish a report with the latest findings on psychoactive substance use.

Music video by The Killers raises awareness about trafficking and sexual exploitation
LONDON, United Kingdom, 13 July 2009 - Starting today, MTV audiences around the world will see a new music video that aims to raise awareness about sex trafficking.

J8 participants present their recommendations to G8 leaders
On July 9, 2009, fourteen young people - representatives of the youth delegations at the Junior8 Summit - met the world leaders at the G8 Summit in L'Acquila.

UNICEF Regional Director calls for action on Roma
GENEVA, Switzeland - June 10, 2009 - UNICEF’s newly-appointed Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Steven Allen, has challenged governments and international partners to improve living conditions for

UNICEF brings safe water and sanitation to families affected by floods and mud flows in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - 30 June 2009 - Over the last two and a half months, UNICEF has been working to address the immediate humanitarian and long-term recovery needs of families affected by multiple floods and mud flows in Tajikistan.

Child marriage: broken dreams of Azerbaijan girls
Baku, Azerbaijan, 24 June 2009 - A Recent study found that child marriages occur mainly due to cultural and socio-economic factors.

UNICEF Bulgaria launches the first national early childhood development campaign
SOFIA, Bulgaria - 23 June 2009 - UNICEF’s new communication campaign for early childhood development “The silence today bears the cries of tomorrow” was launched officially today.

UNICEF urges fortification of staple foods to improve child and maternal health and economic gains
SKOPJE, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 23 June 2009 - Fortifying flour is a proven cost effective strategy to improve population health and productivity.

UNICEF supported and participated in the 2009 Kid’s Festival
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - June 2009 - For the fifth year in a row, UNICEF supported the Kid’s Festival, the largest event for children and youth in South East Europe.

2nd Child Protection Forum held in Bishkek
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 9 June 2009

UNICEF and Ministry of Health launch National Vitamin A Supplementation and De-worming campaign in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - 12 June 2009 - The ten-day national campaign on vitamin A supplementation and de-worming among children in Tajikistan has been launched by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF this week.

The Media and Children’s Rights Manual is Launched in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine - 29 May 2009 - The Ukrainian edition of The Media and Children’s Rights handbook has been launched today at the Press Centre of the Institute of Journalism of Kyiv National University.

"Children are not toys" - Photo exhibition opens in Yerevan
YEREVAN, Armenia - 8 June 2009 - UNICEF and the Armenian Parliament joined their voices today to send a message on the importance of respecting child rights.

UNICEF Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov launches “It’s about ability” publication in Bulgarian
SOFIA, Bulgaria - 7 June 2009 - UNICEF Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov launched today “It’s about ability” publication in Bulgarian.

International Conference “Right to Education for Every Child: Removing Barriers and Fostering Inclusion for Roma Children” in Belgrade
BELGRADE, Serbia - June 2009 - The International Conference on the “Right to Education for Every Child: Removing Barriers and Fostering Inclusion for Roma Children” was held in Belgrade on 2 -3 June 2009 within the Decade of Roma Inclusion.

Roundtable discussion dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child held in Moscow
On April 24, launching a series of events dedicated to this memorable date, UNICEF and the Faculty of Economics of the Moscow State University (MSU) arranged a roundtable entitled “The 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child".

UNICEF trains young facilitators of Adolescents & Youth Forum
UNICEF, the National Healthy Lifestyle Centre and the Department of Health of Almaty brought together 26 young people from across people Kazakhstan to prepare them in adolescent and youth centered participatory facilitation techniques.

UNICEF Azerbaijan launches new pdf-newsletter
The UNICEF office in Azerbaijan recently launched a new pdf-newsletter in the Azeri language and in English.

UNICEF organizes the first training on child-friendly schools concept in Pedagogical Institute
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 11 May 2009 – UNICEF and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan have completed four day training for professors and students at the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute on a child-friendly learning environment concept.

UNICEF fears influx of children into Central Asian institutions
GENEVA, Switzerland - May 8, 2009 - UNICEF experts warn the global economic crisis means even more children in Central Asia face abandonment in state-run institutions and maternity hospitals.

New playground and kindergarten for displaced children in Georgia
TSEROVANI, Georgia - 24 April, 2009 - From today 25 children going to the kindergarten in the Tserovani settlement for IDPs will be able to also use their own kindergarten-playground.

Immunisation Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - May 2009 - The Public Health Institutes of Federation of BiH and the Republika Srpska, supported by UNICEF and WHO, have jointly marked the European Immunisation Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbian MPs request better care for children
BELGRADE, Serbia - 23 April 2009 - Parliamentarians, government officials, UNICEF, and civil society came together at a parliamentary seminar to discuss the state of children and child rights in Serbia.

Facts on Swine Flu
April 30, 2009 - UNICEF is working with its UN partners to prepare for a potential outbreak of swine flu.

Maternal and Infant Mortality: An analysis of the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic
recommendations and conclusions of the report were discussed during the round table entitled “Maternal and Infant Mortality: an analysis of the situation and recommendations for its reduction and achieving MDGs 4 and 5 in the Kyrgyz Republic”.

Ankara hosts international symposium on children in conflict with the law
Experts from four continents gathered in Ankara on April 27 for an international symposium on children in contact with the law.

UNICEF Global Capacity Development Programme on Child-Friendly Schools
Geneva, Switzerland 27 – 30 April, 2009 - Education experts from nine different countries from the CEE/CIS region are meeting the week 27th – 30th of April, 2009 in Geneva.

Magic media for children created in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan - 24 April 2009 - Turkmenistan education and health specialists, creative individuals, media representatives, members of the public organizations and children have produced a series of educational materials for children.

UNICEF awards winners of children’s art competition devoted to improving mother and child health
ASTANA, Kazakhstan - 22 April 2009 - The UN Children’s Fund has awarded the winners of the children’s art competition “Clever bread for clever boys and clever girls”.

Tajikistan and UNICEF launch EU-backed project on disaster risk reduction
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - 24 April 2009 - The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education, the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense, and UNICEF in Tajikistan on disaster risk reduction in education sector has been signed in D

UNICEF and partners launch Child Rights Syllabus
Six Turkish universities are leading the way in European journalism studies by agreeing to introduce a new UNICEF child rights syllabus (download) into their degree courses.

UNICEF and MGA WATER seal partnership for newborn health
YEREVAN, Armenia - 21 April 2009 - MGA Water, one of the main suppliers of drinking water on the Armenian market, is joining UNICEF and the Ministry of Health to support on-going efforts to improve newborn health.

European Immunization Week in Turkmenistan promotes families’ informed responsibility of immunizing children
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 20 April 2009 - Turkmenistan reinforces its commitment to give a healthy start to children and sustaining a high immunization rate by marking the 4th European Immunization Week from 20th to 26th April.

Investing in early learning & development essential to get children on track
SKOPJE, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 16 April, 2009 - Following a two year development process, today the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy together with UNICEF presented new early learning and development standards (ELDS).

UNICEF launches campaign to protect children and women in Tajikistan from bird flu
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, 16 April 2009 - To protect children and women in Tajikistan against avian influenza by changing their behaviours related to poultry handling as well as personal hygiene and cooking is the aim of media campaign launched by UNICEF.

Alcohol consumption and availability of drugs among Ukrainian school-aged children is increasing annually, UNICEF reports
Today, the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) launches a report ‘European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs’ (ESPAD) revealing that alcohol consumption and availability of drugs among Ukrainian school-aged children is increasing.

UN, IFIs discuss with RoA Government ways to offset social impact of the crisis
YEREVAN, Armenia - 14 April 2009 - Representatives from international organisations warned today that the global economic and financial crisis could have a serious impact on the Armenian economy.

Towards a safe and enabling environment for children
BELGRADE, Serbia - 9 April 2009 - Conference of the Ministry of Education and UNICEF on prevention of violence among and against children in the educational system and on the “School without Violence” Network

Uzbekistan’s Parliament and UNICEF cement cooperation for children until 2015 and launch children’s rights resource centre in the Parliament
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - April 7, 2009 - The Legislative Chamber of the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed off a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today which lights the way for joint work for chi

UNICEF holds Central Asian seminar on disaster risk reduction
A two-day Central Asian regional seminar was held in Almaty on 25-26 March 2009 on disaster risk reduction and education organized jointly by UNICEF and the UN International Strategy for Risk Reduction (ISDR).

Stairs no longer in the way of education
SPLIT, Croatia - 27 March 2009 - Elementary school Gripe in Split became the first school in Croatia to carry the prestigious title School without barriers.

Immunization is saving children’s lives
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - 30 March 2009 - UNICEF is deeply concerned about Ms Jagoda Savic’s statement in media implying that imported vaccines can threaten the lives of children in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Children speak about evaporating water supplies
ISTANBUL, Turkey - March 22 , 2009 - The 5th World Water Forum was held in Istanbul, between 16-22 March 2009.

The “Day of Three Laws” in Kyrgyzstan
March 17, 2009 will go down in history as UNICEF's "Day of Three Laws" in Kyrgyzstan.

Majority of Georgian children experience different kinds of physical and psychological violence
TBILISI, Georgia - 19 March, 2009 - The National Study on Violence against Children in Georgia reveals that children in Georgia have been experiencing high levels of violence in different settings.

International experts to aid in developing early learning and development standards for young children in four Central Asian Republics
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - March 23, 2009 - Global and regional education experts met at a sub-regional workshop in Tashkent today to develop an implementation plan for Early Learning and Development Standards.

Turkish universities champion child rights
GENEVA, March 25 – Six Turkish universities are leading the way in European journalism studies by agreeing to introduce a new child rights syllabus into their degree courses.

Junior 8 Summit 2009
March 2009 - UNICEF calls for applications for the 2009 Junior 8 Summit in Italy.

Thinking mathematics + reading for comprehension = effective education
SKOPJE, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 14 March, 2009 - During this week, 55 mathematics teachers participated in the first round of training for mentor teachers.

Uzbek women and children to be better protected from disasters
‘Women and children are the most vulnerable in any disaster. We are helping people help themselves in some of the most remote communities and are boosting the Governments’ solid disaster preparedness plans’ said UNICEF's Mahboob Shareef.

Kazakhstan and UNICEF launch EU-backed project on disaster risk reduction
ASTANA, Kazakhstan - 12 March 2009 - The Memorandum is designed to establish cooperation and partnership as part of the project called “Supporting disaster risk reduction among vulnerable communities in Kazakhstan”.

Call for applications - Video workshop for teenagers in Kyiv, Ukraine
UNICEF invites young people from from the CIS to apply for a video workshop in Kyiv, Ukraine, in May 2009.

More children are ready to become full-fledged members of society thanks to the reform of the penitentiary and probation system in Georgia
project, aimed at supporting the Government of Georgia in reforming the penitentiary and probation system, is being launched today.

Cutting edge National Nutrition Investment Plan to keep thousands of Uzbek women and children healthy and productive
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - 10 March 2009 - The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan recently signed off a landmark nutrition investment plan (NIP) that will see malnutrition and other malnutrition related diseases drop and health and productivity rise.

Women and Men United to End Violence against Women and Girls
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on International Women’s Day 2009

Every child counts – Birth registration in Kosovo
Prishtine/Pristina, 04 March 2009 - UNICEF, the Ministry of Interior, and Prism Resarch company launch the report ‘Every child counts – Birth registration in Kosovo’

National Child Development Centre launched in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia - 3 March, 2009 - “Supporting child’s development is the best strategy for poverty reduction.”

ICDB celebrated in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine - 1 March 2009 - In Ukraine, broadcasters celebrated ICDB by creating special programming in Kyiv and packaging the existing programming as a marathon in Dniprovetprovsk with involvement of children and young people.

Getting to Lisbon - Assessing vocational training needs and job creation opportunities for rural women
27 February 2009 - Prishtinë/Pristina, Kosovo - The report takes a hard look at the causes for high drop-out rates and low educational attainments among rural women and tries to identify obstacles to female employment in rural Kosovo.

Red Card for child neglect: Football to protect child rights in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine - February 26, 2009 - UNICEF, Premier League and Football Club Maestro unite to address child neglect in Ukraine.

Study on knowledge, viewpoints and skills of young people regarding HIV, drug addiction, smoking, alcoholism and sexual behaviour in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - February 24, 2009 - “Adolescents need information – not just partial, but full information, particularly in the field of life skills, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

Stereotyped reporting on children dominates the Georgian media, UNICEF report says
TBILISI, Georgia - 20 February, 2009 - A UNICEF commissioned research revealed that Georgian media lacks overall professional standards, which should be used by journalists and media managers while reporting on children.

Three UN agencies launch joint cash assistance programme for displaced persons in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia – February 18, 2009 - UNHCR, UNICEF and The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today launched a joint cash assistance programme for people displaced during the August 2008 crisis.

More Turkish children get new school buildings thanks to UNICEF campaign
Kahramanmaraş, Turkey - February 18, 2009 - Children in the southern province of Kahramanmaraş have become the latest to benefit from a UNICEF-backed campaign to raise funds for school buildings in Turkey.

UNICEF Bulgaria launches the “Invisible Children” campaign
SOFIA, Bulgaria - 18 February 2009 - Today, UNICEF Bulgaria launched the “Invisible Children” campaign for support to children with disabilities and their families.

New textbooks for conflict affected and vulnerable children
TBILISI, Georgia - 12 February, 2009 - More than 30,000 new textbooks have been provided to 5,000 conflict affected and vulnerable children in the regions of Gori, Kareli, Kaspi and Khashuri as well as to IDP children living in the various collective cent

Parliamentary public hearing calls for more effective public investment in children
SKOPJE, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 10 February 2009 - Parliamentarians, government officials, and civil society came together at a parliamentary public hearing to discuss the findings and recommendations of a UNICEF supported Child-Focuse

UNICEF appoints opera star Maria Guleghina as Goodwill Ambassador
11 February 2009 – UNICEF today announced the appointment of world-renowned opera singer Maria Guleghina as Goodwill Ambassador.

Turkish universities trailblaze child rights syllabus for journalists
ISTANBUL, Turkey - February 11, 2009 - Five Turkish universities are leading the way in European journalism studies by introducing a new child rights syllabus into their degrees.

Council of Europe handbook teaches safety for online social networking
Strasbourg, 09.02.2009 - On the eve of Safer Internet Day 2009, the Council of Europe is launching a new edition of The Internet Literacy Handbook.

UNICEF and KMB BANK start art therapy project for vulnerable children
MOSCOW, Russian Federation, 3 February 2009 - KMB Bank and UNICEF launch a joint charitable project “The Art School” aimed to provide assistance to vulnerable children living in shelters and social rehabilitation centers.

UNICEF calls to improve services to prevent maternal and infant deaths
YEREVAN, Armenia - 2 February 2009 - “According to The State of the World’s Children 2009, in Armenia, roughly 22 infants per 1,000 live births die before their first birthday. Approximately 80% of these deaths are during the first 28 days of life ."

Families enjoy learning about childcare while flying
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - 30 January 2009 - Passengers flying domestically by Turkmen Airlines now can spend a quality flight time reading and learning from a newly published reference booklet on child care practices for parents.

UNICEF supports municipalities put children at the center of local planning
SKOPJE, Macedonia - January 28, 2009 - UNICEF and partner organizations today launched a manual for the development of local plans of action for children as well as an accompanying website that provides additional tools to support their implementation.

UNICEF calls for increased public investment in adolescent health to respond to high risk behaviours among students
SKOPJE, 26 January 2009 - At a press conference to launch the findings of the National School Based Health Survey, the UNICEF Representative, Mr. Sheldon Yett, called for increased public investment in adolescent health.

UNICEF appeals for just over $1 billion to help children and women suffering in emergencies
27 January 2009 – UNICEF’s 2009 Humanitarian Action Report (HAR) highlights the plight of children and women around the globe in humanitarian emergencies.

SOWC report 2009 launched in Ankara, Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey - 15 January 2009 - UNICEF’s flagship annual report, ‘The State of the World’s Children’ was unveiled by UNICEF Turkey Representative Reza Hossaini in Ankara on Thursday January 15 as part of its worldwide launch.

Extreme Risks for Pregnant Women and Newborn Babies in Developing Countries
15 January 2009 - Women in the world's least developed countries are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than women in developed countries, according to UNICEF's latest SOWC report, released today.

Uzbek healthcare managers learn life-saving skills for mothers and children
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - 15 January 2009 - Training for maternal and child health workers is now fully underway at the Postgraduate institute in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Project launched to improve disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response skills in Uzbek communities
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - 13 January 2009 - A Partnership between the Ministry of Emergencies of the Government of Uzbekistan and UNICEF was recently sealed to reduce the risk of disasters in vulnerable communities across 9 disaster prone Uzbek provinces.

Kyrgyzstan faces acute humanitarian needs
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - 12 January, 2009 - Kyrgyzstan faces acute humanitarian needs caused by depletion of the country’s hydroelectric resources as well as soaring food and fuel prices.

UNICEF supports Ministry of Health ensure safe and reliable immunization
SKOPJE - 27 December 2008 - “We have an obligation and vested interest to work together to ensure all children are fully and timely vaccinated,” stated UNICEF Representative Mr. Sheldon Yett.

Kyrgyzstan: Breastfeeding now under government protection
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - December 19, 2008 - The President of the Kyrgyz Republic signs a law “On Breastfeeding and Regulation of Marketing of Designated Products”

Challenging early childhood educators to sprint ahead
On a recent afternoon, extraordinary things were afoot in the Rustavi kindergarten classroom of Lali Jangirashvili, 41, a veteran teacher who recently trained by UNICEF, in partnership with the Soros Foundation, in a new approach to pre-school education.

UNICEF Serbia and Red Star Belgrade team up: Basketball for development and non-violence
BELGRADE, Serbia - 18 December 2008 - Basketball club “Crvena Zvezda” (Red Star) and UNICEF in Serbia signed an agreement of cooperation on the promotion of sport for development among school children.

UNICEF-supported school in Rudaki, Tajikistan, is ready for winter
RUDAKI, Tajikistan - 19 December, 2008 - UNICEF-supported school in Rudaki, Tajikistan, is ready for winter

UN and Kyrgyz Government make $20 million appeal to help the country deal with energy shortages as winter sets in
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - December 2008 - UN and Kyrgyz Government make $20 million appeal to help the country deal with energy shortages as winter sets in

Poor hit hardest by rising food prices, energy crisis in Kyrgyzstan
OSH/BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - 8 December 2008 (IRIN) - "No electricity, no life", says Asan Kojomkulov, 58, an unemployed resident of Kyzyl-Bairak village near the southern Kyrgyz town of Osh. "There are regular blackouts every day; it is very difficult to ma

Your Voice Counts! - Child and adolescent participation
BELGRADE, Serbia - 13 December 2008 - An exhibition and a roundtable under the slogan "Your Voice Counts!“ was held today in the Pedagogical Museum in Belgrade.

IKEA and its customers show soft spot for children
NEW YORK, 16 December 2008 – In keeping with a tradition started four years ago, this holiday season the IKEA Social Initiative will use proceeds from the sale of IKEA soft toys to help finance education projects run by UNICEF and Save the Children.

‘Include the Excluded’ - New UNDP report calls for greater integration of people living with and affected by HIV
MOSCOW, Russian Federation - 10 December 2008 - Discrimination and the social exclusion of people living with HIV are undermining efforts to respond to AIDS, according to a new report “Living with HIV in Eastern Europe and CIS: The human cost of social ex

UNICEF unites young leaders from eight North Caucasus regions for peace
NALCHIK, Russian Federation - 12 December 2008 - Last month, on the International Day for Tolerance, roughly 150 volunteers and children from eight regions of the North Caucasus gathered in Nalchik for the first Congress of Young Peace Builders.

The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 60
NEW YORK, USA, 10 December 2008 – Six decades ago the United Nations brought the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life. Today, the rights enshrined in the Declaration are considered, simply, universal values.

Swimmers Improving Children’s Lives
ZAGREB/RIJEKA, Croatia - 10 December 2008 - The Croatian National Swimming Team joins the “LEN for UNICEF” Solidarity Program to help promote the importance of safe water for children’s survival in developing countries.

UNICEF Serbia publishes "Clever Book for Mother and Father”
BELGRADE, Serbia - 9 December 2008 - The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia and UNICEF today launched the parental manual "Clever Book for Mother and Father – basic messages for small children's parents from birth to the age of three“.

UNICEF, National Assembly of Armenia hold first ever parliamentary hearing on child protection
YEREVAN, Armenia - 9 December 2008 - Close to 100 representatives of the Armenian parliament, government, international and local non-governmental organisations gathered today for the first ever parliamentary hearings on the theme of protection of child r

UNICEF Supported National Helpline for Children Receives 140,000 Calls in One Year
SOFIA, Bulgaria - 5 December 2008 - The State Agency for Child Protection (SACP) and UNICEF Bulgaria presented the year-long work of the pilot project “Talk to a friend” 0800-19-10 - helpline for children, during a press conference on December 3rd, 2008.

UNICEF and B92 Campaign for Children in Foster Families
BELGRADE, Serbia - 5 December 2008 - UNICEF Serbia and RTV B92, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, have launched the 2008 special sales promotion of the New Year and Christmas gifts for 1,362 children living in foster families.

Government of Tajikistan and UNICEF Programme of Cooperation, 2005-2009
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - 3 December, 2008 - UNICEF Tajikistan today held a "Combined Annual Programme Review and Planning Meeting (APRM)" with representative of the Tajik Government to discuss various health issues in the Central Asian country.

Celebrating the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
GENEVA, Switzerland - 3 December, 2008 - On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), UNICEF launches the Russian version of the publication "It's all about ability".

Four-Day World Congress Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents wraps in Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, 2 December 2008 – The 2008 World Congress Against Sexual Exploitation of Children has concluded in Rio de Janeiro, with a blueprint for fighting the sexual abuse and exploitation of young people.

UNICEF beats the drum for better HIV/AIDS awareness
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan - 1 December, 2008 - Today in Ashgabat famous singers, poets, writers, journalists together with health promotion and education professionals and development specialists joined hands to mark the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day.

UNICEF calls on countries in CEECIS not to reduce funding for education in the face of the economic crisis
GENEVA, Switzerland - December 1, 2008 - A UNICEF Education Specialist today warned that the economic crisis could impact badly on efforts to improve quality education in the CEECIS Region.

'Children and AIDS: Third Stocktaking Report' advocates early HIV testing
NEW YORK, USA, 1 December 2008 – A new report from four UN agencies entitled ‘Children and AIDS: Third Stocktaking Report, 2008’ is advocating for increased HIV testing for newborns as young as six-weeks-old.

Juvenile justice topic of the first regional conference of the judges and prosecutors in South East Europe
SKOPJE, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 28 November 2008 - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Mr. Sheldon Yett and Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Ibrahim Ibrahimi today opened a conference to discuss issues related to

Bulgarian artist Camelia Todorova and UNICEF together "As One"
SOFIA, Bulgaria - 21 November 2008 - Camelia Todorova presented the video of her latest hit, dedicated to UNICEF and the Rights of the Child.

First group home for children deprived of parental care opened
BEROVO, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 20 November, 2008 - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy celebrate Universal Children’s Day by the opening of the first group home in the country.

Turkey’s Parliament sets up Child Rights Monitoring Committee
ANKARA, Turkey - November 20, 2008 - As the world marked Universal Children’s Day on November 20, the speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey announced the creation of a parliamentary Child Rights Monitoring Committee.

UNICEF Serbia Awards Media Prize for quality and ethical reporting on children and child rights
BELGRADE, Serbia - November 20, 2008 - For the fifth time on Universal Children’s Day, UNICEF Serbia Office today awarded journalists for high quality and ethical reporting on children and children's rights.

UNICEF and EBU again join forces for children in need
LEMESOS, Cyprus - November 20, 2008 - Two days before the final of the 2008 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and UNICEF announce their renewed cooperation for the upcoming event.

Famous actor Orlando Bloom visits rehabilitation center in Moscow
MOSCOW, Russia - November 16, 2008 - The children in the Krasnoselsky social shelter in the centre of Moscow could not believe their luck when their hero from Pirates of the Caribbean - Orlando Bloom - specially came to visit and spend time with them.

UNICEF Serbia signs agreement with Serbian Parliament on long-term partnership
BELGRADE, Serbia - November 19, 2008 - Under the agreement, the Serbian Parliament will play a greater role in enhancing children’s rights.

UNICEF unites young leaders from eight North Caucasus regions for peace and tolerance congress
NALCHIK, Russian Federation - November 17, 2008 - To move the peace and tolerance programme to a new level and celebrate the International Day for Tolerance UNICEF organized the first of its kind Congress of young peace builders.

Mass media campaign “Every child needs a family!" launched in Azerbaijan
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Azerbaijan, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azercell Telecom LLC and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) teamed up to support the campaign “Every Child Needs a Family”

UNICEF helps strengthen national immunization system
SKOPJE, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - November 14, 2008 - Over 300 health workers from the preventive health teams and health staff from the maternity wards have participated in a new continuous medical education program.

Tennis star Ana Ivanovic meets with Serbian children to put an end to violence in schools
BELGRADE, Serbia - November 14, 2008 - UNICEF National Ambassador for Serbia Ana Ivanovic today visited the “14 October” primary school in Baric, south-east of Belgrade.

Moldovan primary schools promote iodised salt
CHISINAU, Moldova - 11 November 2008 - All Moldovan primary schools have taken part in a special day aimed at promoting the virtues of iodised salt.

Network of Violence-Free Schools in Croatia: Peer violence reduced by 50 percent
SIBENIK, Croatia - November 10/11, 2008 - More than 121 schools gathered at the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Network of Violence-Free Schools to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the UNICEF Violence prevention programme.

“Children: Please pay attention” - UNICEF and Moscow City Government joint campaign
MOSCOW, Russia - 10 November, 2008 - With the support of the Moscow City Government Department of Family and Youth Policy, UNICEF has been conducting the second round of the campaign “Children: Please pay attention”.

Child-Friendly Spaces in IDP collective Centres of Tbilisi
TBILISI, Georgia - November 7, 2008. Six collective centres for those IDPs who fled the recent hostilities in and around South Ossetia, Georgia, will have special places for children thanks to the joint efforts of UNICEF and World Vision.

Reforming child care systems in Central Asia
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - November 5, 2008 - Kyrgyzstan hosts a meeting of about 30 delegates from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to share overviews of current child care situation in their countries and key priorities

Young people in Kosovo need more information on HIV/AIDS
Prishtine/Pristina, October 30, 2008 - Young people in Kosovo do not have sufficient information how to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS infection, reveals a study on Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Behaviour (KAPB) conducted with young people aged 15

UNICEF-supported studies indicate links between student absenteeism, dropouts and child labour in Armenia
YEREVAN, Armenia - October 30, 2008 - UNICEF announced today that rapidly growing student absenteeism and drop out rates are closely linked to child labour as well as quality of education in Armenia.

UNICEF Regional Director meets with Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank
GENEVA, October 31, 2008 - Ms. Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for CEE/CIS, today met with Mr. Raphael Alomar, the Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), to discuss the on going collaborations between the Bank and UNICEF.

Children speak out on violence in schools at UNICEF OneMinutesJr workshop
SKOPJE, October 26 - 30, 2008 - Over the last five days, eighteen children aged 12 to14 from three primary schools in Skopje have been working with UNICEF OneMinutesJr trainers to create short movies illustrating their views on violence in schools.

UNICEF Moldova Representative awarded medal of honour
CHISINAU, Moldova - October 2008 - The UNICEF Representative in Moldova, Ray Virgilio Torres, has been decorated by the Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin with one of the most important Moldovan State Awards - “Ordinul de Onoare” (Medal of Honor).

UNICEF, Special Olympics and eastern Kazakh city set to integrate children with special needs into society and reduce stigma
SEMEY, Kazakhstan - 24 October 2008 - The Akimat of Semey city together with UNICEF and Special Olympics Kazakhstan have come up with the initiative to integrate children with intellectual disabilities into society and to reduce stigma and discrimination

Launch to mark beginning of huge project to improve mother and child healthcare in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, 27 October 2008 - The Government of Uzbekistan together with UNICEF and the EC has officially launched a new landmark project in which hundreds of thousands of mothers and children will directly benefit from improved maternal and child care.

UNICEF-developed textbook receives an award at a top Russian education forum
MOSCOW, Russia - October 22, 2008 - A textbook developed by United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF and Dagestan State Pedagogical University has been awarded a golden medal at the Forum and exhibition Russia Education Week 2008.

Parlamentarians call for improved response to domestic violence
SKOPJE, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - October 20, 2008 - More than eighteen Parliamentarians from the Parliamentary Commission on Equal Opportunities, called for a stronger national response to address domestic violence in the country.

Mass Immunization Campaign against Measles and Rubella launched in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia - October 20, 2008 - Almost 1.1 million people aged 6 – 27 will be immunized against measles and rubella between 20 October and 2 November in Georgia.

UNICEF boosts funding to help ensure proper nutrition for Kyrgyz children
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - October 17, 2008 - UNICEF will provide $270,000 in additional funds to help develop a national nutrition strategy in Kyrgyzstan.

UNICEF Executive Director visits Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 16 October 2008 - Ann M. Veneman, on the first ever visit by a UNICEF Executive Director to Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the plight of street children who have been exposed to violence, exploitation or abuse.

UNICEF Serbia launches “A Child’s Place is within the Family” project
BELGRADE, Serbia - 14 October 2008 - “A Child’s Place is within the Family - Transforming Residential Institutions for Children and Developing Sustainable Alternatives’’ project, funded by the European Union with 1.4 million Euros, was unvealed today.

UNICEF Executive Director marks 30th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 15 October 2008 - At the global health conference on primary health care, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said that health systems had to be scaled up through dynamic collaboration among governments, international partners, no

In the fight to save children’s lives, washing hands takes centre stage
NEW YORK, 15 October 2008 – Today marks the first ever Global Handwashing Day, celebrated in over 70 countries across five continents in an effort to mobilize and motivate millions around the world to wash their hands with soap.

In Kazakhstan, agency leaders launch global study on health care inequities
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 14 October – At the launch today of ‘World Health Report 2008’ on primary health care, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said an overarching theme of the report is the need to improve the effectiveness of health systems.

Democratic Practices in Education: Major International Conference
BUDAPEST, Hungary - October 10, 2008 - 350 experts from more than 70 countries discuss the development and promotion of democratic practices in education.

As cold weather nears, UNICEF and partners shelter Kyrgyzstan earthquake survivors
NURA, Kyrgyzstan, October 10, 2008 - Five days after a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck the town of Nura in the Alai Rayon region of southern Kyrgyzstan, UNICEFand its partners are working around the clock to provide relief to quake victims.

Children bear the brunt of earthquake in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 7 October 2008 - Hundreds of children and their families have been left homeless and need urgent assistance following the severe earthquake that struck eastern Kyrgyzstan on 5 October.

“What Happened in School Today?” – Manual for Parents
BELGRADE, Serbia - 2 October 2008 - The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia, UNICEF and Hypo Alpe Adria Leasing company have presented a manual for parents “What Happened in School Today?”

Gheorghe Hagi appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Romania
BUCHAREST, Romania - September 29, 2008 - UNICEF Romania today announced the appointment of Mr Gheorghe Hagi as National Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Romania.

Turkmenistan education specialists study the international trends in education management and planning
September 17, 2008 - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, UNICEF and UNESCO are conducting a week long workshop on education management and planning for about twenty specialists from different sectors in Turkmenistan this we

Julian Rachlin and Sir Roger Moore donate for Baby Friendly Hospitals in Croatia
DUBROVNIK, Croatia, 16 September 2008 - The chamber music festival “Julian Rachlin and Friends” joined forces with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore to support the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative (BFHI) backed by UNICEF in Croatia.

"Kazakhstan should become model of social-oriented economy" – UNICEF Representative
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 11 September 2008 - “Kazakhstan has all the incredients to become the role model of social-oriented economy for other countries in the world," remarked Hanaa Singer, newly appointed Representative of UNICEF Kazakhstan.

Goodwill Ambassador Slaven Bilic joins UNICEF-supported campaign against cyberbullying
ZAGREB, Croatia, 10 September 2008 - UNICEF and Croatian children’s hotline Brave Phone recently launched a campaign against cyberbullying, “Break the Chain”.

Government of Netherlands contributes €300,000 to UNICEF's social service project in Bulgaria
SOFIA, Bulgaria, 9 September 2008 - A project agreement for improving social services was signed between UNICEF Bulgaria and the Embassy of Netherlands.

Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 9 September 2008 – UNICEF and the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan recently celebrated the World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) by launching a unique campaign called “Breast Milk – a Treasure of Humanity”.

UNICEF supports families displaced by conflict
GENEVA, Switzerland, 5 September 2008 – When the conflict broke out last month in and around South Ossetia, Georgia, Solomon Surameli, a 10-year-old living in the frontline village of Brotsleti, fled south with his parents.

Adolescents in Moldova learn to become peer educators on HIV
CHISINAU, Modova, 5 September 2008 – This summer, more than 1,400 adolescents have been trained to become HIV peer educators. Through summer camps held in seven districts, the young people learned about HIV transmission and methods of prevention.

UNICEF and Sarajevo Talent Campus support young filmmakers to focus on excluded children
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 5 September 2008. – “Unite for Children, Unite for Social Inclusion” is the key message of a joint initiative launched by UNICEF and the Sarajevo Talent Campus.

Schoolchildren of Turkmenistan start their first day of academic year
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 1 September 2008 – UNICEF and UNESCO congratulate all schoolchildren and teachers of Turkmenistan on the first day of academic year 2008-2009.

Schools in Turkmenistan assess effectiveness of teaching and child-friendly environment
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 11 August 2008 – Today the Ruhnama school in Ashgabat has hosted school inspectors and specialists of who will learn the principles and steps of child-friendly school assessment.

UNICEF and HSBC launch campaign to help children stay with families
YEREVAN, Amenia, 4 September 2008 – UNICEF and HSBC Bank Armenia launched a joint campaign “Help a Child Stay with a Family!”. The goal of the campaign is to support disadvantaged families in Armenia and prevent placement of children into orphanages.

UNICEF Regional Director returns from visit to Georgia and Russian Federation
GENEVA, 2 September 2008 – UNICEF is deeply concerned about the grave impact that the recent conflict in and around South Ossetia has had on children and women, said Regional Director Maria Calivis.

National Breastfeeding Week in Turkmenistan focuses on supporting breastfeeding mothers
“Mother support: going for the gold” is the motto of the annual National Breastfeeding Week, which is carried out this year in Turkmenistan in the week of 1-7 September in conjunct with the Olympics.

UNICEF Regional Director visits displaced women and children in Georgia
28 August 2008 – UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Maria Calivis finished a two-day visit to Georgia to assess the situation of the most vulnerable women and children affected by the confli

UNICEF to Spend $1.45 Million Assisting Displaced People from South Ossetia, Georgia
Geneva, August 26: UNICEF is ramping up its response to the immediate needs of children and their mothers from South Ossetia affected by the conflict in Georgia.

Nearly 40,000 children in need of urgent assistance in Georgia
NEW YORK, 22 August 2008 – UNICEF today voiced its concern over the situation of nearly 40,000 children affected by the conflict in Georgia.

UNICEF, WFP deliver water, food and hygiene kits to residents of conflicted affected town in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia, 19 August 2008 – UNICEF and World Food Programme have rushed 15 tons of food, bottled water and hygiene kits for 400 families to the town of Gori town after a humanitarian corridor was opened for the UN and other international agencies.

UNICEF responds to immediate needs of displaced children and women in Georgia
August 14, 2008 - UNICEF and its partners have distributed hygiene kits and bottled water to 3,600 displaced women and children in and around the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Andreea Marin Banica hosts fundraising telethon
BUCHAREST, Romania, 11 August 2008 - UNICEF Romania partnered with the National Television for a telethon, raising $440,000 USD for the expansion of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative across Romania.

Goodwill Ambassador Oksana Fedorova visits UNICEF's peace and tolerance camp for children
11 August 2008 - Not too long ago, UNICEF organized a peace and tolerance camp for children from all over North Caucasus, a region that have been shaped by ethnic tensions for decades.

Uzbekistan celebrates the World Breastfeeding Week
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 4 August 2008 – World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in Uzbekistan this year through initiatives supported by UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and the Creative Union of journalists.

Children’s arts draw attention to HIV/AIDS in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 17 July 2008 - Winners of a UNICEF-supported children’s drawing and photo contest received cellular phones and cameras for their work depicting the effects of HIV/AIDS in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

National Plan of Action sets new standards for early childhood care in Georgia
TBILISI, Georgia, 16 August 2008 - The National Strategic Plan of Action for Early Childhood Development was recently launched by the Government of Georgia in partnership with UNICEF.

European Commission donates €3.5 million euros to support maternal and newborn care in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 16 July 2008 – Hundreds of thousands of mothers and children across Uzbekistan will benefit from a landmark partnership, sealed by the Government of Uzbekistan, the European Commission (EC) and UNICEF today in Brussels.

“Justice for Children” report calls for commitment and action against rising juvenile crimes in Kosovo
PRISTINA, UN Administered Province of Kosovo, 14 July 2008 – UNICEF and partners recently launched “Justice for Children”, a report focusing on the extent of juvenile crimes in Kosovo.

New protocol underlines alternative sentencing other than imprisonment for child offenders
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzatan, 14 July 2008 - In May 2008, a Protocol on Mutual Understanding and Cooperation was signed between the Government and UNICEF, underlining the reform of the juvenile justice system in Kyrgyzstan.

Young parliamentarians pose tough questions to their adult counterparts
ASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 11 July 2008 - Representing every region of Uzbekistan, young parliamentarians recently met with their adult counterparts, asking tough questions about what they have done to improve the well-being and rights of Uzbek children.

Pilot project brings success to maternal and newborn care in Ferghana, Uzbekistan
FERGHANA REGION, Uzbekistan, 10 July 2008 - Guzalkhon Karabaeva is constantly smiling. Her newborn son is tranquil in her arms and so is the maternity ward in which we sit. No babies’ cries interrupt our chat - a clear testament to attentive childcare.

Children take a lead in the nationwide sanitation campaign
GEOKDERE, Turkmenistan, 8 July 2008 - Nazar Orazov, 13, is one of the 26 children participating in a hygiene and sanitation summer camp held in Geokdere, Turkmenistan.

UNICEF-supported report "Child Trafficking in Kyrgyzstan" reveals gap in reliable data
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 4 July 2008 - Reliable information on the extent of human trafficking, and particularly on child trafficking, does not exist in Kyrgyzstan, concluded a UNICEF-supported report “Child Trafficking in Kyrgyzstan”.

Supporting immunization, breastfeeding and universal use of iodized salt in Albania
Poverty and ill-health often find each other company. As the poorest country in Europe, Albania has some of the worst health indicators for women and children.

Young delegates’ hopes are high as ‘Junior 8’ Summit opens in Japan
HOKKAIDO, Japan, 3 July 2008 – The Junior 8 Summit opened with thunderous performance by young local drummers at a traditional ceremony in Hokkaido, Japan.

Ana Ivanovic donates USD 62,800 for 'School without Violence'
BELGRADE, Serbia, 3 July 2008 – Tennis star and UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Serbia Ana Ivanovic donated 3,360,000 Serbian Dinars (or 62,804 US dollars) to support UNICEF’s programme 'School without Violence'.

Kyrgyzstan’s voice to be heard: Fifteen-year-old Ishkhan Buyuklyanov heads to J8
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 27 June 2008 - For the first time, Kyrgyzstan will be represented at the global children’s summit - Junior 8, which will be held on the island of Hokkaido, Japan from 2 to 9 July.

"Voice of the most vulnerable": Social workers receive a boost through UNICEF-supported training
CHISINAU, Moldova, 26 June 2008 – Around 500 community social workers from Moldova participated in a 5-day training session in the country’s capital Chisinau.

Central Asian governments to tackle HIV transmission between mothers and babies
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 26 June 2008 – The emerging Central Asian phenomenon of transmission of HIV from mothers to infants is to be discussed by governments at a high-level meeting in Uzbekistan.

Celebrating the International Year of Sanitation
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 26 June 2008 – UNICEF, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and partners from the health industry of Turkmenistan have launched a summer-long campaign on sanitation and hygiene, targeting children, mothers and their families.

UNICEF, UNECE, UNDP and OECD hold 3rd Annual Meeting with the Directors of National Statistics Offices of Eastern Europe and Central Asia
13 June, 2008 - Paris, France

Turkmen policy makers and managers examine modern approaches to educational planning in France and the UK
17 June, 2008 - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Regional Office Director Participates in Council of Europe Conference on Corporal Punishment-Free Europe
16 June, 2008 - Zagreb, Croatia

EU donates EURO 1.4 million for Serbian child protection programmes
11 June, 2008 - Belgrade, Serbia

UNICEF participating in 2008 Kid’s Festival
5 June, 2008 - Sarajevo, BiH

Government, Public Health and Industry Leaders Meet to Discuss Flour Fortification
3 June, 2008 - Yerevan, Armenia

Buy Five, Help Save a Life!
1 June, 2008 - Yerevan, Armenia

Turkmenistan Children’s Forum Marks the International Children’s Day and Child Protection Week
31 May, 2008 - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

High level UN delegation to Ukraine to discuss suspended measles and rubella campaign following the death of a 17-year old boy
30 May, 2008 - Kiyv, Ukraine

WHO and UNICEF: Hepatitis B vaccination safe
27 May, 2008 - Sarajevo, BiH

Вспышка кори неизбежна
22 мая 2008 года - Киев, Украинa

Measles Outbreak Inevitable
22 May, 2008 - Kyiv, Ukraine