Government of Turkmenistan hosts the 3rd Central Asian Child Protection Forum
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, 30 May 2011 – Government delegations from five Central Asian republics are in Ashgabat this week to discuss and advance child protection and juvenile justice issues. Hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan, in partnership with UNICEF, the Forum provides a platform for high level governmental representatives, NGOs and experts to constructively review the most appropriate ways to reform juvenile justice systems in line with international and regional standards. The official Forum opening ceremony, led by Turkmenistan Mejlis Chairperson Ms. Akja Nurberdiyeva and UNICEF Regional Deputy Director for Central and Easter Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS) Ms. Kirsi Madi, drew around three hundred participants, including representatives of international development agencies and embassies, media, and law students. “It is often said that a society is to be judged on the basis of what it does for its children. Central Asia is known for its concern for children and the culture of solidarity rooted back in history,” Ms. Kirsi Madi noted. “In UNICEF, we commit to stand by you and support you in the process of building juvenile justice systems in line with international standards,” Ms. Madi stated. From 30 May to 1 June participants will discuss the challenges and review plans and commitments with respect to the broader issue of child protection in Central Asia. Global and regional experts (Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey) will share the juvenile justice reform examples. Government delegations will have plenary discussions led by international experts on the role of social work in juvenile justice, diversion and alternatives, law and accountability, and coordination and data management. At the end of the Forum, participants will adopt the Forum declaration which will specify the Central Asian Governments’ commitment to further reform juvenile justice systems. The Central Asian Child Protection Forum meets every two years and is hosted by one of the Central Asian republics. For more information please contact: Ms. Gulyalek Soltanova
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