Kyrgyzstan unites for children: UNICEF marks its 60th anniversary
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 19 December 2006 – On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, United Nations Children’s Fund in Kyrgyzstan thanked its local partners, acknowledging their commitment and contributions towards improving the lives of children in the Kyrgyz Republic. Marking the occasion of the 60th anniversary of UNICEF, "UNICEF Champions for Children in Kyrgyzstan" certificates were presented to more than 30 Kyrgyzstani governmental agencies, representatives of civil society and media acknowledging the organisation’s appreciation of their collaborating partners in the country. In 1994, when UNICEF first arrived in Kyrgyzstan it was in the capacity of a service-providing agency to help to tackle the difficulties which emerged during the transition period. Over the following 12 years, UNICEF’s role developed and today it has become an active partner of the Government in decision-making processes. UNICEF works in partnership with government ministries to ensure that planning for children is an integral part of national strategies to reduce illness, poverty and mortality and the government’s aim to boost education, gender equality and environmental sustainability. UNICEF in Kyrgyzstan addresses the rights of all children, in particular excluded children, children in poverty and children who face discrimination. At the same time, UNICEF continues supporting services in the areas of mother and child health and nutrition, early childhood development, quality basic education, and the protection of children from violence and exploitation. Launch of Study on "Violence against Children in Residential Institutions" On 18 December, UNICEF in Kyrgyzstan launched a study on the violation of child rights in institutions. "The Untold Story of Silent Walls" study was conducted in partnership with the Government and was launched against the contextual background of the recent Secretary-General’s Study on Violence against Children, a global study on abuse. The Head of National Council on Women, Family and Gender Development, Ms. T. Borombaeva, represented the Presidential Administration at the launch. Ms Borombaeva embraced the findings of the study and emphasized that it needed to be shared with every level of the government. She personally presented the study to the Minister of Education as the Ministry of Education is responsible for the institutions involved in this study. National media coverage of UNICEF 60th Both print and broadcast media took a keen interest in the UNICEF’s 60th anniversary milestone with a number of articles appearing in the national newspapers. The global UNICEF film was also aired on national TV with an introduction from the UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan, Timothy Schaffter who also conducted joint interviews with a number of television channels. Kyrgyz national television will broadcast a film on UNICEF supported activities in the country including key messages for the public on nutrition, early child development, child protection, health, education and child rights. About UNICEF
For more information, please contact: Galina Solodunova, Communication Officer
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