UNICEF Office in the Kyrgyz Republic was set up to improve the situation of children in 1994, when the new Kyrgyz Republic signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It has now worked for nearly 20 years to assist the Kyrgyz government and civil society organisations to fulfil their obligations under this Convention and to empower children to fully claim their rights.

UNICEF is now embarking on a new country programme for 2012-2016 which aims to reach the most disadvantaged children of the country and promote equity. UNICEF works at policy level with the government to improve social system, as well as on the ground to make sure that these systems reach all children, with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable.

Considering the lack of opportunities as well as the role played by youths both as perpetrators and as victims during the June 2010, UNICEF is paying particular attention to improving their civic engagement and setting up youth services to strengthen their participation in decision making processes affecting their lives.

This new programme is realised across different sectors through projects in health and nutrition, education, child protection, social policy, WASH, disaster risk reduction, and peace building and youth issues.

With political and civic turmoil behind it, Kyrgyzstan is ready to heal its wounds and create a new, fair and harmonious society.  UNICEF Kyrgyzstan is at hand to help create a better future for the country by using its expertise to provide the mothers and children of Kyrgyzstan with equal opportunities and access to good social services, to improve their quality of life.