Report: Children draft law on child rights
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© UNICEF Uzbekistan/Yangi Avlod/2005 |
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Plenary session of Children's Parliament |
UNICEF played a crucial part in ensuring that children’s voices were heard loud and clear. This was consistent with UNICEF’s work for nearly 60 years to help young people develop their abilities, so that they can take full part in advancing the well-being of humankind. (Kofi Annan, UNICEF Annual Report 2003)
7th Session of Parliament
The 7th regular session of the Children’s Parliament of Uzbekistan was held on June 30 - July 3, 2005. Dr. Serdar Degirmencioglu, President of the Regional Network for Children in CEE/CIS and Baltic States, addressed delegates and informed them on the Public Achievement concept, which is a model for active participation of youth in areas that affect their lives This training enabled the parliamentarians to develop and introduce a concept of public achievements in their respective regions.
A highlight of the session, was the drafting of a law on child rights, by children themselves, which was then submitted to the representatives of Parliament and the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This draft law will be used in the process of developing a national law “On Guarantees of the Rights of the Child.”
As recognition of the achievements of the Children’s Parliament, adult parliamentarians promised to organize the forthcoming sessions in the building of the State Parliament. Moreover, it was agreed that a working group of the Children’s Parliament will participate in the development of the National Law on Child Rights.
UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, Mr. Reza Hossaini commented: “We always invite children to be part of our programming process, to talk about their aspiration and dreams, to contribute ideas, share information and exchange their views. They themselves are the best advocates for their, children’s rights. The key to our Programmes’ success is children’s participation.”
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© UNICEF Uzbekistan/UCF/2005 |
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Gulruhsor Ravshanova facilitates group work |
A World Fit for Children
Following the UN Special Session on Children in May 2002, which called for “A World Fit for Children”, UNICEF committed its support to the Government of Uzbekistan in building a country “Fit for Children”, thereby ensuring that children are involved in the development process and their voices are heard.
Children’s Parliament in Uzbekistan
An immediate response was the establishment of a Children’s Parliament in 2002, by the Uzbek Children’s Fund, with UNICEF support. The parliament comprises 219 delegates (109 girls and 110 boys) elected from urban and rural areas, together with 25 volunteers and trainers. Each parliamentarian is in close contact with his/her own electorate and plays an important role as a mediator between children and the local state authorities.
The work of the Children’s Parliament has received due appreciation from children and young people themselves, their parents, Khokimiyats (local government), Makhalla (community) committees and the NGO Coalition on children’s issues in Uzbekistan. Since establishment, it has gained strong support from the government. It plays a crucial role as a forum for youth participation and children’s rights advocacy and promotes the principles of democracy and child/human rights.
Since the first parliamentary session was held in 2002, young parliamentarians have been addressing issues relating to child rights, participation in civil society and social life, healthy life styles, and protection of children from risky behaviour and HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, they have undertaken activities concerned with micronutrient deficiency problems, such as the prevention of iodine difficiency disease (IDD).
Young parliamentarians have actively participated and contributed to such important forums as the Sarajevo conference on “Europe and Central Asia Fit for Children” and the Budapest conference on environment. These forums provided opportunities for children and young people to form opinions on vital issues and express themselves freely.
