May 2005 - Child Protection Day and launch of UNICEF Uzbekistan websiteTashkent, 31 May 2005. On the occasion of International Child Protection Day, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan appointed the Uzbek Children’s Fund to organize a programme of events, with the support of the Social Complex under the Cabinet of Ministers, governmental organizations, UNICEF, local NGOs and International organizations. UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, Mr. Reza Hossaini said “International Child Protection Day is a day of great importance for UNICEF. On this day we celebrate the essence of UNICEF’s work, the right of children to good health, nutrition and education; to be protected from harm and exploitation;to enjoy a safe environment; and above all be listened to and encouraged to participate in matters affecting them.” During this week leading up to 1 June 2005, a variety of advocacy activities have been organized all over the country, including meetings with children, contests among creative youth groups, exhibition of children’s films, organization of recreation programmes in parks and public spaces, establishment of counselling points on child rights, family code and other child rearing issues. To coincide with Child Protection Day, UNICEF Uzbekistan are launching the first UNICEF country website. The website will include items on Child Protection, as well as other areas of UNICEF activity and issues of interest to the people of Uzbekistan. The most important feature of the website is that it will give the children and young people of Uzbekistan an opportunity to express their views and opinions through stories, articles, poetry, photographs and video clips. The website can be found at: The week culminates in a major concert at the Turkiston Summer Concert Hall in Tashkent city on 31 May 2005, with the participation of more than 3,000 children, including orphaned children, disabled children and refugees. Other activities taking place over the week or on 1 June, include: The funding and arrangement of activities has been covered by the Uzbek Children’s Fund, “Makhalla” Foundation, Kamolot Youth Movement, the Ministry of Culture and sport and local khakimyats, with the support of UNICEF Uzbekistan. Notes for Editors: For further information, please, contact: Ms Adiba Ziyavuddinova, Communication Officer, UNICEF Uzbekistan aziyavuddinova@unicef.org UNICEF Uzbekistan
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