The best possible start in life
The CRC recognizes that children must get the best possible start in life: benefitting from good health; being able to fight disease; receive proper nutrition; have access to education; be protected from harm and exploitation; enjoy a safe environment; and above all be listened to and encouraged to participate in matters affecting them. Issue Although much has been achieved since ratification, the ability of children in Uzbekistan to exercise their rights remains under threat. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern on: The number of children in orphanages is increasing. Many of these children have been placed there by parents as a result of economic circumstances and as a result, are deprived of a family environment, social integration and have limited educational opportunities. The picture is similar for disabled children. Studies conducted or anecdotal evidence also points to increased numbers of children begging on the streets. These children run a higher risk of substance abuse and are also at greater risk of turning to injecting drug use. A 2002 Save the Children publication revealed that about 10% per cent of them are likely to be engaged in child labour, such as working in bazaars. Children may also be involved as unpaid labour in the cotton-picking season. Cases of child trafficking have also been revealed, together with anecdotal evidence suggesting girls under-18 years of age are involved in the commercial sex industry. While national statistics are not available on domestic violence and sexual abuse (including the abuse of girls, boys and women), a UNICEF-assisted study of physicians’ responses showed that child abuse and neglect exists. Although educational enrolment is high in primary and secondary education, attendance, particularly in rural areas has declined, as a result of: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recommended improved access to education; better educational materials provided; greater participation of parents and communities; and monitoring of the quality of education. Action The work of UNICEF in Uzbekistan is concerned with improving the lives of children and their families and helping them to exercise their rights. Special attention is given to the most vulnerable children: girls, children from minority groups, children with special needs and those exposed to poverty. UNICEF is working with the government on a range of activities to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and improve Child Rights. The first report on the CRC implementation was submitted in 2002. The Secretariat developed a National Plan of Action for implementation of the recommendations provided by the child rights committee and an NGO coalition was formed in accordance with the recommendations of the CRC Committee to promote and strengthen implementation of the CRC. Other initiatives have included: Impact Children and young people are beginning to capture the attention of decision-makers. The Youth Parliament recently took over the national Parliament for a debate on IDD and it’s prevention. A Young People’s Media Network has been created, including children who are creating their own videos, and radio or TV programmes, and children who have been trained in media and HIV/AIDS prevention. UNICEF is working with the Government of Uzbekistan to ensure that the country is ‘Fit for Children’ and more importantly, involving children in the process and ensuring that their voices are heard clearly. Children are already benefitting: in the area of health, the provision of training, introduction of new curricula in medical schools,
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