DUSHANBE, November 29, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan joins the international community as the Convention on the Rights of the Child turns 18 this month.
Ratified in 1993, the country unites with other 192 countries that recognized the legal recognition of children’s rights. With an entire generation of children that has grown to adulthood under the Convention’s protection, great progress has been made including improvements in under-five child mortality.
The CRC’s 18 coincided with the first visit of Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, who arrived in Tajikistan on November 26, press release issued by the UNCIEF CO in Tajikistan.
Her first visit to Tajikistan this week includes discussion on the situation of the country’s 3.5 million children, its progress in protecting their rights and the future direction of UNICEF programs in the country.
“As the first generation of children born after the creation of the treaty reach adulthood this month, we have witnessed the progress made, the major challenges that remain and yet, according to the UNICEF Regional Director, “we can all make a difference in the lives of children.”
Among the ways to use CRC to make a difference in the lives of children may include the following: Know your rights: All children have rights, everywhere in the world. There rights are spelled out in the CRC; Raise your voice: Almost all States that ratified the CRC are obligated to fulfill, protect and promote children’s rights; Play your part: Each one has a role in ensuring that these rights are met; Build momentum: The foundations of a world where the rights of all children are being built. We can build on and support this progress.
The CRC has become a universally accepted measure of global responsibilities regarding children and an effective tool for promoting conditions and circumstances favorable to children’s survival and development.
“UNICEF looks forward to strengthen further its cooperation with the Government and other partners in providing technical assistance and ensure that policies, programs and services for children meet international norms, standards and practices as called for in the Convention,” said Yukie Mokuo, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan
The six-day visit features high-level meetings with Government officials, donor community and young people. She will also participate at the HIV/AIDS campaign with young people and the launch of Vitamin A program in Rudaki district.
