DUSHANBE, December 13, 2013, Asia-Plus – An event devoted to the 20th anniversary of UNICEF in Tajikistan that took place in Dushanbe yesterday gathered partners committed to the realization of the rights of all children in the country.
The event took place at Lohuti Theatre where around 350 guests have celebrated the achievements for the children of Tajikistan over the past two decades, take stock of the remaining challenges and commit to collaborate to ensure all boys and girls in Tajikistan can meet their full potential, regardless of their ethnicity, their social background or disability status.
The Government of Tajikistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child soon after Independence, in 1993, thus committing itself to the progressive realization of children’s rights and holding itself accountable for this commitment before the international community. This formed the foundation for a strong partnership between the Government of Tajikistan and UNICEF.
UNICEF initiated its support to the women and children of Tajikistan in 1993, initially focusing on humanitarian support during the civil war years. Much progress has been made since that time, and Tajikistan’s children now enjoy better health, are more likely to complete a full course of compulsory education and generally enjoy a better level of wellbeing. These achievements have been possible thanks to close partnerships with Government, civil society and other development partners.
“As we enter our third decade of work in Tajikistan, we are conscious that the realization of child rights is not a closed agenda”, said Ms. Laylee Moshiri, UNICEF Representative in Tajikistan.
“Our work continues as long as there are children in Tajikistan who die of preventable causes, who miss out on full course of quality basic education and who face violence of any form”, continued Ms Moshiri.
During yesterday’s event, UNICEF released a report entitled “UNICEF@20 in Tajikistan 1993-2013: Achievements and Aspirations for Children – Toward a Bright Future”.
This report covers the two decade history of UNICEF in Tajikistan, by highlighting achievements and setting out the future priorities for Tajikistan’s children. The publication spells out the vision of a future in Tajikistan in which every girl and boy sees their rights respected and can grow to their full potential.
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF is working in Tajikistan since 1993.
