Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Mrs. Catherine Russell in New York on March 24 on the sidelines of the United Nations Water Conference – 2023, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
During the meeting, the parties reportedly discussed issues related to Tajikistan's cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund over the 30 years of partnership.
Tajik leader considered cooperation in the protection of mother and child health, quality and comprehensive education, youth health, social policy reforms and child protection as one of the important areas of effective joint relations.
The management of water resources and the simultaneous implementation of the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2030, which is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, were mentioned as other aspects of cooperation.
The head of state thanked the leadership of the United Nations Children's Fund for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the infectious disease in Tajikistan.
It was emphasized that the Government of Tajikistan considers issues related to the protection of the rights of children and adolescents as one of the priority areas of its social policy. Adoption of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Protection of the Rights of the Child" is reportedly a clear example of this stance.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed issues of cooperation in the prevention of family violence, crimes committed by and against minors, and protection of the rights of vulnerable and disabled children.
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything it does. Together with its partners, UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Since 1993, UNICEF’s Office in Tajikistan has been working with civil society organizations to help the Government fulfill its obligation to empower children to fully claim and enjoy their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
