On February 28, 2024, an online meeting facilitated by PCUz brought together the Children Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland to discuss child protection issues. Uzbekistan discussed its new law against child violence, while Finland shared its practices. This meeting followed a study visit by Uzbekistan’s delegation to Finland, aiming to foster international cooperation in safeguarding children’s rights.
On February 28, 2024, the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) facilitated an online meeting between the Children Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland. This virtual gathering allowed both nations to exchange experiences and explore potential collaboration in the area of child protection. Surayyo Rakhmonova, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Uzbekistan, highlighted the influence of a newly adopted law aimed at safeguarding children from various forms of violence, while seeking insights into Finnish practices.
The recently enacted law in Uzbekistan seeks to establish a robust system to prevent violence against children and ensure the protection and well-being of child victims and their families. Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of the PCUz Office, noted that this meeting was a significant follow-up to a previous study visit to Finland in December 2023. During this visit, the Uzbekistan delegation engaged with Finnish officials and NGOs to share best practices concerning the protection of minors from sexual crimes.
Elina Pekkarinen, the Finnish Ombudsman for Children, provided insights into her role, emphasizing the importance of effective communication with children and youth, monitoring their well-being, and safeguarding their rights. The discussion also focused on the Ombudsman’s collaboration with government entities and NGOs working on children’s rights, along with mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Furthermore, successful instances of inter-agency cooperation and responses to violations of child rights were highlighted during the meeting, reflecting a commitment to improving child protection measures in both countries.
The online meeting between the Children Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland marked a significant step forward in fostering international collaboration on child protection. By exchanging experiences and practices, both nations aim to enhance their approaches against child violence and promote the rights of minors. The ongoing dialogue underlines the importance of effective governance and cooperation in safeguarding children’s welfare.
Original Source: www.osce.org
