An online meeting on February 28, 2023, facilitated by PCUz, involved the Children’s Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland discussing child protection issues. They shared experiences, focusing on Uzbekistan’s new child protection law and Finland’s methods for safeguarding children’s rights. The meeting highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration in improving child welfare and protection measures.
On February 28, 2023, the Children’s Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland convened for an online meeting facilitated by the Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) to exchange insights and explore potential collaborations on child protection matters. This meeting highlighted the commitment of both nations to enhance their efforts in safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.
During the session, Surayyo Rakhmonova, the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Children’s Rights (Ombudsman), elaborated on the implications of Uzbekistan’s newly enacted law titled “On Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence,” seeking insights into the operational dynamics of the Finnish institution. The new law aims to establish a robust system that prevents violence against children, safeguards victims, and promotes family well-being.
Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of the Office of the PCUz, remarked, “This meeting is an important follow-up to a PCUz-organized study visit to Finland from December 11 to 13, 2024, during which Uzbekistan’s delegation engaged with Finnish officials and NGOs to share effective practices in combating sexual crimes against minors.”
Elina Pekkarinen, the Finnish Ombudsman for Children, outlined critical elements of her office’s responsibilities. This includes fostering effective communication with children and youth, monitoring their welfare, and ensuring their rights are upheld. The dialogue also focused on collaboration with government bodies and NGOs involved in protecting children’s rights as well as mechanisms to monitor adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The meeting concluded with discussions on successful inter-agency cooperation and strategies for addressing child rights violations, underscoring the ongoing commitment of both countries to enhance child protection measures through shared knowledge and collaborative efforts.
In summary, the online meeting between the Children’s Ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland underscores the importance of international cooperation in child protection. With Uzbekistan’s new law aiming to enhance the safety of children and the Finnish Ombudsman’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, both parties are poised to learn from each other’s experiences. Future collaborations promise to strengthen efforts in combating violence against children and ensuring their rights are upheld.
Original Source: www.osce.org
