On World Children’s Day Turkmenistan renews its commitment to child rights

A high-level CRC@30 event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and UNICEF to mark this occasion. The event secured refreshed commitment of all stakeholders, such as the government, civil society, media, private sector and academia to implement the CRC and follow up on CRC recommendations.

The event gathered both government and non-government partners, featuring speakers from all the different stakeholders, which can make a difference for child rights. The Minister of Education, as well as the Minister of Health and Medical Industry made opening statements reflecting on the importance of child rights and Turkmenistan’s achievements and continued commitment to the CRC. Young SDG Ambassadors who represent the youth of Turkmenistan shared their aspirations on what future children and young people want. Mahabat Advertising Agency under the State Committee on Television and Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, the public association ‘Yenme’, and the Union of Entrepreneurs spoke about the role of media, civil society and private sector, respectively, in promoting child rights. Reflecting the truly global nature of the CRC, Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions of the European Union, China and Afghanistan shared their perspectives on child rights and the CRC.

“In the face of new threats but also new opportunities for children in today’s rapidly changing world, it is our responsibility to ensure that the government, businesses and communities continue to work together and commit to action so that every child has every right,” said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan. “It is time for a renewed commitment to the Convention and to the world’s children, particularly the most disadvantaged, here and everywhere,” she added.

“It doesn’t matter if you are blonde or brunette, if you wear glasses or not, if you have a disability or not – what matters is being a human,” exclaimed young SDG Ambassadors when talking about leaving no child behind. “We must understand that creating an inclusive society is not only the business of the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Social Protection. It is a collective effort of all the stakeholders,” said Kemal Gaitnazarov, SDG Ambassador on partnerships.

The statements at the event were blended with interactive videos, featuring UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore; children in Turkmenistan, including children with disabilities, talking about their dreams; children taking over the media space; and the World Children’s Day video calling everyone to join the global CRC@30 celebrations.

The high-level meeting is one of the CRC@30 events carried out this week in Turkmenistan. This week Turkmenistan joined the global pledge to renew commitment to child rights along with other states. On November 20th, Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ms. Aksoltan Atayeva, will participate in the special CRC@30 event in the General Assembly.

Earlier in the week, at the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka, which took place on 19 November, for the first time, children, including children with disabilities, accompanied players to the field, and about 26,000 fans were congratulated on the occasion of World Children’s Day through a special audio announcement. In the evening of November 20th, children will take over the media space in the “For you, children!” popular TV show. And finally, the popular entertainment centre Berkarar in the capital Ashgabat will be lit up in blue to symbolize unity for child rights.