Uzbekistan has announced its National Pledge to the global Bogotá Call to Action on Ending Violence Against Children, reaffirming its determination to put an end to all forms of violence against children. This decision marks a new stage in developing state policy on child rights protection.

The commitment continues the large-scale reforms implemented in recent years in child protection. A key milestone was the entry into force, as of May 15 of this year, of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence”, which establishes the legal foundation for a systemic response to violence and cruel treatment of children.

The new initiative aims to ensure the effective implementation of the law in practice. In this regard, a multi-sectoral strategy and a National Action Plan for 2025-2035 are being developed, covering measures for prevention, response, and interagency cooperation in child protection.

Speaking at the high-level event, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated: “Uzbekistan’s adoption of the National Commitment is a powerful signal of readiness to work together for real change for children. This is not about leadership but collective responsibility and practical results”.

First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection, Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, emphasized the importance of involving the entire society in protecting children:

“Every child must be protected from violence, in all its forms. In this world, there are no other people’s children, just as there is no such thing as someone else’s child’s pain. Today, more than ever, it is important to hear the children’s voices. We call on everyone to pay attention to the ‘great pain of small hearts’ and allow children to be heard. They have the right to speak”.

The event, organized by the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), became a significant international platform. Participants included UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva, Director of the National Agency for Social Protection Mansurbek Olloyorov, and First Deputy Director of the Agency Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva. Also in attendance were leaders of government bodies, representatives of the judiciary, education, and healthcare sectors, civil society, youth organizations, and ambassadors of foreign countries to Central Asia.

As part of the event, a ceremony was held to sign the National Pledge, the strategy and action plan were presented, and a short film titled “I Have the Right”, dedicated to children’s rights, was shown.

Aziza Alimova, UzA