A training session on “Applying child-friendly approaches in investigating cases involving child victims of sexual violence and human trafficking” was held in Tashkent, timed to coincide with International Day for Protection of Children.

The event was organized jointly with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Rights of the Child (Child’s Rights Ombudsman), and the Law Enforcement Academy. It covered international, evidence-based methodologies for child investigative interviewing, focusing on human rights and the child’s best interests.

“According to UN data, over 70 percent of human trafficking victims are women and children”, said Child’s Rights Ombudsman Surayyo Rakhmonova. “Unfortunately, such cases occur in every country. This is why strengthening child protection remains critically important. In Uzbekistan, systematic work is being carried out in this direction. In particular, on May 15 this year, the Law ‘On Protecting Children from All Forms of Violence’ came into force, under which all forms of violence against children are prohibited and subject to prosecution by law. The state will take appropriate legal, administrative, social, economic, and other measures to protect children from all forms of violence”.

Child’s Rights Ombudsman Surayyo Rakhmonova emphasized the need to create a unified mechanism for working with children who are victims of violence, ensuring that no additional psychological pressure is placed on the child during investigation and court proceedings, and providing specialized psychological, legal, and social assistance.

Participants gained practical skills in identifying victims, case analysis, and communicating with vulnerable children. Such skills will contribute to more effective investigations and enhanced protection of the rights of child victims.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA