TASHKENT, April 30. /Dunyo IA/. A seminar-workshop dedicated to understanding and promoting the significance of Uzbekistan’s new Law "On the protection of children from all forms of violence", from November 14, 2024, is being held in Tashkent, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event is jointly organized by the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan and UNICEF. It brings together media representatives from across the country.

Participants are discussing the key provisions of the new law, mechanisms for its implementation, the role of the media, and global best practices in combating violence against children.

Regina Maria Castillo, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of engaging with journalists:

– We recognize the critical role the media plays in shaping public discourse, which is why we initiated this platform for collaborative dialogue. The adoption of the law is a significant step forward, but its successful implementation requires much more. You – the journalists – decide which stories society hears. Your role is vital in building public understanding and support for the law in every region.

The law ensures protection for children from all forms of violence – physical, psychological, and sexual – as well as from neglect. It emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive support. Its implementation relies on intersectoral cooperation, specialist training, and effective reporting mechanisms.

As highlighted during the seminar, the media has a key role in raising public awareness, disseminating information about children’s rights, promoting ethical reporting practices, and holding duty-bearers accountable.

Tsitsi Singizi, UNICEF Uzbekistan’s Chief of Communication and Advocacy, the coordinator of the seminar:

– Meaningful change cannot happen without open public discussion. And our most important allies in this process are, without a doubt, the media. The journalists present here are true professionals – they know their job well. Our goal is to present them with the new law and help them understand its core provisions so they can communicate it effectively within their communities.

Journalists are already asking the right questions: How do you tell a story in a powerful and impactful way without harming the child? They understand the ethical nuances of reporting on such sensitive topics. And they also understand the importance of context – how to tell these stories specifically within the Uzbek setting.

Media involvement at this stage is essential, especially as we introduce concepts that might be misinterpreted by the public. Parenting, for example, is a sensitive issue. Of course, all parents want to raise their children freely. But sometimes we have to say – certain methods should be reconsidered. This law is not about minor discipline, like a slap for misbehavior. It’s about protecting children from sexual violence, exploitation, trafficking — from real, serious crimes.

I strive to convey to journalists the depth of this law. It is a tool that allows society to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens – your children, the young citizens of Uzbekistan.

The adoption of this law is a major milestone. It aligns with international standards and global best practices. As is widely acknowledged, violence carries a human cost, a social cost, and an economic cost — a cost to the nation’s development. The Law "On the protection of children from all forms of violence" addresses each of these dimensions.

This legislative reform is a far-reaching initiative spearheaded by the President of Uzbekistan and stands as a testament to the country’s leadership in advancing children’s rights.

UNICEF is genuinely inspired by Uzbekistan’s commitment and determination to move forward in this area, and we are proud to support this progressive step toward a safer future for every child.