Founding of the World Child Day, observed on November 20, represents the commitment of the world community to compliance of the children rights, establishment of the conditions for their harmonic development and realization of the potential. Following traditional spiritual and moral customs of Turkmen society as well as principles and standards of the UN Convention on Child’s Rights ratified by the country, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pays utmost attention to establishment of favourable conditions for the children from the birth until adult life. Under realization of one of the key aspects of the state development, Turkmenistan actively cooperates with the UN Children Fund (UNICEF). Representative of the UNICEF in Turkmenistan Shaheen Nilofer gave interview to our correspondent on the threshold of the World Child Day:

Showing comprehensive care of the children, realizing their rights for prosperity and protected childhood, the community of nations, peoples and states invest into economic and socially stable future. Therefore, the UN general Assembly recommended all countries to observe the World Child Day as a day of consolidation of the efforts for provision of wellbeing of the children around the world. November 20 is a symbolical date. It is that date when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of Children Rights in 1959 and the Convention on Children Rights in 1989.

During 70 years, the UNICEF has been leading protector of children rights and together with the governments of the countries committedly realize the programmes for protection of the interests of children, establishment of favourable environment for their life and personal growth. Our main target, together with the governments, international organizations and public community, is to provide every child with services in medical and educational sphere as well as to assist the equality and prosperity. Real measures, indicating stable commitment of the countries to comprehensive concept of the protection of the childhood, are aimed at this.

Children’s right are reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and we have to promote its full realization, reaching firm results in every country regardless of the level of its economic development.

Being one of the first countries that joined the Convention on the Child Rights and two Protocols, Turkmenistan achieved great successes in provision of children’s rights on legislative, system and social levels. Besides, the country ratified other international treaties, which directly or indirectly involves child’s rights, such as the Convention of Rights of Disabled persons, the Convention of International Labour Organization on the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour and others.

We see our mission in support of the Government of Turkmenistan in fulfilment of the obligations in accordance with the Convention on Child’s Rights and other documents aimed at provision of the interests of the children. The UNICEF supports the development and adoption of National Action Plan for the interests of the children.

I would like also to mention our joint activity with the Government of Turkmenistan for gathering of the data and number of studies, which would allow estimating of the situation of the children and women in the country. It indicates the willingness of the Government of the country to take actions for the sake of the interests of children as well as transparency and responsible approach of Turkmen state to observance of undertaken obligations. The outcomes of the monitoring will be used for the development of national programmes in accordance with international standards.

The Ministry of Public Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan together with the UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO developed and adopted national strategy for protection of the health of mothers, new-borns, children and juveniles. We are happy to note the adoption of the law on propaganda of breast-feeding. The government of Turkmenistan successfully implements national programme for early development of children. UNICEF cooperates closely with the Government of the country and render technical support in improvement of quality and access of all children to pre-school education, harmonization of educational process. We hail the commitment of the Government to execution of the recommendations of the Committee for the Children’s Rights and the Committee for the Rights Disabled persons for increase of allowances for children from the birth until five years age.

Consolidating the efforts, we have and we can do more. I wish all representatives of young generation of Turkmen citizens a happy childhood, which is supported by the care and love of the adults and confidence in the future. When children are healthy, educated and protected, they are able to realize their spiritual, physical and intellectual potential and grow as responsible citizens of their country.