The right to a happy childhood includes access to education as well as qualified medical care. It is impossible to briefly discuss the systematic reforms being carried out in this direction in our country. However, it is worth noting another bold step taken in protecting childhood. On February 5 of this year, during a videoconference meeting, the President emphasized that henceforth, every case of maternal and child death will be considered an “extraordinary situation” and inquiries will be conducted accordingly. By 2030, reducing maternal and child mortality, as well as hereditary diseases among children, by at least half, and decreasing mortality from oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory, and infectious diseases by two and a half times, are among the top priorities.
Recently, a decision by the head of state was adopted “On measures to further improve medical care for children with oncological, hematological, and immunological diseases.” According to the decision, important tasks were clearly defined to increase the survival rate of children with oncological diseases to 60% by 2030. This is another major milestone in the field of children’s health.
Article 44 of our new Constitution states that any forms of child labor that endanger a child’s health, safety, morals, mental and physical development, or hinder their education are prohibited. Since 2018, relevant codes and laws have been amended to increase administrative and criminal liability for violations of the prohibition on child labor and forced labor. This strict approach ultimately demonstrates the country’s strong political will and the society’s intolerance, putting an end to child labor, which has long been a sensitive issue in our country.
Similarly, efforts to protect children from all forms of violence and to establish a comfortable and safe environment for them both at home and in society have already gained new momentum. In accordance with the President’s decision on April 22, 2019, the position of Children’s Ombudsman was introduced. On February 29, 2024, the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Representative of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Rights of the Child (Children’s Ombudsman)” came into force. In this way, the organizational and institutional foundations for actively involving the entire society and the state in protecting the child’s personality, honor, dignity, rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests have been further strengthened.
These changes in the field of children’s rights are a demand of the times. Because it is no secret that children, who are unable to protect themselves, often face various forms of violence, including being beaten by their parents or guardians. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) showed that 62% of children aged 1 to 14 in Uzbekistan have experienced violent disciplinary methods (physical punishment and/or psychological pressure), and 33% of girls aged 15-19 believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife, confirming our point. Additionally, neglect and lack of care for a child are also considered forms of violence.
For reference, every year, more than one billion children worldwide are subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual violence.
Farida MAHKAMOVA