An online meeting was held on February 28, 2024, between the children’s ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland to discuss child protection. Surayyo Rakhmonova shared insights on Uzbekistan’s new law on child protection, while Elina Pekkarinen provided information on the Finnish ombudsperson’s work. Ambassador Antti Karttunen highlighted the importance of this meeting as a follow-up to a previous study visit to Finland.
On February 28, 2024, a significant online meeting took place between the children’s ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland, coordinated by the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz). The session allowed both parties to share valuable experiences and explore potential collaboration on child protection initiatives. Surayyo Rakhmonova, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Uzbekistan, outlined the effects of the new law aimed at safeguarding children from violence and sought insight into the operational practices of her Finnish counterpart.
Ambassador Antti Karttunen, Head of the PCUz Office, emphasized the importance of this meeting following a prior study visit to Finland. During that visit from December 11 to 13, 2024, the Uzbek delegation engaged with Finnish officials and NGOs, exchanging effective strategies for combatting sexual crimes against minors. This continued dialogue is pivotal in enhancing child protection mechanisms in Uzbekistan.
Elina Pekkarinen, the Finnish Ombudsman for Children, elaborated on her office’s functions, focusing on promoting efficient communication with children and monitoring their wellbeing. She highlighted the critical role of the Ombudsman in safeguarding children’s rights and the significance of collaborating with governmental bodies and NGOs dedicated to child rights protection. The meeting also discussed effective inter-agency cooperation and responses to violations of these rights.
The online meeting between the children’s ombudsmen of Uzbekistan and Finland marks a pivotal step in strengthening child protection efforts. By sharing experiences and exploring collaborative opportunities, both nations aim to enhance their systems to prevent violence against children. These discussions, following a prior successful visit to Finland, reflect a commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children, demonstrating a proactive approach in addressing child protection challenges.
Original Source: www.osce.org
