Uzbekistan and UNICEF seek to improve services for children with disabilities

Uzbekistan and UNICEF are working to improve services for children with disabilities

Beigbeder visited Uzbekistan to take part in the World Summit on Investing in Children's Wellbeing: A Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations.

The talks focused on Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening constitutional guarantees of children’s rights, improving social protection mechanisms and ensuring that children’s interests are protected. Cooperation with UNICEF was described as a key element of these efforts.

The two sides also reviewed how legislation on child protection is being implemented, including the law on protecting children from all forms of violence. They discussed the possibility of working with UNICEF experts to assess how the relevant provisions are applied across the regions, evaluate the effectiveness of assistance provided to children and develop practical measures based on the results.

Another priority was helping children develop their abilities and talents, creating conditions for their all-round development, and providing practical support to professionals working with children and to parents.

The meeting also covered ways to expand opportunities for children without parental care to grow up in family environments. UNICEF noted positive changes in Uzbekistan in this area, the meeting was told.

Participants exchanged views on supporting children raised in family-type children's homes, assisting families facing difficult circumstances, and improving the availability and quality of services for children with disabilities. They also discussed ways to ensure that social programs are implemented effectively.

The meeting ended with an emphasis on coordinating efforts under UNICEF’s Country Programme for 2026–2030, meeting its objectives and strengthening practical cooperation.