Save the Children in Central Asia Celebrates International Child Protection Day

With over 20 years working experience in Central Asia, Save the Children has a long history of promoting the protection and rights of children regionally. As the International Day for Protection of Children, June 1 is a landmark day for the celebration of children across the world. Save the Children in Central Asia commemorated the day through a variety of activities in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

In both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, widely attended public events were held in coordination with local officials. These events featured traditional song and dance, presentation of handicrafts, friendly competitions among students, and useful information on the rights of children. Most importantly, these events featured child initiative and leadership as many of the activities were coordinated and led by the children themselves. 

Children with disabilities were especially recognized on June 1 in both countries. In Osh province, Kyrgyzstan, a concert was organized by and for children. At this event children with disabilities demonstrated traditional dances and learned about the importance of child rights.

Children with disabilities were also celebrated in Tajikistan. Save the Children gave gifts to these children and coordinated with the local Society for Disabled Persons and the Commission of Children’s Rights in Khatlon province. Shodiev Dilshod, Head of the Commission of Children’s Rights in Kurgan Teppa, said that: “June 1 is so important for our country that the president noted in a speech the need to provide support for children with disabilities. It is important that we support them especially on this day so that they do not feel that they are alone. It is time for them to feel our love.”

In Kyrgyzstan, gifts were given to disabled children and children in families of need. These families were low income, single parent, unemployed, or migrant families; truly the most deprived children.

Finally, Save the Children visited the most deprived children to congratulate them on the day. Save the Children staff visited and presented gifts to nearly 100 children living in orphanages in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. The directors of the orphanages expressed their gratitude for the visit from Save the Children, and for their on-going cooperation and support. 

For Save the Children, every day is valuable and important for supporting the rights of children internationally. Annually for June 1, this message is especially strong.