It is of paramount importance that children’s well-being continues to be keep priority for all of us: UNICEF rep in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, June 1, 2020. /Kabar/. It is of paramount importance that children’s well-being continues to be keep priority for all of us, UNICEF Representative in Kyrgyzstan Christine Jaulmes said during the first online children’s summit in Kyrgyzstan, which was devoted to the International Children’s Day.

"This year we celebrate the International Children’s Day under exceptional circumstances. So my very first words will be to thank all those who continued to work non-stop during the quarantine in order to provide services to children and their families, and to ensure the safety of all citizens: health personnel, teachers, social pedagogues, social workers and many more, to all of you –thank you,” she stressed.

The UNICEF representative added 2020 was declared by President Jeenbekov as the Year of Regional Development, Digitalization and Child Support.

“In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of paramount importance that children’s well-being continues to be keep priority for all of us. This will only be possible if we all respect some basic safe measures: washing our hands regularly, respecting physical distance and following public health measures, recommended by the Government based on the WHO’s guidance.

UNICEF will continue to support the Government of Kyrgyzstan and the civil society to ensure that children develop and feel protected despite the pandemic everywhere, every time.

As we mark the International Day of Children, the children’s summit that we are holding today will give us the opportunity to hear children and adolescent’s views and expectations. I encourage everyone to listen very well to better understand how they imagine a country fit for every child,” Jaulmes noted.

The online summit was organized by the State Agency for Youth Affairs, Physical Culture and Sports of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Children and adolescents from all over the country met online to discuss pressing issues that concern them.

During the summit, three key issues were discussed: what the coronavirus taught, the need to live in a safe environment and the main problems concerning girls.