UNICEF installed 100 child rights corners in schools around Tajikistan

Rights of the Child, to name a few, entitle children to a good education, a safe home, the provision of basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, and health, and protection from all kinds of danger.

For the Convention to be effective, however, children need to understand the rights to which they are entitled. In Tajikistan, a survey conducted by the Center for Strategic Studies under the President and UNICEF in 2018 revealed that only 15 per cent of adolescents could name a single child right. This presents a major issue: as the vast majority of children are unaware of their rights, they are unable to recognize and even less equipped to defend themselves if or when these rights are violated.

“Because of the child rights corner, I understand that every child has rights from the moment they are born.”

Nozanini Abdusamad, student

To address this issue, UNICEF in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science and Centres of Additional Education has installed ‘Child Rights Corners’ in 100 schools across Tajikistan to increase the child-rights-awareness of high school children nationwide.

“I think that after seeing this corner, children’s minds will be broadened and their knowledge of the world will expand, and they will be able to stand up for their rights.” 

Aminova Munavvar, principal of school #34 in Khisterverz District.

These Child Rights Corners provide schoolchildren with information on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, its key principles and articles, and on the Ombudsman for Child Rights in Tajikistan - the designated body for protecting children’s rights around the country. There is also a dedicated ‘postal box’ in each Corner. Using this postal box, schoolchildren are able to submit anonymous complaints to the Child Rights Commissioner if they believe their rights have been violated.

“The corner is very informative. It helps to learn about the history and articles of the CRC”

Davlatnazarova Nigina, Presidential school of Khorog

Due to their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse, children need special protection to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential. This is why UNICEF Tajikistan is working alongside the Government of Tajikistan, empowering the nation’s children by building the awareness of youth on the universal rights to which they are entitled.