Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 5 November, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on proposals to support children in need of social protection and to involve people with disabilities in sports.
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to be raised in a family environment. UNICEF reports that half of the orphans worldwide lack social protection.
The "From Poverty to Well-Being" program, approved on 23 September, aims to prevent social orphanhood and support children without parental care. The program focuses on creating conditions that mimic a family environment and developing individual plans for each child. Preference for placement is given to guardianship or adoption; institutionalization is considered a last resort.
Children’s homes are excluded as a solution for family poverty; when parents are employed, kindergarten fees will be covered by the social protection fund.
Children’s homes will establish units for mothers who are planning to abandon their children, providing legal and social support. Non-governmental organizations will play an important role in this process.
Children in difficult situations will be temporarily placed in "Inson" centers until they can be transferred to family homes. The "Social Protection" system will keep records of orphans and those wishing to adopt them. "Inson" will protect children’s rights, monitor their living conditions, and ensure the targeted use of assistance.
Citizens who create family child care homes will be registered as self-employed and will receive compensation for raising children until their education is completed.
The President also signed a law "On the Protection of Children from Violence," which establishes the legal foundations and authorities for child protection from violence.
During the presentation, proposals were discussed regarding adaptive sports for people with disabilities. Uzbekistan offers 19 types of parasports, and approximately 25,000 individuals with disabilities regularly engage in sports. Plans include the creation of sports sections for people with disabilities and the adaptation of sports facilities in neighborhoods.
The "ERP-sport" system will automatically select suitable sports for individuals with disabilities. Rehabilitation centers will enhance the use of modern methods, such as physiotherapy and mechanotherapy. The development of specialists in adaptive physical education and financial support for winners of international competitions and their coaches is also essential.
The President instructed to improve legislation and create conditions for individuals in need of social support.