Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 13 December, the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a ceremony to award the winners of the "Human Rights through the Eyes of Children" contest, organized in collaboration with the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights of the Oliy Majlis, and the national children’s publications "Tong Yulduzi" and "Class!". The event was hosted by Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Center for Human Rights.

The event was organized as part of the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The main goal of the contest was to enhance the effectiveness of the reforms in Uzbekistan’s children’s rights sector.

The contest began in February 2024 and included a creative competition in four categories: "Best Article and Essay," "Best Poem," "Best Drawing," and "Best Video."

Over 300 entries were submitted to the editorial offices of "Tong Yulduzi" and "Class!". As a result, the selection committee was able to evaluate the unique approach of each young participant.

Particular activity in the contest was shown by schoolchildren from Tashkent, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Andijan, Bukhara, Samarkand, Syrdarya, Surkhandarya, Tashkent, and Fergana regions. As a result, 16 talented participants secured the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as honorable mentions in the four categories of the creative contest.

It is important to note that international standards and national mechanisms play a key role in ensuring children’s rights. In particular, the new edition of Uzbekistan’s Constitution strengthens guarantees for the protection of children’s rights, freedoms, and legal interests, as well as the creation of the best conditions for their full physical, mental, and cultural development.

Experts who spoke at the event emphasized that ensuring children’s rights and their implementation through international standards and national mechanisms is an integral part of ensuring fair and meaningful development for every child.

In this context, it was stressed that in order to create an optimal environment where children’s rights are literally protected and respected, it is necessary to unite efforts and cooperate at all levels of society, without limiting this activity to government organizations alone.

Such contests serve to deepen the sense of love, loyalty, and respect for the homeland in the hearts of the younger generation, fostering respect for the Constitution and other laws of the country in our children. Moreover, they should act as an important incentive for children to responsibly use their constitutional rights and have a deep understanding of their responsibilities.