OSCE supports event on protecting children's rights in Kazakhstan

A roundtable meeting co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana to discuss issues of preventing and combating trafficking and violence against children took place in Astana today.

The event, held on the International Child Helpline Day, focused on successes and challenges in protecting and promoting children's rights. A special emphasis was placed on ways to improve legislation and to support Kazakhstani stakeholders in protecting children from domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, the OSCE Center in Astana reports.

Jeannette Kloetzer, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, said: "Children are among the most disempowered groups in all societies, least able to get information, support and help when needed. Child helplines can play an important role in the protection of children from abuse and violence."

"Today's event is part of the OSCE Centre's work aimed at preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and domestic violence, especially the abuse and exploitation of children, in co-operation with state actors, including law-enforcement, educational, social services and non-governmental organizations."

The meeting brought together some 40 representatives from ministries, Parliament, the National Commission on Women and Family-Demographic Policy, the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as non-governmental and international organizations, and media representatives.

A publication prepared by local non-governmental organizations with the assistance of the OSCE Centre in Astana entitled "Monitoring of Implementation of the Law on Domestic Violence" was presented at the event.

The roundtable was co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, Education Ministry of Kazakhstan, the International Organization for Migration, the National Centre for a Healthy Lifestyle and the non-governmental organization "Union of Crisis Centres".