With a symbolic ceremony - cutting the bonds - a national campaign to prevent violence against children began in Kyrgyzstan. It was solemnly opened on the government square of Bishkek with the participation of high-ranking officials.
An unusual campaign for the republic is being carried out by a number of state, international and public organizations with the support of the President of Kyrgyzstan in cooperation with the UN Children's Fund. It will last until the end of the year. During this time, it is expected to collect half a million signatures for the refusal of corporal punishment against minors, the promotion of the so-called "positive parenting" and protection from violence.
“Children are the future of the country,” said Dosaly Esenaliev, head of the presidential administration, opening the celebrations. - Adults need to support and guide children at all times. We must provide them with a happy childhood. The state will do a lot in this direction. The head of state took control of the issue of ensuring the safety of children, and many decisions are being made in this direction.
The authorities decided to raise the problem to the state level in connection with the increase in the number of crimes against minors and the facts of violence in families, as well as the exploitation of child labor. According to the National Statistical Committee of the republic, every fourth child is forced to work, and the overwhelming majority in agriculture, where work is considered one of the most difficult.
The increase in the number of cases of domestic violence and crimes against minors, in turn, is often explained by experts by the high level of labor migration. Parents who go abroad to work are forced to leave their children in the care of relatives, who also do not always have the opportunity to engage in upbringing due to age or lack of time and funds.
Direct speech
Sooronbai Jeenbekov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic:
- Children are the most vulnerable and unprotected category of the population, and therefore they need special care from the state. Ensuring the right of every child to a dignified life and future is our main task. Our children should be surrounded by the care and love of parents and loved ones, because everything in a person's life begins with a family. In it, every child can be happy and loved. The family is the source of the spiritual and moral health of society, the support of the state.
Help "RG"
Tusho kesuu (cutting the fetters) is a ceremonial rite originating in the ancient Kyrgyz tradition. It is carried out when the child takes the first steps. Parents invite close relatives, fellow countrymen and friends. The child's legs are tied with a rope twisted from pure ram's wool. Teenagers invited to the ceremony run a race, and the winner cuts the bonds with a specially prepared knife. Then two boys, holding the baby by the hands, help him to take the first steps. The ceremony is accompanied by treats, songs, games and good wishes for the baby to stand firmly on his feet.
