DUSHANBE, November 21, 2012, Asia-Plus -- The British Embassy in Dushanbe and Save the Children Tajikistan on November 20 made a joint statement on Universal Children’s Day.

“Millions of children around the world, including children in both Tajikistan and the United Kingdom, are in danger of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence – at home, in school, and in the community. Children are particularly vulnerable during conflict and natural disasters.  Securing children’s rights underpins Save the Children’s work in both humanitarian and development settings.  Save the Children in Tajikistan acts to reduce children’s vulnerabilities through its work in health, education, Child Protection, and Child Rights governance.

“On the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, we wish to highlight the British Foreign Secretary William Hague’s recently-announced initiative on preventing sexual violence in conflict.  This initiative aims to replace the culture of impunity with one of deterrence – by increasing the number of perpetrators brought to justice both internationally and nationally; by strengthening international efforts and co-ordination to prevent and respond to sexual violence; and by supporting states to help them build up their national capacity.”