New York, 13 May 2025 - The Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN, Ambassador Kairat Umarov, participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Childhood with Dignity: Eliminating child labor in all its forms, including forced recruitment and use of children in armed conflict”, held at the UN headquarters in New York. The event was chaired by the President of the 79th UN General Assembly, F. Yang, and the head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) G.Houngbo.

In his statement, K. Umarov reaffirmed Kazakhstan's unwavering commitment to eradicating child labor and the use of children in armed conflicts. He highlighted Kazakhstan's ratification of key international documents, including the ILO Conventions on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. He also noted the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen national legislation and law enforcement mechanisms in this area, including the implementation of national action plans.

He emphasized that quality education is the most effective tool in combating child exploitation. He recalled that the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has launched large-scale initiative – the “National Fund for Children”, which allocates a portion of national wealth to accounts for each child, accessible upon reaching the age of 18 for education or housing. This measure, along with the Unified Voluntary Savings System “Keleshek”, aims to guarantee access to quality education for all. Efforts are also underway to expand inclusive education for children with special needs and children from vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, deeply concerned by the ongoing recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts, Kazakhstan has taken active steps to repatriate and reintegrate its citizens, especially women and children, from conflict zones. Particular attention is paid to their education, rehabilitation, and social integration. Kazakhstan also initiated a UN Human Rights Council resolution in Geneva on the importance of quality education for peace and tolerance for every child, especially those affected by conflict.

The representative of Kazakhstan called for an intensification of global efforts to ensure every child a safe, healthy, and prosperous childhood with the opportunity to learn, develop, and contribute to a peaceful and thriving future.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kazakhstanun/press/news/details/996895?lang=kk