20 WAYS UNICEF IMPACTED CHILDREN Kazakhstan's Economic Performances Have Been Remarkable Over the Past Two Decades

Home , Akmaral Arystanbekova, East Kazakhstan Region, Ekibastuz, Semey

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Turning points: UNICEF Action in 20 Years of Independent Kazakhstan Russian Federation

Astana The United Nations Children's Fund K a z a k h s t a n UNICEF in Kazakhstan 010000, Astana, Block 1, Beitbitshilik St, tel.: +7 (7172) 323 969, 322 878; email: info@unicef.kz website: www.unicef.kz China Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan

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Pakistan Table of contents

5 | Forward - UNICEF Representatives

6 | Kazakhstan: a long way since independence

8 | UNICEF at a glance

9 | Kazakhstan: progress towards children

11 | UNICEF and Kazakhstan: 17 years of history

14 | Real lives stories

27 | UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

28 | Your support is essential UNICEF has been working Kazakhstan since 1994. For the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan, UNICEF wishes to thankthe Government of the Republic of Jun Kukita, UNICEF Representative for Kazakhstan Focusing Kazakhstan, NGOs andthe general public on the most vulnerable children for their continuous support and tremendous commitment to act for the protection of children's rights. “I am honoured to join and lead UNICEF's team in Kazakhstan. I am impressed by what has already been achieved since the independence of Kazakhstan, and I look forward to joining hands with the Government of the Republic to further improve the lives of children. This brochure highlights some of the impacts of UNICEF's cooperation on children during the last 20 years of Kazakhstan's independence. 20 WAYS UNICEF IMPACTED CHILDREN Kazakhstan's economic performances have been remarkable over the past two decades. However, like many other fast growing economies, widening disparities remain as a major challenge - across oblasts, between IN KAZAKHSTAN rural and urban areas and among children from different groups. UNICEF recently re-focused its programme towards reducing inequalities and achieving “equity”, collaborating with the Government and other partners to ensure equal opportunities and improved basic This brochure introduces to UNICEF's social services for all children, particularly focussing on the most vulnerable. Therefore, we will continue working on creating major positive impacts on the lives of children in Kazakhstan, particularly those who work in the country and provides a live in remote areas, disadvantaged communities, and difficult circumstances. UNICEF Kazakhstan's vision is to become a driving force to help build a caring and inclusive society where selection of major interventions and every child lives in a loving family and community environment, feels secure, happy and empowered, and enjoys the full realization of their potential and rights. In achieving this we also look forward to continuing our collaboration with the civil society, UN agencies, contributions to the development of and bi-lateral and corporate donors who have been generous in contributing to the advancement of child rights and equity in the country. Kazakhstan over years of independence. Thrilled to see the future positive impacts on many more children, I am also convinced that Kazakhstan has all the ingredients to become a role model of child friendly and socially responsible economy in the world.”

REAL LIVES Jun Kukita Children, mothers and social workers tell us UNICEF Representative, September 2011 their story. The stories of real lives impacted by UNICEF.

1 RATIFYING THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 2 REACHING UNIVERSAL VACCINATION

UNICEF's goal is to work with all governments to ensure that the rights of all children enshrined in the Since 2002 Kazakhstan has achieved vaccine Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) are respected. The CRC was one of the first international independence in which all expanded programmes treaties ratified by the Government of Kazakhstan in 1994. Millions of children have since benefitted from increased government actions and spending on education, health and social programmes in the country. of immunization(EPI) and additional vaccination Many national legal documents and policies were improved in order to make them compliant with this are covered by the Government of Kazakhstan international treaty. including the sustainability of the cold chain, which was designed and established with The Republic of Kazakhstan was very active and confident in preparing periodic reports on the implementation of the UN CRC and its optional protocols. The country has already submitted three UNICEF's support in 2005. The immunization periodic reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (2003, 2007) and the fourth periodic coverage for EPI is over 97%. Now the target is to report is due in 2011. reach the remaining 3% of children who are most marginalized. « If the country aims at the membership amongst 50 most competitive world economies, there is a need to introduce social parameters corresponding to international standards. The competitiveness of the country is not only about commodities and bank services; Immunization campaigns were UNICEF's first a strategic vision for economic development based there must be competitive capacity in the social sphere.” major impact on the children of Kazakhstan. Since on integration into the global economy. Benefitting NursultanNazarbaev, 1994, the diphtheria epidemic has been localised, from the wealth of natural resources, in particular President of the Republic of Kazakhstan cases of measles and mortality from poliomyelitis from the exports of oil and gas, Kazakhstan has (Case study, UNICEF's mid-term review, 2007, p. 3) have been cut significantly. In 2002 Kazakhstan graduated to the rank of a middle-income country. was certified by the World Health Organization as It enjoyed strong economic performance from 2000 After signing the Convention on the Rights of the Child President Nursultan Nazarbaev (centre) speaks with UNICEF Executive Director James Grant (right). Also apolio free country and re-certified so in 2011. to 2007, with an average GDP growth of 10%. This attending were (left-right) Kazakhstan first Lady Sara Nazarbaeva and Kazakhstan's Permanent UN Mission Ambassador Akmaral Arystanbekova. February 1994 Following UNICEF's guidelines, Kazakhstan resulted in poverty rates to fall, and enabled became the first country in the region to substantially increased spending on social introduce and accomplish the vaccination of all programmes. new-born babies against the hepatitis B virus and Despite the strong overall economic trends in pneumococcus, therefore saving countless lives in Kazakhstan, the deepening of the world economic the country. Nowadays the Government of crisis which started in 2008 had negative repercus- Kazakhstan is able to accomplish independently, sions: GDP growth sharply declined to 3.2% in 2008 with no donor support, the advanced and to 1.2% in 2009. However, in 2010 it recovered, immunization programme on a regular basis. reaching 7%, according to the World Bank. The rapid economic growth was also accompanied by increases in living standards and better human development outcomes. According to the United Nations, in 2010 the country passed from middle to Kazakhstan: high in the human development ranking. a long way since independence

In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the social protection sector in Kazakhstan experienced a serious decline – the majority of people, including children, were living in extreme poverty, unemployed and socially unprotected. Social budget expenditures also decreased dramatically. Since its independence, Kazakhstan has maintained

6 7 3 PRIORITISING INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY REDUCTION 4 DECREASING UNDER-FIVE MORTALITY RATES

Joint efforts of the Government of Kazakhstan building capacities of national institutions and Since 1999, the annual number of under-five deaths in Kazakhstan has reduced by nearly 50%. and UNICEF contributed to the progress towards NGOs, UNICEF is also fully committed to working UNICEF has been an advocate to reduce anaemia, a major cause of infant mortality. However, MDG5 and4 (Reduce child mortality and Improve with the Government to ensure that, with a focus for each 1,000 lives, 28 children still die maternal health). The annual maternal mortality on the most vulnerable children, each child born in rate has beenreduced by 45% since 1999, but the Kazakhstan gets the best start in life, lives pro- before the age of five years old - 32 in rate still remains high. The Ministry of Health has tected and healthy, and that children's best villages and 24 in cities. UNICEF therefore declared its decrease by two-fold to be interestsare a national priority. therefore continues working with the number one priority, along with infant Government to eliminate those mortality. Analysis shows that over half of preventable deathsand thus to attain infant mortality and a third of maternal MDG 4. mortality are the result of the poor quality maternal and child health services and can be averted. The experience of several On-going partnerships in middle-income countries proves that Kazakhstan maternity care and healthy motherhood UNICEF's activities would not have been programmes, including the prevention of successful without cooperation with the unwanted pregnancies and transmission state bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan. of HIV/AIDS, can significantly reduce Within the framework of the2010-2015 maternal mortality. Country Programme Document, which was signed by the UN Children's Fund and the Government, UNICEF cooperates with the Ministry of Health, the Education and Science Ministry, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Foreign Ministry and UNICEF Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan - the Mazhilis and the Senate. UNICEF also carries out projects with the Ministry for Emergency Situations, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the State Statistics Agency and the Ombudsman's Office as at a Glance well as with academic institutions in the country. UNICEF, the United Nations' Children Fund, is the driving force that helps build In order to achieve theseresults on the reduction of maternal, infant and under 5 mortality rates UNICEF a world where the rights of every child are helped establish a package of essential practices and reflect them in the national regulatory documents realised. Founded in 1946, UNICEF is on perinatal care, neonatal and emergency care, the incorporation of Integrated Management of mandated by the United Nations General Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative (BFHI), which includes breastfeeding Assembly to advocate for the protection of within an hour of giving birth, better parenting with healthy nutrition, early detection and intervention children's rights, to help meet their basic norms and guidelines of primary health care, needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF's work is carried out in 191 countries, through country programmes and National Kazakhstan: Committees. UNICEF has the global authority to progress towards children influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the In 1994, the country ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is the first international treaty most innovative ideas into reality. That signed by Kazakhstan as a new independent state, and it has now been enshrined in legislation over 100 makes us unique among world organiza- UNICEF's work in 191 countries, in close collaboration acts and directives. Kazakhstan has also achieved three of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs), approved by the States of the 2000 World Summit: poverty reduction, gender equality and universal tions, and unique among those working with the with national governments and other partners, could young. UNICEF believes that nurturing and caring primary education, with virtually all children aged 7-15 attending school (UNICEF Multi-Indicator Cluster not be carried out effectively without the sustained for children are the cornerstones of human prog- Survey 2011). In addition, great progress is being made towards achieving MDG Plus targets. ress. UNICEF was created with this purpose in generous contributions received from governments, According to the latest MDG Report, the country is on track to achieve most of the MDGs. Though most mind – to work with others to overcome the foundations, UN agencies, international financial have been reached at the national level, large differences between oblasts and between rural and urban areas remain. Moreover, specific groups of population are still vulnerable, among which are many children. obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and institutions, individuals and businesses. discrimination place in the child's path. While 8 9 PREVENTING IRON AND FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA 5 THROUGH FLOUR FORTIFICATION In order to prevent anaemia and its consequences on children and women of reproductive age, the Government together with UNICEF and partners conducted a social mobilization campaign to promote fortified flour consumption, enriched with iron and vitamins. In 2011, the availability of the fortified flour products in targeted UNICEF and Kazakhstan: regions reduced anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age by almost twofold. The provision of iron and folic acid in the flour will annually save about 90,000 lives and significantly increase the economic activity of the history of cooperation the population of Kazakhstan within the next ten years. UNICEF continues to advocate for mandatory flour fortification to improve the nutrition of vulnerable children, in particular in rural areas.

UNICEF became the first UN agency to organize a rapid assessment visit to the newly independent Kazakhstan in February 1994, in order to assist the Government in fighting the outbreak of measles and acute respiratory infections. In January 2005, UNICEF was also the first UN organization to move its country office to the new capital of the country – Astana. Having a long- standing record of successful partner- ship with the Government and civil society of Kazakhstan in many areas, UNICEF has managed to establish a positive image in the country, continuing its efforts to promote child rights and contribute to improved welfare of women. The organization has undertaken a deliberate shift to centre its programme fully on the poorest and most disadvantaged children. UNICEF therefore aims to support the Government of Kazakhstan in improving the quality of life of children, with special attention paid to vulnerable groups and to the reduction of regional,rural and urban disparities, as well as gender-based disparities. constantly developing innovative ways to make a UNICEF's support to Kazakhstan is better life for all children in Kazakhstan. Working delivered through the following central in concert with the Government, partner NGOs, Professor ShamilTazhibayev, the Vice-President of the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition: “While the problem programme areas: Social Policy, Alliances for UN agencies, as well as the private and corporate of hunger is not relevant for Kazakhstan, it was recognized that imbalanced nutrition and the lack of Children, Child and Adolescent Health and Devel- sectors UNICEF works to ensure that no child is opment as well as Child Protection. left behind. essential nutrients poses a threat to the health of population. One of the causes of infant and mothers Because every child counts, UNICEF Kazakhstan is mortality is widespread anaemia among women and children. This means that the measures to improve nutrition of families, especially women of child-bearing age and children, should be improved, especially in rural areas. Because, as you know, residents of rural areas earn less money and their low income affects their nutrition status”.

10 11 6 ELIMINATING IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS 7 IMPROVED CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Iodine deficiency disorders inflict damage to the close cooperation with Kazakhstan's Health Children who have had a good start in life are proactive actions of families in providing the best intellectual and physical state of the population. Ministry implemented five basic project compo- likely to perform better in school and to develop possible environment for their children and seek- Iodine is essential for everyone, including pregnant nents in the Aral Sea Region: maternal and child into well-adjusted and productive adults who, ing out services when they are needed. As a result, women, who otherwise run the risk of lost preg- health, nutrition, basic education, water and given the opportunity, can achieve their full poten- a comprehensive approach to improve the quality nancy, mortality or premature birth. Thanks to the sanitation and advocacy. UNICEF contributed tial. Investing in early childhood development is of services for families was piloted in South UNICEF-supported iodine deficiency prevention supplies and equipment for immunization cam- possibly the most cost-effective investment that a Kazakhstan Region. programme, up to 93 % of the population now paigns, including efforts to maintain the cold nation can make. The approach piloted in South Kazakhstan was consumes iodized salt, and the children of chain. UNICEF furnished iron-supplement tablets, In 2002 a joint study of UNICEF and the National found effective and recommended for scaling up Kazakhstan are protected against the risk of brain the translation of education materials into Kazakh, Healthy Lifestyle Centre showed that there were through the Ministry of Health's order on Early development disturbance. Kazakhstan has been and awareness campaigns and awareness cam- significant drawbacks in the skills of many parents Childhood Development and expanding Health recognized as country that achieved Universal Salt paigns among the local population. As a result, to protect and care for their offsprings. It became Baby Rooms throughout Kazakhstan. Currently Iodization which dramatically contributed to child mortality rates were stabilized and the obvious that specific interventions were required to there are about 200 Health Baby Rooms functioning increased intellectual potential and improved widespread micronutrient deficiency was reduced. enable mothers and fathers in making sure that in all the regions of the country. The results of health of about 2 million children in Kazakhstan, infants and young children get the best start in life. MICS 2011 showed that 86% of young children (36- and the Centre of Excellence on Iodine Deficiency The Early Childhood Development (Better 59 months) develop successfully indicating Disorders (IDD) monitoring for Central/Eastern Parenting) initiative was proposed as an inexpen- improvements in overall parenting skills. Europe and CIS Region opened in Kazakhstan in sive and powerful strategic route to ensure 2011.

Another UNICEF effort to eliminate iodine deficiency was taken in the Aral Sea region. As the Aral Sea was drying out, the environmental situation deteriorated, resulting in polluted drinking water, and weakened health of the population. The ecological crisis did not spare women and children – the local infant and maternal mortality rates were rising. Iron deficiency was affecting the entire A field trip to the Aral Sea in Kzyl-orda Region, 1996. population, and as many as 80% of all women were (From left to right, front line) A Kyzyl-orda Region administration representative, suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia. Under the Chief of the Section for the CIS, Central and Eastern Europe and Baltic States in UNICEF Headquarters in New York Alexandre Zouev, Director of the Institute for Protection of ASPERA (the Aral Sea Project for Environmental Mother and Child Health Nina Kayupova, Kazakhstan's First Lady Sara Nazarbaeva, and Regional Assistance) programme UNICEF in UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, Deputy Prime-Minister for Social Affairs Imangali Tasmagambetov and Kazakshtan's Health Minister Vasiliy Devyatko.

“One teaspoon of iodine for a life time” By UNICEF Nutrition Officer Aigul Nurgabilova “Iodine is a mineral that is essential for the development and growth of the human body. Iodine deficiency disorders begin to affect infants before they are born, at the time their brains are formed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of mental disability in the world, resulting in an IQ loss of 10-15%. Children can therefore have development disorders, retardation or what we call “cretinism”. Goitre is also the most common and visible sign of iodine deficiency. Deficient pregnant mothers might lose their baby or suffer irreversible damages. Providing iodine through salt (including table salt and salt used for industrial food production) and animal consumption, also called Universal Salt Iodization, is the most effective and inexpensive way to absorb the necessary quantities – a tea spoon for a life time! As a result of The first years of life are crucial to the development of all human beings. The brain advocacy by UNICEF and others, Kazakhstan today has a moderate iodine deficiency endemic. Today most develops most rapidly in the early years. Good health and nutrition as well as a households in Kazakhstan consume high quality iodized salt. However, even a slight iodine deficiency can inflict stimulating environment at this stage of life are crucial to both physical and cognitive damage to the intellectual and physical state of the population, which is why, with UNICEF's support, we need to development and lay the foundations for well-being in later life. Love and attention keep on being vigilant.” Thanks to UNICEF's major campaigns on iodine deficiency, Kazakhstan has recently attained the Universal Salt Iodization from carers, primarily the child's parents and other family members, provides the status, with 93% of the population consumingiodized salt. basis for social skills, emotional growth and self-esteem.

12 13 8 CREATING CHILD-FRIENDLY HOSPITALS 9 CREATING YOUTH FRIENDLY SERVICES

With UNICEF's support, 29 obstetrical institutions in Child-Friendly Clinics have been developed in the country, as In order to respond to the needs of adolescents and the number of new YFS opened and the quality of well as Baby-Friendly Hospitals, therefore saving the lives of countless children and newborn babies. Today, youth in confidential and free medical, social, legal services provided by them. Today 33 YFS are virtually all women deliver their baby in a medical institution, and about 50% of all newborn babies receive and psychological services and consultations operating in thirteen regions of Kazakhstan. The exclusive breastfeeding, the best nutrition for the best beginning in life. Today, one baby out of two receives UNICEF and its key national partner – the National remaining regions are set to witness YFS launches exclusive breastfeeding as the best nutrtion for newborns. Healthy Lifestyle Centre – joined their efforts in in the near future. establishing and piloting Youth-Friendly Services Together with the National Healthy Lifestyle (YFS). The first YFS Centre “Demeu” opened in Centre UNICEF continues supporting the nation- Astana in June 2004 which was followed by two wide expansion of YFS and increasing their capac- more pilot YFS opened in Semey city in 2005. The ity to ensure quality of services. Ensuring the Ministry of Health reviewed and evaluated the access to youth-friendly services in rural areas results of this try-out project as a successful and through development and try-out of costeffective effective approach in promoting health and well- models is one the current priority areas of UNICEF being of adolescents and youth. Outstanding and its partners. progress was achieved over five years in terms of

Real lives “The UNICEF-supported Youth Friendly Service helped my daughter regain a desire to live”

“My daughter is called Anna, she's 15. I came to the UNICEF supported Youth Friendly Service in Semey because I was desperate. My daughter was becoming very aggressive at home, and even self-destructive. She would lose her temper for no reason, she was yelling at me. She used to say “I want to kill myself”, “why did you give birth to such an ugly baby” referring to herself. At the Youth Friendly Centre, we received free psychological counselling. The psychologist reassured me, saying that it was all completely confidential. He listened to me, and advised me. From then, I started repeating to Anna how much I loved her, and what a great person she was. This made all the difference. Anna also Real lives came for free counselling. The psychologist said she was suffering from low self-esteem caused by the fact that she was “UNICEF's programme on mother and child health improved my way wearing glasses, and that she struggled a bit with her speech. She also had her first heart broken, and she could talk of working with newborn babies” By Nikolay, Neonatologist in a child-friendly hospital (Almaty) about it with staff at the centre. She was taught basic coping strategies. I really noticed huge improvements in Anna's behaviour, even just after one session. Now she asks me if I need help around the house, she is no longer yelling. I am so “For twenty years, I was a Soviet-trained “neonatologist” in a remote region of Kazakhstan. Neonatologist means I am happy Anna has someone to speak to, and that she is listening to the advice of the youth counsellor. And most a specialist on newborn infants, in particular ill and premature babies. I had strongly embedded cultural beliefs after importantly: she no longer wants to die.” 20 years of practice, such as separating the babies from their mothers at birth, or prohibiting relatives to visit new mothers in the maternity. It can be challenging to change practices that have been used for generations. But recently, I followed an innovative UNICEF programme, with a special Seminar on neonatal practices. The programme spread like wildfire all over the country. It really changed my life! I saw the huge difference: small and inexpensive changes can make on mother and child health. We started encouraging breastfeeding within 30 minutes after birth. We left the mother and her baby together, with skin-to-skin contacts, in rooms with windows that let in natural light and provide the baby with vitamin D. The programme also included heaters and thermometers in maternity rooms, hats, socks and gloves for newborns, especially during the cold winters in our country. Everything that recommends UNICEF to decrease the problems facing mother and child health is so easy, and makes so much sense. We just need to change people's thinking.” Mothers' milk provides babies with valuable nutrition, protects them against infections and other illnesses, and helps to establish the unique close contact between a mother and a child. Today, still one baby out of two does not receive exclusively breastfeeding during the first month of life.

14 15 10 FIGHTING HIV/AIDS 11INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Like many CIS countries Kazakhstan is still experi- regulations and training key managers. Special job Over the past 20 years, many efforts have been made towards helping children with disabilities in encing the increase in HIV cases. After the HIV aids on comprehensive counseling of pregnant Kazakhstan. However, there are over 150,000 children with disabilities and special education needs in the outbreak among children in South Kazakhstan women were provided to almost all regions of country, and only one third receive adequate education and services¹. In 2007-2008, UNICEF supported the Oblast in 2006 the issue of protecting children from Kazakhstan. Government of Kazakhstan in the development and adoption of the “Law on specialized social services” as HIV has become an important concern for the These joint efforts resulted in the significant a preparation process for signing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The public. To respond to the urgent needs UNICEF improvements and substantial decrease of mother- organization also directed its assistance to help South Kazakhstan to-child HIV transmission despite the overall helped developing Oblast to overcome consequences of the HIV increase of number of deliveries by HIV-positive models of support outbreak through training of health workers, women. Thus in 2010 South Kazakhstan Oblast, for children with providing psychosocial counseling and assistance which had the highest number of deliveries by disabilities and their to families who first learned that their children HIV-positive women,registered no single case of inclusion into pre- were found HIV-positive. The training of staff HIV transmission to a child. At the same time a schools, which are maternities also included substantial component on joint study of UNICEF and the National AIDS now operational. skills to prevent infant and mother mortality in Centre in five regions of Kazakhstan showed that Next priority for the labour. there was over 2.5 times decrease in HIV transmis- Government and At the national level UNICEF closely worked with sion rate. UNICEF is to protect the Health Ministry in improving the national children from bullying, reduce stigmatisation and Real lives discrimination, and “HIV positive mothers and children are just like anyone, except that it is develop a “culture harder for them” of inclusiveness” for the most vulnerable By a social worker children. “Several years ago I, like the majority of my peers, thought that HIV did not relate to me. I thought of it as a problem for other countries. When I started working with HIV-positive mothers and children, I realised that they are just like anyone. Except that the life of an HIV-positive person is extremely difficult, and children are the most affected. Often they face stigma and intolerance from society, and a lot of children don't attend school. It is very difficult to get a job if you are HIV-positive. That is why HIV-positive families are often facing poverty. Many are also socially isolated, although they are the ones in greatest need of support from others. I'm working for a day-care centre, supported by Real lives UNICEF, for families affected by HIV/AIDS. We established self-support groups, we provide care and support for HIV-positive children, counselling, and advocacy for HIV-positive families. We provide tests and ARV therapy for “Including children with disabilities into regular schools: HIV-positive pregnant women. We try to help them have a normal life. One can live with HIV for a long time. One a reality for some of us” cannot live alone and be discriminated during her/his entire life.” “My daughter Ainagul is a five-year-old little girl– she has severe vision problems and has had many operations over the past year of her life. Ainagul also suffers from a speech impediment. My daughter was born this way – born with problems. We were lucky to be admitted in the UNICEF pilot project of development rooms for inclusion of children with disabilities in kindergartens. The project has changed our lives. I have participated in all the round-tables organised and I have met with other parents whose children have disabilities. Ainagul has grown up a lot, she helps at home now and she also plays with toys. I am so happy for her. I was surprised by the difference the lekotek room led in her personality. All children with disabilities play very well with the other school children. We all live in the same world and have to live together. This is thanks to the UNICEF supported pilot programme on inclusion. Due to the joint efforts of Akimats of Astana city, Semey city and East Kazakhstan Region several child development rooms (lekoteks) were developed. The inclusion of children with disabilities into regular UNICEF supports programmes for the children, women and young people most schooling systems is now not only a possibility. It is a reality for some of us.” directly affected by HIV/AIDS to ensure that they have access to quality care. UNICEF, together with its local partners, has piloted several child development rooms (lekoteks), including in UNICEF also advocate for policies that protect them from stigma and Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk and Astana cities. UNICEF hopes to be able to scale up the programme for national discrimination. UNICEF therefore works with the Government of Kazakhstan to implementation. strengthen its national policy response to the epidemic, to ensure that the rights of women and children living with HIV/AIDS are respected. ¹National Report on the State and Development of Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan.Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Astana 2009. 17 PREVENTION OF CHILD ABANDONMENT AND REDUCTION CREATING JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS 12 OF CHILDREN IN STATE-RUN INSTITUTIONS 13 Every child is entitled to live in a loving and caring Therefore, fewer children are now placed in formal After the independence, children in conflict with probation programmes for children in conflict with environment. Living in state institutions like care.Although too many children still live out of the law were treated as adults by the justice the law began with UNICEF's support in Astana orphanages, boarding schools and baby homes family in orphanages and boarding schools, system. Due to the Government's commitment to for further replication to other parts of Kazakhstan. affects child brain development, exposes to UNICEF is happy to see that family-orientated develop juvenile justice and based on previous It is remarkable that two universities in Astana negligence, vulnerability and other harmful forms of child protection such as specialized social pilot experience in the country the Concept of have started piloting child rights programmes, impacts. UNICEF is supporting the Government of services, guardianship and foster care are growing Juvenile Justice was adopted in 2008 and two more work will be done to strengthen pre- and in- Kazakhstan to develop community-based services in Kazakhstan. Specialized Children's Courts were established in service training programmes for juvenile justice and alternative care solutions. UNICEF included 2007, resulting in a significant increase in the professionals. the “prevention of number of children in conflict child abandonment with the law who are and institutionalization diverted to non-punitive care concept” in the and preventive services. In national and local addition, over 80 legal acts government policies. and directives were achieved, among which many on juvenile offenders. All of those acts are consistent with international standards. In 2010 the modelling of alternative sentencing and

Real lives “A second chance as juvenile offender” Real lives “Last year, I was arrested by the police. I was just 16. I can assure you I'm not a bad person. But when I came to Astana in 9th grade, I guess I didn't select the right friends. At first, we were just fighting. And then all of us were arrested because “I will be the captain of a big ship, taking with me all we stole a cell phone from a man. It was April 1st. My parents thought it was a joke when the police called them. But, no the children from my orphanage” joke… I was really in jail. I visited a penal facility, and was sentenced for two years in jail. However instead, I was sent to a juvenile centre called “Chance”. At first I was really scared. I thought everyone here would be wearing a police “My name is Konstantin. I am five. I am not an orphan. Because people say my father died, but I know my father is uniform and carrying sticks! And then when I came, I saw a woman at the door, welcoming me nicely. When I entered, I still here. And my mum went to pick up some money in the bank, so she was sent to jail for a long time. Now I am saw all the pictures from the other kids before me, all smiling, having a good time, and learning. Everyone at the centre in a family type orphanage. They are my new family. The social workers give me a lot of hugs! They offered me a is so nice and dedicated to rehabilitate us in the right direction. They don't ever force us to do anything, but always toy because I was a nice boy. It's a ship. When I grow up, I want to be a sailor in the sea. With my boat, I want to respect us and ask nicely if we want to participate in the activities. Sometimes we do trips out of town. We can learn float, on a big ship. I'll be the captain. And I will study at university how to be a captain and how to sail. When I how to play instruments. We play football. Once we even received boy scouts from Germany and played against them. am in the sea, I will take my sponsors and all the children in the orphanage with me. We will put first my family We won the “world cup”, but in the end, we gave them the cup for their souvenir. I have finished my one year period at (which is how social workers call professional guardians in UNICEF-supported programme), and then the rest of the centre. I understand now that what I did was wrong and I regret my behaviour. I will never do anything bad again, the children. I'll invite my mum and dad too. I'll take you along. But I'll have to teach you how to sail first!” this is sure. I have learned so much at the centre. The social workers told the court how much I had improved my Every year, over 1,500 children in Kazakhstan get abandoned or deprived of parental care. Poverty, low income, general behaviour, and thanks to them, my sentence was cancelled. The Chance Rehabilitation Centre was a real chance for me, negligence of the parents, single parenthood, families in difficult situations or drug and alcohol abuse are the main reasons for a chance to prove that I will never break the law again. Since I left, I decided to come back to the centre as a volunteer. I the severe disruption of the family lives of those children. UNICEF supports the Government to develop and improve do it to help other teenagers get back on track, the same way I was helped and given a second chance.” management and quality of social services and alternative care solutions for every child, such as guardianship and foster This programme is a collaborative effort of the Akimat of Astana, UNICEF, the Police Department, the Juvenile Court of families which allow children to live in a family environment. Astana and NGO “Chance “to provide rehabilitation services to children with offending behaviour. UNICEF believes that children in conflict with the law shouldn't be separated from their parents and communities and should have a secondchance.

18 19 PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND TRAFFICKING SEMIPALATINSK REGION: FROM REHABILITATION TO 14 15 DEVELOPMENT FOR CHILDREN

Violence and trafficking of children are grave infringements of the child rights. Unfortunately, there are still children Semipalatinsk nuclear testing area in Kazakhstan development; the decrease in the number of child who experience abuse and maltreatment. Overall in the country, in 2010 29.1% of children aged 2-14 are with a total of 468 nuclear tests conducted during abandonments leading to deprivation of protective reported being subject to application of harsh discipline, including physical punishment². Many more cases are the Soviet era was remaining one of the poorest family environment and increased risk of violence, hidden. Moreover, some children, particularly those deprived of parental care, witness bullying and discrimination regions of the country. The resulting fallout from exploitation and abuse; and strengthening resil- between peers or from staff in institutions³. Discrimination is also widespread among children with disabilities. They the tests severely affected the region, its ecosystems ience of young people's risky behaviour.Now a often feel lonely, and isolated from the rest of society despite of their equal rights. Government of the RK and and traditional way of living for years. Shortly after new joint programme, mainly financed by the UNICEF believe no child should closing the site in 1992, Kazakhstan moved on to Government, will be implemented to raise the ever be subject to violence, and help the population of the affected territories in competitiveness of the region through innovative should be protected against East Kazakhstan to recover from the devastating approaches to regional planning and social ser- discrimination. UNICEF will consequences of nuclear explosions, through social vices. continue supporting protection and healthcare interventions.UNICEF is Government in developing one of the UN agencies to have identification and response been cooperating with the strategies and local community Government of Kazakhstan in based programmes to prevent East-Kazakhstan Oblast (EKO) and identify cases of and Semipalatinsk Region since maltreatment and protect 2002. Innovative health, educa- women and children from being tion and social protection trafficked. models based on proven international standards have been and are being piloted in the region. The outcomes of these practices contribute to the decrease of infant mortality and morbidity; improvement of the nutritional status of children and women; the increase of children's access to pre-school Real lives education; early childhood “I was trafficked and sexually exploited. development programmes and quality secondary education, I just wanted my son to live…” Yelena, 23 years old especially for those with chal- “I was a teenage girl when I delivered my baby boy. At the time, I was living in the city of Petropavlovsk, in the northern lenged mental and physical part of Kazakhstan. I was single and unemployed, so I decided to take the train with my son to Astana. Having no place to go, I accepted the offer of a woman I had met and we moved in with her. But the woman turned out to be an alcoholic and encouraged me to drink as well. One day, the hospitality of my supposed “friend” and her husband changed Real lives drastically. They told me that my son and I were allowed to live in their house, but that we had to pay for it. So they “I wish for other orphans to live in such a nice place, forced me to prostitute myself. They invited clients to their home and kept the money for themselves. At one point, I where we feel warm and loved” was locked inside a room, and forced to stay there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, part of the time attached to a bed. The only thing they gave me was vodka. Only after my rescue by the police and social workers, did I receive medical “My name is Lera, and I am 12 years old. My little brother and I now live in a family home with a group of children who treatments. My leg is permanently damaged. Today I live in a shelter for victims of human trafficking. But my son is also have no one to care for them. We have our rooms, a kitchen, and a living room. We can watch TV and play outside safe now.” in the playground. I learned songs and games. It is important for me to be together with my little brother who is just In Kazakhstan, the available data on human trafficking are very limited, but individual cases such as Yelena's are not exceptional. five. My mother was sent to jail, and last time I saw her was a year ago. I don't have a picture of her, but the social Internal trafficking prevails. UNICEF is supporting the Government of Kazakhstan and civil society in collecting more data and workers helped me draw her to remember how she looks like. She even wrote to me once. I am happy here though, and evidence in order to plan better care solutions for women and children at risk of being trafficked. I know other orphans don't live in such a nice place. I'd wish for them to be as lucky as we are, and be in a nice foster family, where we feel warm and loved.” UNICEF supports the Government to develop and improve social services and alternative care solutions for every child, such as

²According to preliminary results of Multi-Indicator cluster survey 2011 guardianship and foster families which allow children to live in a family environment. ³Violence against children Study, 2011 20 21 16 REDUCING DISASTER RISKS 17 COLLECTING AND MANAGING DATA (MICS)

Kazakhstan is at risk from a range of hazards territory considered to be at risk. UNICEF believes The Government of Kazakhstan pays serious attention to collecting and managing quality data. UNICEF hand by including floods, land and mud-slides, avalanches, that building a culture of safety and resilience hand has been working with and providing support to the Agency on Statistics Kazakhstan, respective ministries, extreme temperatures, storms, forest and steppe should start in school. Therefore, UNICEF and national and private research institutes and companies in quality data collection, managing data and in conducting fires. Large-scale earthquakes are potentially the theEuropean Commission's Humanitarian Aid sound analysis on the status of women and children in Kazakhstan. UNICEF has been actively supporting the most destructive threat, with one third of the Department's Disaster Preparedness Programme Government in generating knowledge, managing data and evidence on the situation of children, including in the (DIPECHO) initiated a project on identification of disparities, inequities and marginalization of children. There were numerous surveys, studies and Disaster Risk Reduction amongst research conducted jointly with the Kazakh Government, such as on Iron Deficiency Anaemia Prevalence, Causes vulnerable groups of the population of Infant and Child Mortality, Access to and Quality of Health Care Services, Early Childhood Development, Study in Kazakhstan, aiming at introduc- on Social and Health Integration Challenges of Children with Disabilities, Violence against Children, Multiple ing and integrating disaster risk Indicator Cluster Survey, etc. This is just a short list of the studies and surveys conducted in Kazakhstan and the reduction into schools. The biggest survey has been Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which provides indicators for most of the programme covered a total of 500 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and national targets to monitor the situation of children and women. schools in Almaty city, Almaty and Understanding the importance of data and information obtained through the MICS Kazakhstan's Government South Kazakhstan Regions, through decided to co-finance the last MICS that was conducted in 2010-2011 in the country. the training of almost 60,000 pupils and 2,636 teachers.

Real lives “As caregivers, it is not our role to judge, but to help mothers in crisis situations.” By a social worker “My job in the Baby Home of Botagoz in Karaganda is to provide a loving family environment to the children temporary placed here, and support single mothers overcome their feelings of guilt to leave their child for a while. We give mothers another option but to abandon their child, and we allow them to preserve a family feeling. All children should stay with their family from the day of their birth. Even 3 months out of its family negatively affects the child's development, as 0 to 3 is a critical age for a child's development.But often, mothers don't even have money to feed their baby. Others are sick, some are HIV positive. So when there is no other option, we care for the children. The mothers come to visit their babies here. They also have the opportunity to go to a support centre and get counseling for free. Groups of Hope and Houses of Hope have been established in a few cities in Kazakhstan since 2002. This is an initiative of the First Lady to prevent child abandonment and offer a form of alternative care. UNICEF promotes the development of programmes that would prevent and reduce child abandonment nationally. At the moment, 21 children are within our Group of Hope in the Baby Home of Botagoz. We hope that more child abandonment prevention programmes that help mother at risk of leaving the child will be developed throughout the country. It really helps.”

UNICEF provides supports in reviewing the process of reunification of children living in institutions with their biological, adoptive or foster families. UNICEF is supporting pilot projects with alternatives to child abandonment. However, every year 1,500 children are still sent to state-run institutions in Kazakhstan.

22 18 SUPPORTING CHILD FOCUSED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICIES 19 BUILDING ALLIANCES FOR CHILDREN

The Government of Kazakhstan has developed a number of well-articulated and advanced national policies UNICEF's activities throughout the years would not have been so successful without the cooperation of the state and programmes to benefit children. However, there is still a room to make those policies more strategic, bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan. UNICEF has been rigorously cooperating with line ministries of Kazakhstan effective, efficient and equitable to benefit every child. UNICEF collaborates with the Government and and built strategic alliances with NGOs, universities and the civil society, as well as with the media and celebrities, other partners to stimulate dialogue around macro-level policies that guide national frameworks, including with Goodwill legislative reform and Ambassadors. The organization budgetary allocations also supports the establishment affecting children and of public and private sector women, and advocate for alliances for children. In this actions, build capacities collaboration, the private sector, and leverage resources that civil society representatives and contribute to fulfilling the the Government are assisted in rights of all children. developing sustainable initiatives, For the recent years, with leveraging resources and support from UNICEF the monitoring children's rights. evidence-based research UNICEF uses key communication and policy analysis and the strategies, including on compilation and dissemi- communications for nation of up-to-date data, development, for informing, information and knowledge advocating, mobilizing and have been improved in the accelerating public awareness. country to inform strategic Efforts are also constantly made decision-making, reflect the existing disparities and enable focus on the most marginalized and to make the voices of youth excluded children. The national planning and budgeting is being brought in line with the perfor- heard in Kazakhstan. mance-oriented standards to better address the needs and rights of children and women, including through the application of a child-friendly local governance model to encourage, among other things, child and youth participation. The Government of Kazakhstan have exercised leadership in creating consensus around the need to invest more in children, and to use the government budgets as tools to achieve sustainable progress in the fulfilment of children's rights. The social services framework has been established and the new child-sensitive social protection system is being developed to strengthen families in their child care role and enhance access to basic social services for the most vulnerable and marginalized. Real lives “By no means, I would have abandoned my child” Farida, 17years old

“I got pregnant when I was 16. It was a one-night stand, the guy doesn't even know I got pregnant… I told my mum though, but it was too late for abortion. We were really in a tough position: we didn't have jobs, no money, we had just lost our apartment in Karaganda so we were staying at our neighbours'. It would have been too crowded there with a newborn baby. So, we thought of giving him away for adoption… But when I delivered my baby boy, Artyom, I loved him right away. We didn't want to abandon him, by no means. So from the staff at the maternity clinic, we found out about a UNICEF supported initiative on prevention of child abandonment. It was a relief. We signed an agreement with the centre for one year. My mum and I come to visit the baby almost every day, when we can. At first I was ashamed… But now I am confident that he is well treated here, and that it is just temporary. We solved our problems, found jobs, and we will move soon into our apartment. In four months, Artyom will be with us. Maybe I can even get some education afterwards, and learn how to work with disabled children. That's my dream. Sometimes, I think that there are other young mothers like me. If I could send them a message, it would be: don't abandon your child, there are other options.” Many women in Kazakhstan are applying to get temporary support from social services and NGOs. There are not enough places, and the selection process is tough. Therefore many women have no other option but to abandon their babies, in particular children with disabilities.

24 25 PROMOTING THE CHILD-FRIENDLY CITIES MODEL UNICEF GOODWILL AMBASSADORS Goodwill Ambassadors advocate on behalf of the organization, stay informed about children's issues, visit 20 UNICEF field projects and represent UNICEF before the Government. They have chosen to do what they UNICEF estimates that within a few years, more and Pavlodarciies, Aksay in West Kazakhstan can to save the lives of children by making the general public aware of their plight. than half of the world's child population will be Region, Aktobe,Kyzylorda, and Petropavlovsk) living in urban areas. Life in a city has many have now joined, local governments committed in Batyrkhan Shukenov, a well-known Kazakh musical artist, was named the country's first-ever UNICEF advantages, yet at the same time it exposes children their strategies to prioritize children's interests in Ambassador in 2009. Mr Shukenov has participated in a number of UNICEF events since, and featured in to unexpected risks and dangers, especially those planning, budgeting and policy making. The cities information campaigns in the country. who live in vulnerable conditions or are affected by work towards ensuring better access of children discrimination. and young people to services, reducing negative “Being chosen UNICEF Kazakhstan Goodwill Ambassador was a thrilling moment for me. I am very In Kazakhstan, children living in cities have to deal impact of urban environment on children's lives honoured and I recognize the burden of the new responsibilities that I now have. I believe that through our with such problems as heavy traffic, polluted air and use to the maximum possible extent the united efforts, we can change the situation of children in Kazakhstan to the better. It is the responsibility of and criminal environment on streets. It is often opportunities and advantages that the city offers every citizen of Kazakhstan to take care of children,” saysBatyrkhan Shukenov. difficult to find a safe place to play in close proxim- for children's development. There are more safe ity to their homes. In some corners of the country, it playgrounds, schools and kindergartens are being Many other Goodwill is still difficult for children to get adequate access built; children walk safely in the streets on their Ambassadors around the to some health, education and social services. own, participate in cultural and social events, in world, such as Shakira, David family and community life, express their opinions Urban life, as the today's realities demonstrate, Beckham, Robbie Williams, about their cities. They are not viewed as part of may erode family structures, impoverishing the Jackie Chan, Claudia Schiffer, problems, but as part of the solutions. quality of adult care for children and jeopardizing Maria Guleghina, Ricky Martin Kazakh traditional safety nets. The or Susan Sarandon, among cities, at the same time, are also the others, use their talents and places for great opportunities, fame to advocate for children where children have greater access and support UNICEF's to basic amenities, benefits and mission. services. They are within the reach of the mass media, can easily be informed and made aware, and participate in public life. Through the UNICEF 'Child Friendly Cities' Initiative (child- friendly local governance model) to which more than 15 cities of Kazakhstan (includingAstana, Almaty, Karaganda Regions' Saran, Satpayev, Bakhash, and Abay cities, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar Region's Aksu, Ekibastuz

Listen to what children have to say… When we listen to children, we often learn that what they want and need is quite different and sometimes more important than the things that adults decide for them. Children and adolescents are resourceful citizens capable of helping build a better future for all.It is only with young people – with their energy, intelligence and enthusiasm– that we will find the solutions to the issues and problems that matter in their lives.It is vitally important to listen to youth, especially when making decisions concerning them. UNICEF therefore calls on ALL adults in Kazakhstan, and on ALL decision-makersto listen to children,to ensure that ALL their rights are realised, and that the best interest of EVERY child is thePRIMARY concern in Kazakhstan.

26 27 YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL For nearly two decades, the United Nations' Children Fund has impacted millions of children in Kazakhstan, with programmes related to health, child protection, social policy and child participation.

UNICEF depends entirely on voluntary contributions for all its work, and we receive no money from the United Nations budget. UNICEF has the backing of individual members of the public, corporate partners, sports clubs, governments, celebrities and Goodwill Ambassadors, who are concerned for the welfare and future of children.

We would like to thank all our partners, in particular the Government of Kazakhstan, for their continuous support. We also welcome all those who are not indifferent to child-related causes, and who wish to become part of the global movement. UNICEF continuously cooperates and builds alliances with the private and corporate sectors. The organization therefore invites well-meaning partners, including individuals as well as businesses, to unite our efforts to ensure no child is left behind. Together, we will ensure that the Convention on the Rights of the Child's guarantees are enjoyed by all children in Kazakhstan, in particular by the most vulnerable.

For more information, please visit our website www.unicef.kz or email to [email protected]