Called to account, Uzbekistan pleads, “But we’re working with UNICEF!”

Posted on March 10, 2010 by admin | No Comments

Tomorrow and Friday, the UN body that reviews states’ adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, will consider Uzbekistan’s latest (third) regular report.
Previous reviews have highlighted the issue of forced child labor, and in fact this year’s list of questions that the committee submits to the government ahead of the review specifically [...]

The UN Child’s Rights Convention is 20 years old (and Uzbek children are still out picking cotton)

Posted on November 23, 2009 by admin | No Comments

It’s a trite formula for a story:  note an anniversary of a worthy treaty/announcement/international agreement, then express regret that in spite of some laudable progress, look how far there is yet to go, throwing in a tear-jerking example or two.  This past week, the 20th anniversary of the signing of the UN Convention on the [...]