The process was formally launched during the first meeting of an interagency working group in Ashgabat. The group, coordinated by the Prosecutor General’s Office, includes representatives from 10 government bodies. Authorities said the program aims to establish a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, focusing on family-based care for children without parental support, improving child justice systems, preventing violence, and strengthening overall protection mechanisms.

“The development of this National Program demonstrates Turkmenistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of every child,” a representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office said. UNICEF’s representative in the country, Jalpa Ratna, welcomed the move, noting that it would help build “a more coordinated, family-oriented child protection system.”

The draft program is expected to be completed by the end of the year following consultations with stakeholders, including children, families, and professionals. It will align with national legislation and international recommendations, including those from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Meanwhile, in Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a series of measures aimed at expanding social protection and improving services for vulnerable groups. The reforms focus particularly on people with disabilities, children, and women affected by violence.

Among the new initiatives is the introduction of an “Early Intervention” service for children up to the age of three with developmental disorders, scheduled to begin by June 1. The program will provide specialized educational and therapeutic support through non-governmental organizations.

Authorities also plan to launch several new services for adults with mental disabilities, including daycare programs, home-based care, and short-term support options designed to assist families. These services are expected to reach more than 8,300 people in 2026, with up to 600 NGOs and private providers involved.

A monthly care allowance will also be introduced for guardians of adults with severe intellectual disabilities starting in September 2026. In addition, Uzbekistan plans to expand the role of its “Inson” Social Service Centers, integrating them into local government structures and strengthening oversight of guardianship arrangements.

Further reforms include transforming state-run residential institutions into community-oriented care centers, expanding tax exemptions for families of children with disabilities, and introducing stricter legal measures to protect minors from exploitation.