ASHGABAT HOSTED A ROUND TABLE ON DISCUSSING THE IMPACT OF THE ARAL SEA CRISIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

On August 21, 2019, a round table on discussing the impact of the Aral Sea crisis and environmental degradation on health and nutrition of mothers and children began in the capital of Turkmenistan. The event was organized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Turkmenistan with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

The round table was attended by heads and representatives of several ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, the State Committee for Statistics of Turkmenistan, the State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, Women's Union, Makhtumkuli Youth Organization, National Society of Red Crescent of Turkmenistan.

The overall goal of the round table is to present the results of the assessment of the health and nutrition status of mothers and children in areas affected by the Aral Sea crisis and environmental degradation, which was held this year by UNICEF in Turkmenistan jointly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

As is known, UNICEF highly appreciates the Turkmen policy on children's rights. The work done by the Government of Turkmenistan during the years of independence in this area is huge. The UN Convention on the rights of the child, which is supported and implemented by Turkmenistan, addresses social and economic aspects. Today, the current legislation of Turkmenistan is fully consistent with international legal norms.