Stakeholders

National Agency for Social Protection

The National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NASP) was established on 1 June 2023 by Presidential Decree No. PF-82. The Agency is the authorized government body responsible for developing and implementing a unified national policy on social protection. Its establishment marked an important step towards strengthening Uzbekistan’s social protection system, improving the quality and effectiveness of social assistance and services, and promoting the social well-being of citizens.

The Agency’s primary objective is to improve citizens’ quality of life by enhancing the effectiveness of social assistance and comprehensive social services. Additionally it is responsible for consistently implementing national social protection policy, systematically addressing the social needs of the population, and developing and introducing modern social protection programmes.

NASP’s’s vision is to build an inclusive and just society in which every citizen has equal opportunities to realize their potential, where their social rights to a decent and prosperous life are fully ensured. NASP also implements the concept of a “Social Caring State” by delivering social protection programmes aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life and further advancing this vision.

The Agency’s work is guided by respect for human dignity, rights and freedoms; accessibility, transparency, sustainability and adaptability of social protection programmes; responsibility, cooperation and teamwork; and professionalism and evidence-based policymaking.

National Agency for Social Protection provides support to a broad range of population groups, including people in need of care; persons with disabilities; victims of human trafficking, violence and harassment; women in difficult life situations; people without a permanent source of income or stable housing; people affected by substance dependence; individuals affected by emergencies and left without shelter; persons released from correctional institutions; children in difficult life situations, including orphans and children deprived of parental care; families facing difficult life circumstances; and people experiencing difficulties in finding employment.

At the core of the National Agency for Social Protection’s work are the people, their dignity, rights and social well-being. The Agency works in close cooperation with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, international partners and civil society organizations. Which is done in order to strengthen the social protection system, improve the quality and accessibility of social services, and provide comprehensive support to people and families in vulnerable circumstances.

UNICEF Uzbekistan

UNICEF Uzbekistan works in partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan, development partners, civil society, and local communities to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and enjoys their rights. Guided by the principles of equity and inclusion, UNICEF prioritizes support for the most vulnerable children and families, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Key Areas of Work

Child Protection

UNICEF supports the Government of Uzbekistan in building a comprehensive and inclusive child protection system that prevents and responds to violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and harmful practices.

The organization works to ensure that every child grows up in a safe and supportive family environment with access to justice, social services, and protection mechanisms. UNICEF promotes evidence-based prevention programmes, strengthens parenting support, improves child safeguarding systems, advances online safety, and encourages positive social norms that protect children's rights and well-being.

Health

UNICEF works with the Government of Uzbekistan to strengthen the national health system and improve health outcomes for every child from birth through adolescence.

Its support focuses on expanding access to quality healthcare through evidence-based interventions, increasing immunization coverage, improving nutrition services, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and integrating mental health, nutrition, and hygiene education into schools and primary healthcare services.

UNICEF also supports the development of climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities and schools, helping create healthier learning environments and ensuring sustainable access to essential services. Through digital health innovations and home-visiting programmes, UNICEF aims to reach the most vulnerable children and families across the country.

Education

UNICEF advocates for equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for every child, from early childhood through basic education.

The organization provides technical assistance to the Government of Uzbekistan in implementing education reforms, with particular attention to children with disabilities, children on the move, and other out-of-school children. As the Coordinating Agency for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNICEF supports sector-wide collaboration and policy development.

With UNICEF's support, Uzbekistan developed the National Partnership Compact for Education Reform (2023–2026), an evidence-based roadmap that guides education sector investments and strengthens collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and civil society to achieve national education priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Social Policy

UNICEF promotes inclusive and child-centered social policies that provide every child with an equitable opportunity to reach their full potential.

The organization supports the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening the national social protection system, reducing child poverty, improving child-focused public financial management, and advancing child- and youth-friendly local governance. UNICEF has also played a key role in supporting systemic reforms, including the development of the national social protection strategy, institutional strengthening, digitalization of social protection services, results-based budgeting, and the measurement of both monetary and multidimensional child poverty.

UNICEF Uzbekistan serves as a strategic partner to the Government of Uzbekistan in advancing children's rights and well-being. Through its work in child protection, health, education, and social policy, UNICEF contributes to building stronger systems that are equitable, resilient, and inclusive. By combining evidence-based approaches, policy support, and innovative solutions, UNICEF helps ensure that every child in Uzbekistan has the opportunity to survive, develop, learn, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.