Najat Maala

Najat Maala is the United Nations Special Representative on Violence Against Children, dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of children globally. Her recent visit to Uzbekistan from April 6 to 11, 2023, included meetings with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and various government officials to discuss the prioritization of children's rights within the country's political agenda. Maala emphasizes the importance of intersectoral approaches in protecting children from violence, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that involve multiple sectors such as justice, education, and social protection. She actively promotes investment in child protection as a crucial aspect of national development, asserting that addressing violence against children is not only a social issue but also a significant economic concern.