From 2 to 6 November 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan visited the United Kingdom to learn about British practices in child protection, family support and the development of alternative forms of family-based care. According to the IIC Turkmenistan, the visit was organised by UNICEF in cooperation with the Partnership for Every Child Alliance.

The delegation included representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute.

In London, the delegation met with representatives of the UK Department for Education, who provided an overview of England’s child protection system, early intervention measures for families and ongoing social care reforms. The participants also visited the UK Parliament and met with a Member of the House of Commons.

Particular attention was given to supporting young people leaving alternative care. At the Care Leavers Hub in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the delegation learned about programmes designed to help young people access housing, education and employment, as well as adapt to independent living.

In Cornwall, the Turkmen delegation visited the Dracaena Centre and met with representatives of the local council. The discussions focused on the work of social services, cooperation between government and civil society organisations, and measures to prevent the unnecessary placement of children in residential care institutions. The programme also included visits to community initiatives in Torpoint and an exchange of experience with the University of Plymouth.

A representative of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Turkmenistan noted that the practices studied could help strengthen the national child protection system, expand family support services and improve cooperation among relevant government agencies.

The visit took place within the framework of cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF. The experience gained could be applied in implementing the National Action Plan on the Rights of the Child for 2023–2028 and developing the National Programme on Child Protection and Child Justice.

Serdar Bazarov, UNICEF Child Protection Officer in Turkmenistan, emphasised the importance of providing timely assistance to families and ensuring coordinated efforts among relevant services. He also reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to provide technical support to its Turkmen partners in studying and adapting international practices in line with national priorities.

UNICEF expressed its gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for supporting the delegation’s participation, to the British side and host organisations for sharing their experience, and to the British Embassy in Turkmenistan for its assistance in organising the visit.