Ministry of Culture takes action over schoolgirls' involvement in cold weather event

A video circulating on social media shows schoolgirls attending an event in cold weather while dressed in light festive clothes. The situation has been addressed by the Children's Ombudsman.

On December 6, 2024, a bridge over a railway connecting Denov district in Surkhandarya region to a major highway was inaugurated. Students from music schools No. 14 and 16 in Denov, including 16 girls and 4 boys, were invited to the opening ceremony by the district's Department of Culture. Unfortunately, they were made to attend the event wearing inadequate clothing for the cold weather.

In response, the Children's Ombudsman has recommended that the Ministry of Culture take appropriate action against those responsible for exposing the children to health risks. The proposal will be reviewed by the ministry, and disciplinary measures will be taken against the relevant regional officials.

The Ministry of Culture has issued a directive to its subordinate organizations to prevent similar incidents from happening again. They have also strictly prohibited the unjustified involvement of students in such events under similar conditions.

This is not the first instance of children being involved in events under cold weather while dressed inappropriately. In February 2022, schoolgirls in the Kibray district of Tashkent were forced to welcome guests in light clothing at an event hosted by the “Yangi Yol” neighborhood and the “Oltin Meros” Charity Public Foundation. Similarly, in December 2022, schoolgirls from Kashkadarya were made to attend a government event in cold weather by the Shakhrisabz city administration.