Kindergarten or concentration camp?

May 2025. The tragic death of a two-year-old boy in a private kindergarten in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has sparked outrage and deep concern about child safety across Central Asia. The child reportedly fell from the top tier of a bunk bed during nap time and became trapped by the neck in a nearby fence. The tragedy, caused by a lack of supervision, led to criminal charges against the employee deemed responsible.

But this is not just an isolated incident—it’s a warning. One that demands attention not only in Tajikistan but also in neighboring Uzbekistan, where bunk beds are widely used in kindergartens. The pressing question is: Are there safety standards in place, and are they being enforced?

Despite public concern, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan does not regularly disclose statistics on accidents in kindergartens. Parents, however, have begun to speak out. A journalist from QALAMPIR.UZ asked citizens in Tashkent: “Are you satisfied with the kindergarten staff? What is your opinion on cases of child abuse?”

“These children are entrusted to educators. How can you hit someone else's child? Educators are paid by the state and must fulfill their duties with integrity. If someone hits my child, I would be furious,” one parent said.

“It’s unacceptable to hit a child—especially on the head. I strongly oppose it. In other countries, children are treated with respect, and as a result, they grow up more confident and free to express themselves,” added another respondent.

“Of course, I view this very negatively. Neither teachers nor any other kindergarten staff have the right to touch a child violently. Think about it—would they tolerate it if someone did the same to their own child? That’s why we must treat others’ children the same way,” said a concerned citizen.

So, the question remains: are our kindergartens truly safe? And is anyone being held accountable when they’re not?

In response to these concerns, Dilnoza Yusupova, press secretary for the Children’s Ombudsman under the Oliy Majlis, stated:

“On November 14, 2024, Uzbekistan adopted a landmark legal act: the Law on the Protection of Children from All Forms of Violence. This law, which came into force on May 15 of this year, defines six types of violence—physical, psychological, sexual, neglect, exploitation, and bullying. It also outlines measures to prevent violence in educational institutions. Importantly, educators found guilty of violence will now be barred from working in any educational institution in the future.”

Regarding bunk beds, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education has issued the following technical regulations:

- Only children aged 3 to 7 may use the top bunk.
- Bed rails must be high enough to fully prevent falls.
- Beds must be equipped with ladders, with steps spaced 200–300 mm apart.
- At least one staff member must supervise each group of children during sleep time.

But are these rules actually enforced? Dilfuza Sobirova, press secretary for the ministry, said:

“The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health, under the Ministry of Health, has established sanitary-hygienic standards for preschool furniture. These were approved by Resolution No. 24 on November 7, 2023. Territorial departments inspect educational institutions on a scheduled basis to ensure compliance.”

Yet this is about more than just bunk beds—it’s about the system. If our children are left vulnerable even during a simple afternoon nap, what does that say about their overall protection?

This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entire region. While the victim was a child in Tajikistan today, tomorrow it could be a child in Uzbekistan. Heed this signal now—because timely awareness can save lives.