Football against Violence, Crime and Drug Use in Kyrgyzstan

"Together with UNODC, we pay great attention to the prevention of juvenile delinquency. Unfortunately, this problem exists, and only together we can change the situation for better", stated Ms. Aigul Ryskulova, the Vice-Mayor of Bishkek and founder of the women's football league in Kyrgyzstan. She noted that based on an initiative by the Asian Football Federation, 8 March is also celebrated as Women's Football Day.

"Our work at the Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic is not just about developing football as a sport. Our goal is to promote social responsibility and educate future generation of our country. Sport is a universal language, which unites people. I call on everybody to join our common sports family and promote the development of our country", said Nurdin Bukuev, FFKR’s Deputy Secretary General.

"Making the world safer from drugs, crime and violence is UNODC’s core task. Girls and women play an integral role in this endeavour. Football makes you stronger, gives you determination, courage and makes this world better and more secure", said Vera Tkachenko, UNODC Acting Head of Office in the Kyrgyz Republic.

During the event, the participants also engaged in life skills training sessions delivered as part of UNODC's evidence-informed and sports-based curriculum Line Up Live Up. They also attended a performance about the negative consequences of crime and violence in one of the Bishkek theatres, which was followed by discussion among the attending youth on how to tackle these issues in everyday life.

UNODC works to reduce the level of antisocial behaviour by building important life skills that increase adaptive and positive behaviour among young people. Since April 2017, over 40 sports coaches and physical education teachers have successfully passed training of trainers’ courses and conducted “Line Up, Live Up” sessions to some 250 children aged 13-16 in secondary schools and sports centres in Bishkek and the surrounding Chui province. These activities are conducted within the framework of UNODC’s Global Doha Declaration Implementation Programme.