The U.S. has expressed its readiness to assist Uzbekistan in the repatriation and reintegration of citizens from conflict zones.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – According to AN Podrobno.uz, the United States is prepared to assist Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations in the repatriation and reintegration of their citizens. This statement was made by David Johnson, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. to the United Nations.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/politic/ssha-vyrazili-gotovnost-podderzhat-uzbekistan-v-repatriatsii-i-reintegratsii-grazhdan-iz-zon-boevykh/2024-12-12 08:14:04

He mentioned this during a briefing held on December 10 at the UN headquarters, focused on the activities of the Regional Expert Council on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of individuals returning from conflict zones.

The Council was established in 2024 under the auspices of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. The initiative was spearheaded by the President of Uzbekistan. This is not by chance: our country was one of the first to repatriate its citizens from combat zones.

"It is very important that Uzbekistan is undertaking this work, especially concerning children and women, many of whom had no connection to being in conflict zones and needed repatriation. The most crucial aspect is that Uzbekistan continues its efforts in this direction. Therefore, the United States is ready to support Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries in this endeavor," noted David Johnson.

Since 2019, Uzbekistan has brought back over 530 citizens, primarily women and children. They received medical, social, and psychological assistance. Programs for vocational training and employment have been developed.

"I am very pleased that Uzbekistan has taken on the role of a leader at the UN in drawing attention to this complex issue. The country has extensive experience in addressing this problem, with local authorities working effectively and a well-established practice of utilizing family resources to help overcome psychological trauma and reintegrate individuals into normal life," said Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism.

According to Kaha Imnadze, head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, this experience can serve as a model for other states:

"The Regional Expert Council is a unique initiative that can be replicated in other parts of the world. I urge our partners from Central Asia, the UN, and regional organizations to continue utilizing this platform to seek better solutions."

In conclusion of the discussions, participants unanimously agreed with this idea. Specifically, it was planned to hold a separate side event at one of the key UN events – the High-Level Week on Counter-Terrorism in New York, which will take place in June 2025.