Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, the first meeting of the Regional Expert Council in Central Asia on rehabilitation and reintegration was held in Tashkent. Speaking at the event with a welcoming speech, the director of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) under the President, Eldor Aripov, especially emphasized the importance and significance of the Regional Expert Council, the initiative to establish which was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2022.

As the ISMI representative noted, the fight against terrorism is becoming one of the priorities of the international community. In these conditions, the joint search for effective solutions to combat this dangerous phenomenon, which knows no borders, nationality or religion, becomes especially relevant.

“The representative composition of participants gathered at the event, in fact, personifies the regional consensus on general principles and methods in countering terrorism. By launching the activities of the Council, for the first time we are witnessing the institutionalization of regional cooperation, designed to increase the effectiveness of our collective efforts in this direction,” said Eldor Aripov.

It was noted that the Regional Council being created complies with all recommendations of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office and the Executive Directorate of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Its work is based on a holistic approach that includes elements of prosecution, psychosocial support and reintegration, theological deradicalization, and community and civil society engagement.

In this regard, the expert is convinced that only a whole-of-state and comprehensive approach, relying on multilateral cooperation, can give effective results in countering terrorism.

“As the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich rightly noted, the implemented policy in this area in Uzbekistan is based on a comprehensive, inclusive and consistent approach with the use of preventive and prophylactic measures. Not only government bodies, but also civil society institutions actively participate in these processes. It is gratifying that such an approach is inherent in all Central Asian states,” emphasized Eldor Aripov.

The expert added that since 2019, Uzbekistan has repatriated a total of more than 530 people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan during five Mehr operations.

It was also noted that, based on the results of consultations with UNICEF, UNDP, UNOCT, a comprehensive and targeted rehabilitation program was developed and implemented, including access to educational, medical and social programs.

In addition, comprehensive work has been carried out to create the necessary conditions for the full integration of repatriates into society, reuniting them with their families, and returning to local communities.

The result of these efforts was that during the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council (July 2021, Geneva), the Uzbek repatriation experience was praised as a unique approach based on family values and close social relations in society.

“This is evidenced by the statement of the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism, Ms. Fionulla Ao-Line. In her words, “the Uzbekistan model, implemented “effectively, humanely and with respect for human rights,” is an example of best practice in reintegration, puts family unity and community support, the interests of the child and women at the center of political, legal and social action,” stated expert.