OCHA said humanitarian agencies involved in the refugee response in the east of the country visited 27 out of 46 refugee camps on 24 June. The 27 camps hosted initially 30,000 people; today only 3,000 refugees were found, with more returns taking place during the day. This finding corroborates with the Government’s figures.

“More returns were reported by the State Border Service and Interim Government sources. More than 70,000 people were reported to have returned. During the past 24 hours alone, 10,000 people have returned to Osh city”, the OCHA noted.

“In view of the much lower number of refugees, no major needs were identified. Refugees remaining in the camps appear to have adequate shelter, water and food supply. According to UNHCR, the returning refugees are being given a food ration for 2-3 days from the Uzbek Government”, OCHA said.

The Uzbek authorities stated during a coordination meeting on 24 June in Andijan that refugees who are hesitant about their imminent return to Kyrgyzstan will be allowed to remain temporarily in the refugee camps in Uzbekistan.