Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) --  Today, the Ministry of Makhalla and Family Support of Uzbekistan, with the support of UNICEF,  conducted a Round table to review the implementation of the “Action Plan on adaptation and rehabilitation of children and families returned from armed conflict zones”. It was conducted jointly with the Technical Working Group that also functions as a Steering Committee for the “EU-UN Support to the States in Central Asia for their citizens returned from conflict zones, primarily Syria and Iraq” project, financially supported by the European Union.

Representatives of line ministries, the Ombudsperson on Children’s Rights, non-governmental organizations and UNICEF presented achievements, challenges and opportunities in the reintegration of women and children returned from conflict zones.

 “More than 63 families with 183 children have been supported in getting documentation, such as birth certificates, national IDs, registration of residence, and guardianship. Furthermore, all school-age children have been successfully enrolled into school”, said Gulnara Marufova, the first Deputy Minister of Makhalla and Family Support. “Coordination between the relevant actors has been key in providing quality support to children and women who returned from conflict zones.”

“The reintegration of returning children and families is contributing to the empowerment of vulnerable individuals and populations as a whole, consolidating peace and stability by elevating their potential for a wider socio-economic integration, reduction of poverty and social exclusion”, said Francois Begeot, Head of Cooperation of the European Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Participants also discussed the need to continue in 2022 the interventions implemented within the framework of the Action Plan. These include provision of psycho-social support, access to education and health services, reintegration of children from child-care institutions into the families.

“Uzbekistan continues to lead globally, not only in regard to returning its citizens from conflict zones, but also in ensuring gender-sensitive and age-appropriate reintegration of women and children. As the needs for support do not cease within few months or a year, it is important that we ensure coordinated long-term support, with a focus on protection of children”, said Geoffrey Ijumba, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Uzbekistan.