Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The international multifunctional transport and logistics hub in Termez has been officially designated as a warehouse within the Global Supply Network of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), according to the Dunyo news agency.

The official recognition ceremony was attended by Ismatulla Irgashev, the Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan; Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan; Sabine Mahl, UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan; Dumitru Lipcanu, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR; Arafat Jamal, Head of UNHCR Afghanistan; as well as representatives from the Surkhandarya regional administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Customs and Border Services.

Established in 2022 on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Termez hub was created to facilitate the centralized and targeted delivery of humanitarian aid from the UN, international organizations, and foreign governments to Afghanistan and beyond. It operates under the Termez Cargo Center and has been in use by the UN and humanitarian organizations since 2021 to coordinate aid shipments to Afghanistan.

During his address at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation in addressing the Afghan issue, stressing that humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people must not wane.

The UNHCR Global Supply Network includes seven major warehouse facilities located in Amman (Jordan), Dubai (UAE), Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana), Douala (Cameroon), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Panama City (Panama). This network distributes over $500 million worth of humanitarian aid annually, including tents, blankets, medical kits, and other essential supplies.

Given the current global challenges and the rising number of people in need, the UN and its agencies aim to maintain sufficient humanitarian reserves for rapid emergency response. The strategic location of Termez at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, its developed transport and energy infrastructure, and its skilled workforce were key factors in its inclusion in the global network. As a result, the Termez hub has become the eighth UNHCR international warehouse.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ismatulla Irgashev emphasized that the Termez hub symbolizes international cooperation, efficiency, and reliability. He noted that the center not only strengthens humanitarian supply chains but also creates new economic opportunities and jobs in the region.

Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its active role in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and other nations. He highlighted that the Termez infrastructure will enhance the UN’s emergency response capacity, reduce operational costs, and minimize logistical risks.

UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Mahl, stressed that integrating the Termez warehouse into the global supply network strengthens Uzbekistan’s role as an active participant in international humanitarian initiatives. She emphasized that this will help millions of crisis-affected people receive critical aid.

Dumitru Lipcanu, Acting Regional Representative of UNHCR, underscored the strategic importance of the Termez hub for global humanitarian operations. He stated that its integration into the network will maximize its logistical potential in supporting refugees and vulnerable communities.

Arafat Jamal, Head of UNHCR Afghanistan, pointed out that expanding humanitarian supply routes via the Termez logistics center will have a significant positive impact on Afghanistan. However, he also noted that the hub’s importance extends beyond a single country, as it will aid in global humanitarian response efforts, enhance regional cooperation, and contribute to climate action through the use of eco-friendly technologies.