A landmark regional conference opened in Bishkek, bringing together government officials, child protection experts, and international partners from Central Asian countries to advance the reintegration of children and families repatriated from Syria and Iraq. The event, co-organized by the Ministry of Labour, Social Welfare and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, and UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, highlights a coordinated regional response to one of Central Asia’s most complex humanitarian challenges.
The two-day conference features delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside representatives from the EU, the United States, and global child protection experts. Participants will exchange experiences in managing repatriation processes, providing psychosocial support, and ensuring access to education and essential services for returnee children. The discussions aim to foster collaboration that strengthens the effectiveness and sustainability of reintegration programs while preparing for future repatriations.
Since 2019, over 1,600 children have been repatriated across Central Asia, including 382 to Kyrgyzstan. Many of these children were born or raised in conflict zones and face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives. UNICEF, in partnership with national governments and supported by the EU and the US, provides psychosocial support, education, healthcare, and social services to help children and their families reintegrate successfully.
Hans Farnhammer, Chargé d’affaires of the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, emphasized that repatriating and reintegrating children affected by conflict is both a humanitarian imperative and an investment in regional peace and stability. Samman J. Thapa, UNICEF Representative to Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the government’s commitment to upholding children’s rights and stressed the importance of continued investment in child protection, healthcare, and education systems to ensure successful reintegration.
