The inaugural meeting of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council in Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 14, signaling a step in addressing the complex challenges posed by the return of individuals from conflict zones, OSCE reported.
Representatives from Central Asian nations, as well as international entities including UN agencies, the OSCE, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and others, converged in Tashkent for this occasion. Experts specializing in the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals returning from conflict zones were also in attendance.
The gathering served as a platform for Central Asian countries to exchange experiences and best practices concerning the repatriation of citizens from conflict areas. Discussions centered on implementing a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to facilitate the reintegration process effectively. Emphasis was placed on bolstering the involvement of local communities and civil society organizations, thereby fostering a holistic, whole-of-society approach to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Ambassador Antti Karttunen commended all participants for their contributions to the successful inaugural meeting of the Expert Council. In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Karttunen underscored the importance of carrying forward the lessons learned and connections forged during the conference, urging continued commitment to the shared goal of creating a more secure and resilient future for all.
The establishment of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council was initiated by Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the high-level conference "Regional Cooperation of the countries of Central Asia under the Joint Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy" in March 2022.
The event coordination involved cooperation among several key parties, such as the ISRS, State Security Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, OSCE Project Co-ordinator, Committee on Family and Women, alongside UNOCT and UNRCCA.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)