A presidential decree published on August 14 has established a special fund to provide support for Palestinians who were brought to Uzbekistan.
On December 26, 2024, 100 wounded Palestinian women and children were evacuated from Rafah to Uzbekistan. They were placed in rehabilitation centers and hospitals for medical treatment and recovery, receiving full medical examinations and necessary medicines.
The new decree provides that Palestinian guests will receive monthly stipends, rental assistance, one-time financial support, free education for children, and access to vocational training. Additional benefits will be offered in healthcare, education, and employment. A special fund, financed through donations, grants, and other sources, will manage and allocate these resources transparently under the oversight of a Republican Commission.
Supporting Social Integration
The decree establishes a state coordination mechanism to accelerate integration and address the specific needs of Palestinian guests. A Republican Commission has been formed to:
- Coordinate government agencies and organizations to fully implement support measures;
- Organize accommodation for guests across the country and resolve logistical issues;
- Identify obstacles to social integration and develop solutions;
- Study the needs of guests and draft individualized plans for social services within a month.
At the local level, the "mahalla seven" and the "Inson" social service centers will provide direct support and assist families in adapting to community life.
Comprehensive Social Support
The National Agency for Social Protection, together with the Ministry of Health, will ensure that guests with disabling conditions receive disability status promptly and that elderly guests without sufficient work experience are granted pensions within two weeks. Additional benefits include:
- Monthly living allowance for working-age guests;
- Reimbursement of housing rental costs;
- One-time childbirth and funeral benefits;
- One-time allowance for basic necessities;
- Individual support from neighborhood social workers.
Education and Healthcare
Children of Palestinian guests will be enrolled in state schools and kindergartens at no cost until January 1, 2028, with priority admission and dedicated staff to support adaptation.
The Ministry of Higher Education will recognize foreign educational credentials within two months without fees or exams, allowing guests to pursue higher education opportunities in Uzbekistan.
Healthcare access will include registration with local clinics and family doctors, as well as state-funded medical care and referrals.
Employment Assistance
The decree also emphasizes support for employment and professional development.
The National Agency for Social Protection will develop job placement and vocational training programs, while ministries and banks will encourage entrepreneurship through initiatives such as "Family Entrepreneurship" and "Support for Small Business."
Neighborhood bankers and assistant khokims will oversee financial assistance and monitor fund usage.
Special Fund for Support
The special fund, managed by the National Agency for Social Protection, will finance all measures for Palestinian guests. Sources include charitable donations, grants, and bank interest from temporarily unused funds.
Spending will be determined by the Republican Commission, and any property provided by donors will be managed by local khokimiyats under commission supervision.
Uzbekistan’s Humanitarian Role
The decree comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Palestine.
The UN World Food Program reports that a quarter of Gaza’s population is near starvation, with around 100,000 women and children suffering severe malnutrition. Many countries, including the UAE, Jordan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, have provided humanitarian aid.
Uzbekistan has consistently supported a peaceful resolution of the conflict. At the 16th ECO Summit in Tashkent on November 3, 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
On November 1, 2023, Uzbekistan allocated $1.5mn in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
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