Press Releases

Level of Emergency preparedness strengthened in Kyrgyzstan

Osh, 24 April 2015 (UNHCR) – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  (UNHCR) in Kyrgyz Republic took part in the Emergency Preparedness Simulation Exercise from 22 to 24 April 2015 in Alga village of Uzgen district of Osh province on the subject: “Admission and accommodation of internally displaced and refugees from neighboring countries”.

The exercise was conducted and directed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyz Republic (MoES KR) to improve interaction and coordination between state agencies, UNHCR/UN agencies, other international and non-governmental organizations to assist refugees. The number of refugees considered for this exercise was about 2, 5 thousand people. Relocation of Kyrgyz residents from affected area was also part of the scenario.

More than 20 state agencies participated in the exercise, including State Committee of National Security, General Headquarter of Militarized Forces, State Border Service, and Ministry of Labor, Employment and Migration. UNHCR, WFP, ICRC, OSCE, Red Crescent Committee, OCHA and UNDSS were among the international organizations participating in the event.

“Field exercise is an important part of emergency preparedness. The level of activities organized is impressive with various support services provided in each tent, including screening of livestock. While we hope emergency situation will not happen, if it does, UNHCR remains together with other international agencies ready to support,” stated UNHCR’s Country Representative, Ms. Makiko Shinohara.

As a long-lasting cooperation between the Office and Ministry, UNHCR handed over non-food items stock (about USD 582,866) to the MoES and conducted joint similar Exercise on reception of possible refugee influx from neighboring country in 2014. In addition, a High Level Working Group is called every year to review the level of preparedness and to establish a working agenda for the next year. The Contingency Plan then is regularly up-dated and used to improve the level of disaster preparedness of the country.

Mr. Igor Ciobanu, Head of UNHCR Office in Osh also stated: “Ministry of Emergency Situations, other Government stakeholders and UNHCR, including a number of international and national organizations established a mechanism that has a standby arrangement. In case of any emergency situation all relevant actors and resources will be mobilized for an efficient immediate humanitarian response”.