Press Releases

Kyrgyzstan updates its plan for potential influx of refugees

Bishkek- On November 25, 2014 UNHCR and the Ministry of Emergency Situations jointly convened the 3rd High level Working Group on Contingency Planning. High-level officials from various government and UN agencies participated in the event in order to update the Joint UNHCR/Government Contingency Plan. This plan was developed during the First Joint High Level Working Group in April 2013. During 2014, the Kyrgyz Government and UNHCR have worked together in order to adjust the plan in accordance with current priorities.

"The outstanding cooperation between UNHCR and the Government of Kyrgyzstan has significantly raised the level of emergency preparedness in the country. Today's meeting is yet another testimony of the close working relationship between the Office and the Kyrgyz authorities", said Mr. Johann Siffointe, Resident Representative of UNHCR in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The year of 2014 presented new emerging challenges with regard to emergency preparedness for the Kyrgyz Republic as International Security Assistance Forces have been withdrawn from Afghanistan. Furthermore, tensions relating to border areas and competition over natural resources in the Ferghana Valley arose during 2014. In light of these facts, the working group has updated the contingency plan.
"The dynamics of Central Asia require a high level of preparedness. Through the joint contingency planning process, the Ministry and UNHCR are better prepared to react in case of emergencies. We will be enabled to assist the population more efficiently and effectively", said Mr.Taalaibek Temiraliev, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The contingency plan identifies temporary campsites and procedures for the provision of essential services and commodities such as water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, health, education, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, registration and child protection.

Strengthening Cooperation
Several joint activities have been conducted in 2014. From 22 May to 23 May the Ministry of Emergency Situation of the Kyrgyz Republic and UNHCR conducted a joint simulation on mass influx of refugees in the southern oblast of Jalalabad. The exercise envisaged an influx of 2500 refugees from neighboring countries. Two camps were set up in Suzak and Bazar Korgon rayons. More than 22 government agencies - all coordinated by the MES - provided various services to refugees at the two sites. In addition to this large-scale exercise, working groups in the North and the South met regularly in order to update the contingency plan and to assess potential temporary settlement areas.
Furthermore, UNHCR supports the Ministry of Emergency Situations concerning the provision of sufficient emergency stockpiles. In November 2013, UNHCR and the Ministry of Emergencies signed the agreement on the donation of non-food items worth more than USD 400,000. Additional items such as plastic sheeting, blankets, jerry cans and generators with a value of USD 166,000 were transferred to the Ministry's warehouses during the 3rd High Level Working Meeting in Bishkek held this Tuesday in Bishkek.