ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in partnership with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) within the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) convened an online side event entitled “Central Asian experience with Individuals returned from Syria and Iraq: successes, challenges, and lessons learned” at the 75th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly.

The aim of the side event was to highlight the Central Asian experience and the United Nations support available to Member States that have repatriated or are committed to repatriate their nationals from camps in north-eastern Syria and Iraq. The animated video “Returning home, rebuilding lives”, based on real stories from Central Asia, was presented at the event.  Following the video, a panel discussion took place focusing on successes, challenges, and lessons learned during repatriation of Central Asian nationals from conflict zones. Relevant UN entities have also shared their views on challenges and ways forward, including the Global Framework on UN Support to Member States on Individuals Returned from Syria and Iraq that responds to both the humanitarian and protection needs of children and adults and promotes security and accountability.

In her opening statement SRSG Natalia Gherman underlined that the Central Asian states have significantly progressed in addressing repatriation issues of their citizens being stranded in Syria and Iraq, in particular women and children, and the countries are ready to share their best practices and lessons learned.