UNICEF and the European Union are supporting the Government of Tajikistan on social protection and the reintegration of women and children returned from conflict zones.

Dushanbe, 12 April 2024 - The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan, in collaboration with UNICEF and the European Union are supporting the reintegration of children and their mothers who have returned from conflict zones, as it was discussed during the roundtable organized by the Ministry of health and Social Protection of the Population. 

The central focus of this roundtable session was to review the progress made in the implementation of the Government Program for rehabilitation, reintegration, and provision of employment and education opportunities for women and children who have been repatriated from areas of armed conflict. This comprehensive program, encompassing the period 2023-2027, with the initial phase spanning from 2023-2025, was established through the decision of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (No. 481, September 27, 2023).

“The responsibility for finding comprehensive solutions to support reintegration of children and their mothers lies with various ministries and agencies, as it is stipulated in the Action Plan for the Program for Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Provision of Employment and Education Opportunities for Women and Children Repatriated from Areas of Armed Conflict. Many activities under the Action Plan have already been carried out in 2023. At the same time, reports from social workers assisting these families suggest that some challenges remain, underscoring the need for prompt solutions. “– said Mr. Shodikhon Jamshed, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The discussions held during the roundtable aimed to further strengthen coordination and expand activities towards achieving planned results in this regard. The roundtable event witnessed the presence of over 40 representatives from various ministries and agencies responsible for the implementation of the program. These representatives delivered presentations, casting light on the completed activities and the support provided to children and women who have returned from conflict zones.

“The social reintegration of repatriated children requires the collaboration of national and local authorities, host communities, and civil society, to provide meaningful opportunities for both the returnee and their local community. Through the European Union funding, we can achieve concrete outcomes in supporting these families and fostering a stronger sense of hope for the future.” – said Denise Molica, Programme Manager – Health Sector, Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan.

Through this collaborative effort, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNICEF aim to create a conducive environment that promotes the well-being and successful reintegration of children and women who have returned from conflict areas.

"The support of children and the empowerment of their mothers returning from conflict areas are paramount in ensuring their successful social reintegration. By providing comprehensive child protection services, psychosocial assistance, facilitating access to employment opportunities, and fostering educational avenues, we can support the children to reach their full potential.  It’s important to provide a nurturing and supporting environment that enables children grow, learn and succeed." - noted Eri Dwivedi, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Programmes in Tajikistan.

The activity was conducted through the project “EU-UN Support to the States in Central Asia for their Citizens Returned from Conflict Zones,” implemented by UNICEF and funded by the European Union. The project aims to implement a series of actions that contribute to child and human rights-based, age-appropriate, and gender-sensitive reintegration support. This support is targeted at children and mothers who have been repatriated from conflict zones.