From War to Safety
How UNICEF is helping children brought from conflict zones to adapt in Kyrgyzstan
“I saw them at the airport. They were coming to meet me and their tiny bodies were covered with clothes: thin arms and legs, thin skin, skinny, hungry, frightened,” - says Madina Shukhratova*, wiping her tears.
Two years ago, Madina’s family got much larger. Her sister’s four children were brought back to Kyrgyzstan from Iraq as part of a mission called “Meerim” which translates as “mercy” from Kyrgyz.
According to the Kyrgyz Government, around 400 children and 200 women – citizens of Kyrgyzstan - reside in prisons of Syria and Iraq. Majority of them ended up in conflict zones following their husbands and fathers that were recruited.
“I heard that my sister, who was almost like daughter to me, was imprisoned in another country. They told me that her small children had been in prison together with her for some time: three girls and one boy, one of them was born in the prison”, says Madina.
Madina’s four nephews arrived in Kyrgyzstan from Iraq along with other 79 children. This was a result of months and months of difficult of work: negotiations with governments, sorting out legal issues, resolving logistical problems. “Meerim” humanitarian mission was led by the Kyrgyz government and involved many partners including UNICEF, European Union, United States and others.
Many of these children are born or brought up in extremely difficult situations that have devastating effect on their physical and mental health.
Madina says that her nephews would always stick together at first, afraid to leave each other. Later she learned that this was a result of being in a conflict zone – they had to stay together in order not to lose each other during a sudden bomb shelling.
“For a long time, the children couldn't get used to the fact that no one was shooting or bombing houses here, that they could walk along the streets and go to school” says Madina.
Successful reintegration of these children into their families and communities is the highest priority. That is why UNICEF supported a team of qualified psychologists, trained guardians, worked with local schoolteachers and even neighbors to make sure that children adapt quickly and safely. The families also received funds for health care, buying clothes and belongings for school.
“I didn't miss a single training. I learned a lot of useful things. Probably that's why the children adapted quickly and almost painlessly”, says Madina.
The teachers at school say that with time they have become much more active and open since he first arrived in class. Madina is proud of how her children adapted in two years. They attend their local school, speak Russian and Kyrgyz fluently.
But there is still work to do. Often, they need extra time to complete tasks and some individual attention. Although, UNICEF organized catch-up classes and individual lessons in math and reading comprehension for the children, teachers’ assistance was critical for their integration into the school environment.
“Now I can't imagine how I lived without them” says Madina. And they don't remember all the horror they saw before. The girls help me with chores at home”
