Japan has provided support to more than 25,000 people affected by the armed conflict along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border in the Batken region, the press service of the UN World Food Program in Kyrgyzstan reported.
Japanese Ambassador Hideki Goda officially handed over food and non-food items to the Deputy Head of the Batken region Zhanybek Isakov. The symbolic ceremony took place in the city of Batken. Support from the Government of Japan is provided through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN World Food Program (WFP) in Kyrgyzstan
WFP received $500,000 to meet the needs of vulnerable populations affected by the clashes. With the assistance of Japan and in line with an approach agreed with the government of Kyrgyzstan, WFP provided 496 tons of fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil to 25,000 internally displaced and returnee host families who were involved in reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.
These activities include rehabilitation of infrastructure and community assets, cleaning of irrigation pipes, drainage and canals. Needs for works have been raised by affected communities in close collaboration with local governments and relevant ministries.
UNHCR also received $500,000 to help internally displaced and returnees with protection, emergency shelter and winterization assistance. As part of the UNHCR project, through the Kyrgyz Red Crescent Society, displaced and returnees and host communities are being supplied with basic necessities, coal for heating and temporary shelter to protect them from the cold winter until their homes are rebuilt.
Japan's contribution also enables UNHCR, in collaboration with the NGO Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders, to assist in the recovery of property and civil documents, including birth certificates, to ensure that displaced persons have legal proof of identity to access basic services, social benefits and humanitarian aid.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 20, 2023