Uzbekistan's strategy for the reintegration of individuals returning from conflict zones has been presented to the UN.

On November 11, 2024, a meeting was held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, focusing on Uzbekistan's practices in the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals returning from armed conflict zones, primarily from Syria and Iraq. The event was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISMI) of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). The meeting drew the attention of high-ranking representatives from the UN, OSCE, European Union, and the diplomatic corps of Central Asian countries.

The key topic of discussion was the Uzbek model of reintegration, which has been in place since 2019. As part of this program, over 530 citizens of Uzbekistan, mainly women and children, have been able to return home. The program includes a comprehensive set of medical, social, and psychological support measures, as well as assistance with vocational guidance and employment. A crucial component is the involvement of civil society institutions and local communities in the reintegration process, taking into account gender and age aspects.

As noted during the meeting, since 2019, Central Asian states have repatriated approximately 2,200 of their citizens from conflict zones. Targeted rehabilitation and reintegration programs have allowed these individuals, primarily women and children, to resume peaceful lives, rebuild family relationships, and reintegrate into society.

The Director of ISMI, Eldor Aripov, presented Uzbekistan's strategic principles in combating terrorism and extremism. He emphasized that priority is given to education and countering radical ideology. Influential religious and educational organizations operate in the Republic of Uzbekistan, such as the International Islamic Academy, international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Termez, and Maturidi, as well as the International Center for Islamic Civilization, which promote the humanitarian ideals of Islam.

The head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, Vladimir Voronkov, highly praised the Uzbek experience and urged UN member states to consider it as a benchmark when developing their own strategies. He pointed out that the "Tashkent model" aims to ensure human rights and dignity, which is critically important in rehabilitation and reintegration processes.

The Director of GCERF, Khalid Koser, characterized the Uzbek approach as a "guiding light" for other states, demonstrating an effective, humane, and rights-respecting method for the return of citizens from conflict zones.

Participants of the meeting reviewed the activities of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, established in 2024 at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan under the auspices of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office. The Council brings together specialists from all Central Asian countries and serves as a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in the field of reintegration.

Representatives from the OSCE, EU, and Central Asian republics expressed their support for the Uzbek initiative and interest in further collaboration on regional security and the reintegration of citizens who have left conflict zones. The Deputy Head of the OSCE Counter-Terrorism Unit, Faizo Numana, noted the positive impression of the work of local communities in Tashkent concerning rehabilitation and reintegration. The representative of the EU Delegation to the UN, Mattia Toaldo, confirmed the EU's commitment to assist in enhancing security in Central Asia, including issues related to the repatriation of citizens from conflict zones. Representatives of Central Asian states expressed their readiness to cooperate within the framework of the Regional Expert Council.