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The authorities of Uzbekistan are taking an important step toward establishing a national system for refugee protection. In response to the humanitarian challenges faced by Afghan citizens who fled to the country since August 2021, the government is drafting a bill on granting asylum. This document aims to regulate the status of individuals in need of international protection and align domestic policies with international standards.
This is highlighted in a UNICEF report on the situation of children and adolescents in Uzbekistan.
Since the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s government, thousands of Afghans have sought refuge in Uzbekistan, particularly in the southern regions, such as Surkhandarya. According to government data, by November 2021, more than 13,000 Afghan citizens had arrived in the country on short-term visas. However, due to ongoing instability in their homeland, they are unable to return. Many of these individuals are in need of international protection, as confirmed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
One of the key challenges facing Afghan refugees in Uzbekistan is the absence of national legislation governing refugee issues and asylum procedures. Uzbekistan’s non-ratification of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention exacerbates the situation. The country lacks standardized procedures for determining refugee status, making it significantly more difficult for these individuals to access basic rights and services. Afghan refugee children are particularly vulnerable, as the lack of recognized status complicates their birth registration process, leaving them in a legal vacuum.
The absence of legal status also leads to economic difficulties for Afghan families. Many face the need to regularly extend their visas and go through registration, which comes with financial costs that are hard to cover due to limited access to work visas and employment opportunities. This, in turn, complicates their access to healthcare, housing, and food.
The asylum bill currently being prepared by the government of Uzbekistan aims to remove these barriers. It will create a legal framework for granting refugee status and ensure compliance with international standards regarding human rights and refugee protection. This will not only improve the lives of refugees but also strengthen Uzbekistan’s position on the international stage as a country willing to provide humanitarian assistance and support.
The draft law is an important step forward, but much work remains to be done for its implementation and practical application. The introduction of such a law will give Afghan citizens in Uzbekistan the opportunity to obtain legal status, ensuring their access to essential rights and services, including education, healthcare, and employment.
Thus, the creation of an asylum system in Uzbekistan will become a key component of a comprehensive strategy to protect refugee rights and fulfill the country’s humanitarian commitments.
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
