Kyrgyzstan has taken the initiative to repatriate women and children who were previously living in camps in Syria after being associated with the Islamic State group. The rehabilitation process takes place in a secure facility in the mountains and includes re-education programs, medical treatment, psychological support, and provisions of basic necessities. The government of Kyrgyzstan has decided to treat these individuals as victims for now, although most of them are under police investigation. The repatriation operation aims to give these individuals a second chance, but they remain under surveillance and may face criminal charges such as assisting terrorism. While some Kyrgyz people have expressed fears and concerns, others appreciate the government’s efforts to provide a peaceful and happy life for the returnees and emphasize the need to forget the past. The scheme is supported by the UN and UNICEF, who advocate for the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children affected by conflict. However, there are still thousands of individuals from different countries trapped in camps in northern Syria, highlighting the ongoing challenges of this humanitarian crisis.
Kyrgyzstan’s Repatriation of Women and Children from Syria: Rehabilitation and Reintegration
