Refugees, who fled the violence in Kyrgyzstan, wait for their turn to cross the border into Uzbekistan near the village of Jalal-Kuduk on Monday. © REUTERS/Stringer

Press Release, Monday 14 June 2010

UNHCR deploying emergency aid to refugees fleeing into Uzbekistan

UNHCR is preparing to deploy emergency team and aid to Uzbekistan where thousands of refugees have crossed fleeing violent clashes in Osh and other cities in south Kyrgyzstan.

According to the Uzbek government, more than 75,000 refugees have arrived from Kyrgyzstan since last Friday.

The UN refugee agency offered its assistance to Uzbek authorities who are already dealing with needs of the displaced. The government in Tashkent welcomed humanitarian aid from UNHCR on Monday.

We are very grateful for the willingness of the Uzbek authorities to welcome and receive people fleeing violence in Kyrgyzstan, said António Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We have agreed with the Uzbek government to support their efforts and assist tens of thousands, mostly women and children seeking safety in Uzbekistan.

The UNHCR emergency team includes experts on operations, field officers and logistics and is scheduled to deploy immediately. UNHCR is also preparing an airlift from its emergency stockpile in Dubai. This aid will cover the immediate humanitarian needs of some 75,000 people.