Uzbekistan: Joint ICRC-Red Crescent relief operation in Surkhandariya region

Posted 03/08/2002 ICRC News

On 28 February and 1 March, the ICRC distributed relief supplies in the Surkhandariya region of southern Uzbekistan along the Afghan border. The villages concerned were founded by people – mainly ethnic Tajiks – who had fled their homes in remote mountains in August 2000 following fighting between the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Uzbek military forces. The ICRC surveyed six such villages in late January where 3,500 people had been relocated, and determined that food and non-food relief were required in two – Istiklol and Tamshush – where living conditions were particularly difficult owing largely to the harsh winter. The ICRC had already distributed food parcels and children's clothing in Istiklol in February and April last year. The latest distribution was organized in conjunction with the Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan. In all, 8.5 tonnes of wheat flour, 1,220 mattresses, 1,220 blankets and 1.7tonnes of second-hand clothes were distributed to some 2,300 people. The ICRC carries out such operations only in the event of acute need since it is the Uzbek authorities' responsibility to help internally displaced people to meet their basic daily needs and eventually achieve self-sufficiency.