Recently, the situation in Palestine has been in the focus of attention of the world community. According to data from the UN World Food Programme, a quarter of Gaza's population lives in conditions close to famine. About 100,000 women and children suffer from severe forms of malnutrition and are in urgent need of treatment.
Since the beginning of military actions, Uzbekistan has advocated for the quickest peaceful resolution of the conflict based on the norms of international law.
On November 3, 2023, President Sh. Mirziyoyev called on the parties to immediately cease military actions, stop the fire, and move to a truce for humanitarian purposes.
According to him, the only and most just solution to this problem should be the adoption of the principle “two states for two peoples.” As stated in UN resolutions, the Palestinian people have the right to establish an independent state.
In November 2023, Sh. Mirziyoyev signed a decision to allocate 1.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to assist Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip.
On December 26, 2024, 100 injured Palestinian women and children, together with their accompanying persons, were evacuated from Rafah to Uzbekistan. All necessary conditions were created for a decent life for the citizens brought from Palestine.
They were placed in temporary accommodation facilities, underwent medical examinations, and were fully provided with necessary medicines and daily essentials.
The leadership of Uzbekistan, not limiting itself to the work already carried out, decided to take additional measures to further assist Palestinian guests in adapting to our society.
In this regard, on August 14 of this year, a separate Presidential Decree was adopted, consisting of special measures in this direction. Its goal is to establish a system for providing support to Palestinian citizens in Uzbekistan on the basis of state care, mercy, and compassion principles.
The document envisages targeted assistance to a group of Palestinians who have found themselves in a difficult life situation. In particular, they will be provided with opportunities for social and medical services, education, and employment.
In addition, a state coordination mechanism is being created to accelerate the integration of the guests into our society and to identify their needs.
To ensure the fast and decent adaptation of Palestinian citizens in Uzbekistan, a special Republican Commission is being established, with the following main tasks:
First, to coordinate the work of state bodies and organizations to fully implement the opportunities created for the guests.
Second, to organize the placement of guests across the country, settle them in a targeted manner, and promptly resolve organizational issues related to this process.
Third, to constantly discuss issues related to the integration of guests into society, and to seek ways to eliminate existing problems and obstacles.
Fourth, within one month, the Commission will study the needs of the guests and available opportunities, and develop and approve specific plans for providing social services and assistance to each family.
The working body of the Commission is determined to be the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
At the mahalla (neighborhood) level, direct work with guests will be carried out by the “mahalla yettiligi” and “Inson” social service centers. In this regard, additional responsibilities have been assigned to the “mahalla yettiligi” and other representatives to integrate guests into the spiritual environment of the mahalla.
In addition, the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan, the National Social Protection Agency, the Youth Affairs Agency, and the Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs will, within one month, develop internal programs based on the new tasks assigned to the “mahalla yettiligi” and, according to the schedule, implement the necessary measures.
This approach will help to effectively support the guests and ensure their rapid adaptation to the new environment.
The decree also envisages covering Palestinian guests with social services and assistance.
To socially support the guests, the National Social Protection Agency is tasked to:
– jointly with the Ministry of Health, within two months, ensure that guests suffering from illnesses leading to disability are granted disability status regardless of the legally established treatment period;
– within two weeks, arrange the assignment of pensions to elderly guests who do not have sufficient work experience.
In addition, additional benefits have been established for guests:
– each guest of working age (except for persons with disabilities of groups I and II) will receive a monthly living allowance in the amount of the minimum consumer expenditure;
– rental expenses for the living place of guest families will be reimbursed;
– one-time benefits upon the birth of a child and for funeral ceremonies will be paid in the same amount as for citizens of Uzbekistan;
– each family will be paid a one-time lump sum for the purchase of essential non-food items;
– a social worker in the mahalla will be assigned to each family to provide individual assistance and help meet the needs and requirements of the family.
These measures are aimed at improving the living standards of the guests and increasing attention to them.
The decree places special emphasis on involving the children of Palestinian guests in the education system.
The Ministry of Preschool and School Education will assist in the education of the guests’ children:
– depending on the place of residence of the guests, children will be enrolled in state schools and kindergartens;
– to adapt each child to the learning and upbringing process, responsible deputy heads will be appointed in schools and kindergartens;
– together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, measures will be taken to monitor the adaptation of children to education and their development on an ongoing basis.
To create convenience in the field of education for guests and their children, the following measures will be implemented:
– benefits in kindergartens.
The children of guests will be admitted to state kindergartens free of charge. Parents will be exempt from paying kindergarten service fees until January 1, 2028;
– placement without waiting in line.
The children of guests will be admitted to state kindergartens and schools without waiting in line, based on the request of the “Inson” social service centers;
– opportunities in additional education.
Children of guests will be provided free of charge with additional education in schools (vocational training, information technology, and preparation for higher education). These expenses will be fully covered by the state budget;
– fast recognition of foreign diplomas.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will, within two months, recognize the education documents obtained abroad by guests without testing and fees.
These measures will create broad opportunities for obtaining education and rapid adaptation of the guests and their families in Uzbekistan.
The decree also provides for supporting the health of Palestinian guests.
The Ministry of Health will ensure the registration of guests at the nearest family doctor points, polyclinics, and central district (city) polyclinics to their place of residence.
Guests will be provided with medical referrals for treatment on par with low-income families when receiving medical assistance funded by the state budget.
These measures will provide guests with the opportunity to receive medical services quickly and efficiently.
The decree also separately instructs to assist Palestinian guests in employment and professional occupation in Uzbekistan.
The National Social Protection Agency will, within one month, prepare proposals for assisting guests in finding jobs and teaching them modern professions.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry for Poverty Reduction and Employment, the Central Bank, the People’s Bank, and other commercial banks will take practical measures to involve guests in entrepreneurial activities. For this, programs such as “Family Entrepreneurship,” “Support for Small Business,” “First Step into Business,” and “From Poverty to Prosperity” will be used.
Mahalla bankers and hokim’s assistants will be responsible for providing financial assistance to guests, accepting applications, and monitoring the use of allocated funds.
The decree also provides for financing all work related to the implementation of measures to support Palestinian guests, and defines the mechanism for its provision.
A special fund will be created under the National Social Protection Agency. This fund will serve as a financial source for meeting the needs of guests and assisting them.
How is the fund formed?
– charitable and sponsorship assistance from legal entities and individuals;
– grants from international organizations and other sources not prohibited by law;
– interest from placing temporarily unused funds of the fund in bank deposits.
Where is the money spent?
– on creating necessary conditions and organizing services for guests;
– on covering various expenses and support measures;
– on providing material and social assistance.
This fund will help alleviate the problems of guests and create better conditions for them.
How is the special fund managed?
Funds of the special fund created to support guests will be spent by decision of the Republican Commission. Changes to the spending directions are also made only by the decision of this commission.
Property provided to guests by individuals and legal entities (such as housing, vehicles, etc.) will be transferred to the balance of local hokimiyats and entrusted to the management of the Republican Commission.
This procedure will ensure transparency and discipline in the use of the fund, and assistance to guests will be provided in a more organized manner.
Measures to support Palestinian citizens are not only an act of compassion, but also a strategic step towards strengthening the country’s international image as a reliable partner in the humanitarian sphere.
These initiatives reflect Uzbekistan’s commitment to humanitarian policy and values, and serve to create a solid foundation for the full integration of Palestinians into society, providing them with not only temporary assistance but also long-term opportunities.
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