Charities Send Supplies to Kyrgyzstan, but What Refugees Really Want Is ‘Peace’

Amid the turmoil of the violent and divisive conflict that has been raging in southern Kyrgyzstan over the past few weeks, charities have been gathering food, medical supplies, and sanitary items as they attempt to meet the emergency needs of refugees.

When charity officials asked the refugees what they needed, “the first thing everyone said is peace,” said Kate Conradt, a spokeswoman for Save the Children. “And then beyond that, household and hygiene supplies. Diapers have been a big need and we’re bringing those in. And they want help to rebuild.”

Ms. Conradt said Save the Children has raised $1.5-million to aid people in Kyrgyzstan, with a goal of $5-million.

Following the destruction of homes and neighborhoods, as well as murders in Osh and Jalabad that pitted Uzbeks against Kyrgyz, thousands of ethnic Uzbeks fled across the border to neighboring Uzbekistan in search of sanctuary and safety from the carnage and damage.

Among the immediate relief efforts: USA for UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, sent 80 tons of aid, such as lightweight tents, plastic sheeting for emergency shelters, blankets, and sleeping mats, all airlifted to the refugees from a central stockpile in Dubai.

And Medical Teams International has sent enough medicine and supplies to Uzbekistan to care for 20,000 people for three months, the group says.

Raising Awareness

Marc Breslaw, executive director of the UN refugee group, said that because Kyrgyzstan is a part of the world relatively unknown by Americans, it will take time for charities to build greater awareness of the needs of the region before they can successfully seek donations.

“It depends on the type of media coverage,” Mr. Breslaw said. “And if you look at the papers there is less and less coverage to be seen. We just haven’t figured out how to sell it to the public.”

And while the International Committee of the Red Cross has declared the situation an “immense crisis,” it is also one that is “highly fluid,” Mr. Breslaw said.

He notes that many refugees now have moved back into Kyrgyzstan to vote on a new constitution.

As the refugees return to Kyrgyzstan, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, is making a plea that donors not forget about the help still needed to rebuild homes.

“Entire communities here have been left fractured and embittered,” he said in a statement. “Immediate and sustained humanitarian help is needed to avert a dangerous expansion of grievance and loss.”