In this issue:

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)

• High-Level General Assembly Meeting on AIDS
• June 5 – World Environment Day celebrated in UN House
• EU/UNDP: Comprehensive Vocational Training Programme accepted for Batken
• EC/UNDP: Supports Better Access to Information in Oblasts
• Kyrgyz Ministries Eager to Change Gender Personnel Policy
• UNDP in Kyrgyzstan Strengthens the Kyrgyz-Russian Cooperation
• Kyrgyzstan Opens New Opportunity to Overcome Geographical Isolation
• EU/UNDP signs Memorandum on Project Implementation “Prevention of Drugs Use in Prisons” with Ministry of Justice
• UNDP Assists Government to Improve Electoral Legislation
• Youth camp of “Good will”: Lessons of Conflict Studies for Schoolchildren from Cross-Border Communities

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN KYRGYZSTAN (UNV)

• Young volunteers across Kyrgyzstan link up for a national campaign, “I Volunteer!”

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FUND (UNICEF)

• Art Therapy – A new tool to help traumatized children in Kyrgyzstan

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

• Central Asian Meeting of Parliamentarians on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)

• UNHCR Urges Kyrgyz Government Not to Deport four Uzbek Refugees
• World Refugee Day – 20 June 2006

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC)

• 26 June 2006: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
• Special Medal Award to UNODC National Project Coordinator

WORLD BANK

• The World Bank and the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Announced the Winners of the 2006 Small Grants Program

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)

High-Level General Assembly Meeting on AIDS

Kyrgyzstan demonstrates high willingness to prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its severe consequences

New York, 2 June 2006 – Delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic at the head of the Vice Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Ishengul Boldjurova and Ainagul Iskakova, the head of the unit coordination and monitoring in HIV/AIDS area in the Prime Minister’s Office has taken active participation at the special meeting on AIDS of the United Nations General Assembly from 31 May – 2 June at the United Nations in New York, USA.

The heads of the nations, representatives of the governments and civil society have gathered in New York to assess the progress made in combating AIDS since the General Assembly meeting on AIDS has issued its first Declaration of Commitment to a comprehensive battle against the pandemic in the year 2001. Then, the leaders of 189 states have taken obligations to fulfill comprehensive goals to ensure the realization of preventive measures, treatment, care and support in regards to HIV/AIDS, with the aim to start the tendency to reduce the spread of the global epidemic by the year 2015.

On the occasion of the special meeting, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have reported that the peak of HIV spread has been surmounted by the humanity at the end of the 90’s. According to UNAIDS, for the first time along the first quarter of the century leaving with the epidemic, there is a possibility to speak out about stabilization of HIV spread around the globe.

However, among the countries of Eastern Europe, India and Asia – the epidemic spreads rapidly. According to UNAIDS research conducted along 126 countries, there are 38, 6 million people leaving with HIV, in connection to which every 10 case is being registered HIV-positive during the year 2005. By the same year 3 million people have died from opportunistic diseases. UNAIDS stresses on the fact that overwhelming number of people living with HIV is youth and children.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan, addressing national leaders at a special United Nations meeting to assess progress since 2001 on turning back HIV/AIDS, have called on all heads of State and government to take personal responsibility for stopping the spread of the disease.

“HIV/AIDS has unfolded along a pattern we tend to see only in nightmares. It has spread further, faster and with more catastrophic long-term effects than any other disease. Its impact has become a devastating obstacle to the progress of humankind,”- Mr. Annan said.

“It requires all of you to make the fight against AIDS your personal priority – not only this session, or this year, or next year – but every year until the epidemic is reversed. I look to every one of you to demonstrate this personal commitment in the declaration that you adopt.”

Recognizing that HIV/AIDS constituted a global emergency that posed formidable challenges to development, progress and stability of societies and the world at large, participants in the high-level General Assembly meeting on AIDS, including Heads of State and Government, solemnly declared their commitment to address the crisis through action.

In a Political Declaration adopted, they have reaffirmed their intention to fully implement the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS called “Global Crisis – Global Action” and internationally agreed development goals and objectives, including the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the goal to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Declaration was adopted unanimously on July 2, after the Assembly had heard from over 150 speakers, including 11 Heads of State or Government and numerous other high Government officials.

Governments have committed themselves to actions to promote gender equality, the empowerment of women and the protection of girls; respect for the full rights of people living with HIV/AIDS; strengthened protection for all vulnerable groups – whether young people, sex workers, injecting drug users, or men who have sex with men; provision of the full range of HIV prevention measures, including male and female condoms and sterile injection equipment; and the full engagement in the response of the private sector and civil society, including people living with HIV.

“This Declaration moves the global response to AIDS a significant step forward by acknowledging both the need for AIDS crisis management today and for a sustained, long-term response to AIDS in the years to come,” the Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr. Peter Piot, said.

In the frames of the high-level General Assembly meeting on AIDS, representatives of the Kyrgyz delegation have taken active participation in the work of the panel sessions, interactive dialogues, discussion forums and round tables.

The head of the Kyrgyz delegation, Vice Prime Minister Ishengul Boldjurova in her statement at the panel session of the United Nations General Assembly on AIDS, have presented position of the Kyrgyz Government in response to HIV/AIDS.

“Realization of the HIV/AIDS prevention programme in Kyrgyzstan will be grounded on the bases of Kyrgyz legislation, human rights priorities, overcoming stigma and discrimination, and partnership development in accordance with international obligations. We believe that devotion of the parliament, leadership of the government, potential of NGOs and support of the donor community together with adoption of the international experience in epidemic prevention will allow us to prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its severe consequences,” – said Ishengul Boldjurova in her address.

In New York Ishengul Boldjurova has given an interview to the UN Radio. The journalists of the UN Radio have noted that participation of the Vice Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic at the UN General Assembly on AIDS shows a highly responsible and earnest country approach to solution of HIV/AIDS related issues that have already covered today the whole CIS. “In contrast to many countries of the region, Kyrgyzstan demonstrates high willingness to adopt the most advanced experience of the world by being the first in the countries of CIS, who introduce the methadone therapy,” – the UN Radio journalist Natalya Terehova have stressed in the interview.

Vice Prime Minister Ishengul Boldjurova during her visit have met with Mrs. Ann Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director and Dr. Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director. During this particular meeting, the initiative of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on establishment of the Country Coordination Committee on Children Issues in Kyrgyzstan has been supported. Talking about actuality of this project, Ishengul Boldjurova have stated: “Today, six departmental organizations coordinate and implement state policy on children issues, among them – Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Ministry of Education, Science and Youth Policy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, President’s Office and Prime Minister’s Office. It is true that coordination is not effective. The efforts of all of these bodies will be much more efficient with assistance of the common coordination agency – the Country Coordination Committee on Youth Issues.”

For more information, please contact Ms. Nariste Chynybaeva, Mass Media Coordinator "Support to Kyrgyz Government to Respond to HIV/AIDS" by phone: +996 (312) 62-04-45 or by e-mail:

2006 – International year of Deserts and Desertification June 5 – World Environment Day

Bishkek, 5 June 2006 - World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. It stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action in more than 100 countries of the world. The World Environment Day theme selected for 2006 is Deserts and Desertification.

Note: The Kyrgyz Republic joined the United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in December 1997 and ratified it in 1999. The main implementing agency of UNCCD is the Department of water Resources of Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Processing Industry of the KR. State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry under the Kyrgyz Government, State Agency for registering rights to immovable properties, Oblast and rayon administrations and local self-governance bodies are the partners of the process.

From May 29 till June 5 in the framework of its celebration the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly with the United Nations Agencies in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR), State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry under the Kyrgyz Government, and Department of Water resources of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic and other stakeholders held a series of events under slogan “Rational use of nature resources will help to reduce the poverty”.

UNDP in the KR provides assistance to the Kyrgyz Government through development programmes and projects within the implementation of the “Environment Protection for Sustainable Development” Programme.

“For Kyrgyzstan this is still an actual problem. According to our data more than 70% of irrigated agricultural lands are exposed to erosion, the total area of salinized soils has increased till 2 428 900 hectares within the period from 1985 till 2000. This area exceeds the water area of the Issyk-Kul lake”.- mentioned Zharas Takenov, UNDP International Senior Programme Officer, Environment Unit, - “Problems related to land is actual because people live and grow on the Erath, even when Vladimir Iliych Lenin has come to the Power, he has taken the decree about the Land. The land problem is closely related to the food safety. It is natural when we live in Kyrgyzstan, high-mountain country and not all land is used, the careless attitude towards land is developed. The soil erosion is resulted by extremely livestock bite, and soil looses its stern value etc. 25% from used 40% lands have been already degraded. (“Kyrgyzstan is turned into desert?” “Komsomolskaya Pravda” June 6-9, 2006).

The final event of the celebration became the exhibition of ecological caricatures and paintings by Emil Shukurov, Leading Environment Expert in the UN House. Mr. Chris Lovelace, UN Resident Coordinator, a.i., World Bank Country Manager, Senior Manager for Central Asia Human Development and Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu, UNDP Resident Representative, a.i. welcomed guests at the opening of the exhibition. The organizers anticipate that principal objective of the exhibition is to draw attention to ecological issues through paintings and assist ecological organizations in holding visual agitation.

“Kyrgyzstan is known for its beautiful mountains, water resources and green valleys. So you may think that Deserts and Desertification do not apply to this country. But, unfortunately, history has shown that no country, no part of the Earth is immune form land degradation – the misuse and destruction of productive land”, - said Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu.

Due to great interest in this theme and exhibition, CARNet network and portal www.caresd.net have organized Internet version of the exhibition. The events devoted to the World Environment Day celebration were broadly highlighted in the mass media.

It is necessary to note activities held by UN Youth Volunteers aimed at raising public awareness on Environment issues in the cities of Osh, Jalalabad, Naryn and Issykkul.

For more information please contact: Aigul Bolotova, Communication Specialist, UNDP Capacity Building and Environmental Governance Strengthening for Sustainable Development Project, at :+996 (312) 62-36-85; or by e-mail:

EU/UNDP: Comprehensive Vocational Training Programme accepted for Batken

Batken, 7 June 2006 - The Round Table was conducted on 7th of June, 2006 in Batken Town, with participation of representatives from Vocational Education Department under Ministry of Social Protection and Labour, Oblast and Rayon Committees on Migration and Employment, Agencies on Development of Small and Medium size Enterprises (SME), vocational schools, local employers.

“The purpose of this Round Table is to familiarize participants with Comprehensive Vocational Training Curriculum in Batken Oblast, which was developed specially according to the vocational education system of Batken Oblast based on recommendations of conducted analysis on potential needs in vocational education and needs assessment at local labour market”, says Nuria Chotbaeva, Manager of EC/UNDP project “Addressing the Social Consequences of Transition in the Ferghana Valley”.

During the presentation the main problems and perspective directions of the vocational education system development within Oblast were covered, as well as the further tasks of the Vocational Education Department’s staff, managers of government structures. Besides, the improved training curriculums were presented on professions in service and construction direction developed on the basis of module training techniques. All participants of the Round Table approved the Comprehensive Vocational Training Curriculum for Batken Oblast and improved training programmes of vocational education. Also the recommendation to prepare Action Plan with concrete actions, executers and deadlines of introduction of Comprehensive Vocational Training Programme was accepted for Batken oblast.

For more information, please contact Ms. Nuria Chotbaeva, EC/UNDP project “Addressing the Social Consequences of Transition in the Ferghana Valley” at +996 (502) 50-54-13or e-mail:

EC/UNDP: Supports Better Access to Information in Oblasts

Batken, 13 May 2006 - The Round Table on “Discussion the results of the survey on needs assessment in creating informational channels on agriculture issues” was held today within EC/UNDP project “Addressing the Social Consequences of Transition in the Ferghana Valley” with participation of organizations, working in production, processing and marketing of agriculture products in terms of the Ferghana Valley.

First Deputy Governor of Batken Oblast, manager of Khukumat of Isfara Rayon, Tajikistan; Deputy Akims of Batken and Leilek Rayon Administrations, directors of Agriculture Development Departments of Batken and Leilek Rayons, representatives of GTZ, ACTED, Rural Advisory Service (RAS), ADB, IFDC, ARIS participated at the round table. Its main purpose was to discuss the opportunities of creating informational channel and network between enterprises working in agriculture sphere in the Ferghana Valley.

Participants of the Round table agreed with results of the survey regarding that all enterprises of the region: processing, service, commodity production and purchasing organizations, as well as farmers feel a need in timely and centralized provision with information.

All participants approved the idea of creating Informational Center at Oblast level.

Note: The project “Addressing Social Consequences of the Transition in Fergana Valley” is funded by the European Commission and is executed by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project is implementing in 30 target villages in the Batken and Leilek rayons of Batken Oblast. Its major focus on the alleviation of poverty by reducing local and cross-border conflicts over irrigation and potable water; improving the socio-economic infrastructure of the villages; and reducing the level of unemployment. Such problems will be addressed mainly by introducing small-scale projects and other initiatives aimed at more vulnerable population and household groups.

A micro-grant facility for more specific agricultural, water and socio-economic initiatives in the 30 villages was established with the objectives to realize: the rehabilitation or construction of agricultural and irrigation and potable water supply infrastructure projects; other innovative agricultural technical projects; public works; and start-up capital for vocational graduates to initiate business opportunities. The Project has developed Grant Manual to outline the main concept and principles of grants distribution.

For more information, please contact Ms. Nuria Chotbaeva, EC/UNDP project “Addressing the Social Consequences of Transition in the Ferghana Valley” at +996 (502) 50-54-13or e-mail:

Kyrgyz Ministries Eager to Change Gender Personnel Policy

Bishkek, 15 June 2006 – The meeting of the National Council on Women, Family and Gender Development under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic was held today in the House of the Government.

One of the key issues in the meeting’s agenda was the presentation of the “Gender Analysis of the Personnel Policy of the Ministry of Economy & Finance”, which conducted by UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme in cooperation with the local Non-Governmental Organization “Agency of Social Technologies”.

“The analysis was held as a part of the recommendations of the 49 Session of the Commission of the Status of Women to Kyrgyzstan and aimed at promotion of women in decision making positions in the ministries”, stated Anastasia Divinsky, UNDP Programmes Gender Coordinator.

The analysis disclosed a number of gender disproportions in the personnel policy of the ministry as well as the lack of the gender sensitive and women friendly environment. Earlier, the results of the analysis were presented to the staff and of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and were approved by Akylbek Japarov, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr. Akylbek Japarov asked UNDP to provide a support in implementation of the developed recommendations.

Ms. Ishengul Boljurova, Vice Prime Minister a.i. who headed the National Council meeting noted the need for other ministries to follow the example of the MEF. In response to her Mr. Murat Sutalinov, Minister of Interior Affairs, told that he would like to appoint a woman for a high rank ministerial position, however he’d like to engender the whole ministerial policy. He expressed an interest in gender analysis of the personnel policy to be done by the Agency of Social Technologies and promised to cover the financial expenses from the ministry’s budget.

UNDP in its turn will provide the methodology and resource materials to all the interested Ministries and will continue cooperation and support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in implementing the recommendations of the analysis.

For more information, please contact Ms. Anastasia Divinsky, UNDP Programmes Gender Coordinator at +996 (312) 62-73-11 or by e-mail:

UNDP in Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Kyrgyz-Russian Cooperation

Bishkek, 21 June 2006 – “Moscow is the heart of Russia. Today, we bring part of Russia to our Kyrgyz land as we open the cultural and business center “Moscow House” in Bishkek. We express our deep gratitude to the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan for its help in the creation and further development of the center”, said the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Felix Kulov at the groundbreaking ceremony.

At the solemn ceremony, the Moscow Mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Felix Kulov, the Mayor of Bishkek city A. Nagoev, the acting UNDP Representative in Kyrgyzstan Arturo Hen, the acting UNDP Representative in Russian Federation Erzhan Murat and other respected guests were in attendance.

“UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic and in the Russia Federation have actively supported the initiative of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Moscow City Government on strengthening links in the field of trade, economy, culture and investment promotion through establishing this new center of permanent Moscow representation in Kyrgyzstan”, said the UNDP Representative a.i. in the Russian Federation, Erzhan Murat in his speech at the ceremony.

The Moscow House in Bishkek is an historical project for Kyrgyzstan. It will bring new investors to the country and strengthen the Kyrgyz economy.

Taking into account these circumstances, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Moscow City Government and United Nations Development Programme in Kyrgyzstan has jointly developed and is implementing the international project called “Support to Creation of the Moscow House in Bishkek”.

A number of treaties and agreements were signed by the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Moscow city Government in order to establish the cultural-business center “Moscow House” in Bishkek. During the official visit of the Moscow Mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, the protocol of the inter-governmental Kyrgyz-Moscow Agreement on cooperation in the sphere of trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation was signed. In accordance with this document Kyrgyzstan allocated 1, 5 hectares of land for construction of the Moscow House in Bishkek. In turn the Moscow authorities will allot territory to build the Kyrgyz cultural - business centre and a Trade House in the Russian capital.

“Today we have discussed our future cooperation together with the leaders of the Kyrgyzstan and we should not stop here, there is still a long way to go. Our cooperation has good potential in the humanitarian sphere, and in education. Today the turnover (what does this mean?) between our countries grew up and reached $ US 500 billion. Moscow is in need of organic and ecologically clean organic food that is produced in Kyrgyzstan and we are ready to purchase it in large amounts”, Luzhkov said.

As the leading United Nations agency in the area of development, the role of UNDP in Kyrgyzstan within this project is to provide international expertise in the sphere of trade facilitation and investment promotion. UNDP will also set up access to the most effective mechanisms for joint efforts between governments, the international community, and the local private and public sectors.

“With that in mind, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan intends to closely cooperate with the two governments, NGOs and the private sector to provide the necessary assistance in pushing the reform process”, Erzhan Murat stated.

The construction of the Moscow House will be completed by 2007.

For more information, please contact Ms. Vasilina Brazhko, Communication Officer of UNDP in Kyrgyzstan by phone: 61-12- 13 or by e-mail:

Kyrgyzstan Opens New Opportunity to Overcome Geographical Isolation

“Moscow House in Bishkek is another opportunity for the Kyrgyz Republic to overcome geographical isolation and to create conditions for humanitarian development”, said Arturo Hein, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan Resident Representative a.i..

Bishkek, 22 June 2006 – Today the Steering Committee of international Project “Support to Creation of Moscow House in Bishkek” was held in the UN House.

Boris Silaev, deputy head of Moscow government International Relations department, Valeriy Dil, national project director and advisor to prime-minister, Arturo Hein, acting UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, Erzhan Murat, acting UNDP Resident Representative in Russian Federation, and representatives of governmental bodies, as well as NGOs and private companies took part in the session. Participants reviewed the results of the project up to date and discussed the work plan for the next year.

“The opening of the Moscow House in Bishkek” is of a crucial importance for the Kyrgyzstan, and that is why the Kyrgyz Government applies a maximum effort to continue and broader the cooperation. This project is a base factor of bilateral relations and serves as a so-called ‘engine’ of the Moscow-Kyrgyz relationship”, stated Valeri Dil, advisor to prime-minister at his welcoming speech.

The Project "Support to Creation of the Moscow House in Bishkek" has been prepared and at present is being implemented by joint efforts of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Moscow City Government and UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic. It encourages mechanisms that would promote further development and enhancement of comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation and its capital, Moscow, in trade and economic, scientific and technical, as well as cultural and humanitarian areas.

“As the project is of a pilot nature for all partners funding will be attracted during all stages of its implementation”, said Arturo Hein, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan Resident Representative a.i.. According to Arturo, this will ensure sustainability of the project and will promote sustainable economic growth and implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, adopted by the world community in 2002. “It is an important policy aspect for UNDP in Kyrgyzstan and it is tied with measures undertaken and targeted to liberation of entrepreneurship from excessive governmental control”, he added.

“We also believe into the project’s importance and that is why we are happy to see how further mechanisms necessary for proper functioning of the business and culture centre are being developed alongside the course of construction and work plan approvals. And today’s meeting and discussion will directly fasten the project’s pace and make it more effective”, said Boris Silaev at the meeting.

The implementers of the project “Support to Creation of the Moscow House in Bishkek” shared their plans with the participants of the session. In the plan the development of effective work mechanisms proposals included in order to involve Kyrgyz and Russian businesses in work processes of the Moscow House. Precise recommendations on boosting the Kyrgyz-Russian, in this case Moscow, relationship are yet to be developed. These recommendations will aim at breaking down the borders, creation of a favourable climate needed by both sides for maintaining business contacts. Researches will be conducted to find the most attractive market niches for both sides and increase the produce competitiveness.

An information base on investment options and production potential in Kyrgyzstan will be developed. It will be directly linked and united with an appropriately similar Moscow information system what will improve businessmen’s access to information, and facilitate new direct contacts.

It is planed that the project experts will develop specific recommendations for reconstruction of the Kyrgyz enterprises and to achieve that attraction of Moscow and Russia investors in order to create an input into scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation. All these recommendations will be revised by governmental structures of both countries and by continuously acting Kyrgyz-Moscow commission that is dealing with trade, economic, scientific, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

“The Moscow House in Bishkek shall become a Centre for development of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and Russian Federation, in particular Moscow”, concluded Yuri Shapovalov, the Project Manager.

For more information, please contact Ms. Vasilina Brazhko, Communication Officer of UNDP in Kyrgyzstan by phone: 61-12- 13 or by e-mail:

EU/UNDP signs Memorandum on Project Implementation “Prevention of Drugs Use in Prisons” with Ministry of Justice

Bishkek, 22 June 2006 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic signed on 22 June 2006 the Memorandum on the implementation of the Project “Prevention of Drugs Use in Prisons” under EU-UNDP Drug Action Programme in Central Asia (CADAP).

To enhance combat against drug addiction and illegal trafficking of drugs in penitentiary institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Union (EU) and UNDP are ready to render assistance to the Ministry of Justice in the implementation of the National Program of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Combating against Drug Addiction and Illegal Trafficking of Drugs”.

The project will promote creation of conditions for drugs abuse decrease in pilot penitentiary institutions. During implementation of the project it is planned to provide pilot correctional institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with medical and other equipment.

To improve social and living conditions of the convicts’ and their proper medical treatment in pilot correctional institutions, the rehabilitation center “Atlantis” will be opened in the correctional establishment ¹ 10 in Jalalabat. Also, support will be rendered to the existing Rehabilitation Center in the correctional establishment ¹ 47. The Project will provide NGOs “Ranar” and “Chance” with special equipment.

It is expected to create conditions for introduction of a pilot methadone replacement therapy program and formation of safe drug-addicts’ behavior principles by introducing the Damage Decreasing programs in pilot prisons.

The EU is financing this project to support the reform of the law enforcement system, enhance combat against drug addiction and illegal drug trafficking in penitentiary institutions and promote the observance of the UN Convention “On Combating against Illegal Trafficking of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances”.

The EU has been funding a number of other projects under its Border Management and Drug Action in Central Asia (BOMCA/CADAP) programmes. The key goal of these programmes is to assist the Central Asian states to improve their security situation, and at the same time to facilitate the legal movements of persons and goods across their borders.

BOMCA/CADAP programmes are financed by the EU, whereas UNDP implements and coordinates the programmes through its country offices in all Central Asian countries.

For more information, please contact Asel Sekimova, BOMCA/CADAP Communication Specialist at + 996(312) 61 20 18/19 or e-mail:

UNDP Assists Government to Improve Electoral Legislation

Bishkek, 23 June 2006 – Today at the International scientific-practical conference “Elections and Development of Democracy in Kyrgyzstan”, Arturo Hein, UNDP in Kyrgyzstan Resident Representative a.i. announced of the completion of the joint UNDP/CEC Project “Support to Democratic Elections in the Kyrgyz Republic”.

“I would like to underline that today’s conference is the final activity of our joint project Support to Democratic Elections in Kyrgyzstan which started in 2004 and finishing at the end of this month. Through this project, we contributed close to $ USD 1, 7 million for the Parliamentary, Presidential and Local Kenesh elections and has contributed considerable funds for the voter education, assistance to election administration; establish professional relationship between election stakeholders and reform of the electoral code”, stated Arturo Hein.

Despite the fact that elections were proved transparent and successful, within the frameworks of this project, UNDP is supporting the electoral reform that Kyrgyz authorities still need to do.

UNDP funds three Kyrgyz experts who together with a Central Election Commission (CEC) commission are preparing draft amendments for the Election law. “Although we – for obvious reasons – can not be part of this commission we render our full support and expertise to this commission in order to improve the existing legislation and to bring it in line with international standards and commitments signed by Kyrgyzstan”, he stated.

The suggestions raised in today’s conference together with the discussions made previously and adopted proposals for the insertion of amendments into the electoral legislation will be the basis for the reform of the Kyrgyz electoral legislation.

Note: In Autumn 2004 UNDP Kyrgyzstan started the implementation the Project “Support to Democratic Elections in the Kyrgyz Republic” in autumn 2005. It has provided assistance to the 2004-2005 election cycle: Local elections October 2004, Parliamentary elections 27 February 2005 - 13 March 2005, Presidential Elections and elections of the heads of local self-governments 18 December 2005. The total budget of the project “Support to Democratic Elections in the Kyrgyz Republic” comprises of $ USD 1,7 mln. which is provided by UNDP, UNDPA, as well as the governments of Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Kyrgyz Republic had also financially contributed to the project.

For more information, please contact Ms. Vasilina Brazhko, Communication Officer of UNDP in Kyrgyzstan by phone: 61-12- 13 or by e-mail:

Youth camp of “Good will”: Lessons of Conflict Studies for Schoolchildren from Cross-Border Communities

Jalalabat, June 29, 2006 – “Good will and good fellowship is the best richness on earth” – This was the motto for UNDP Conflict Prevention Programme, Kyrgyzstan, and UNDP Tajikistan when, within the framework of the ongoing cross-border cooperation, the two countries teamed up to organize III International Youth Camp of “Good will” during the period of June 20-29, 2006.*

For the second time, the camp «Zorka», located in the heart of the walnut forests of Arslanbob, Jalalabat province, opened the doors to forty schoolchildren from cross-border areas of Batken, Osh and Jalalabat provinces in Kyrgyzstan, Soghd province and Jergetal district of Tajikistan as well as Fergana province of Uzbekistan.

“We organized this camp with the only goal to bring together young people from cross-border communities in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and train them to build friendly relations with each other and live in peace and our training and cross-cultural program will help to reach this goal”, informed Rasul Abazabek uulu, Camp director.

The diverse program of the Summer Camp incorporated both cultural activities as dancing and singing, literary gathering, essay writings and drawing as well as active sport contests with mixed teams. However, the most essential event of the camp was the training program on basics of conflict studies. Professional trainers from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan imparted their knowledge to camp participants in such thematic areas as “From conflict to cooperation”, “negotiations” and conflict resolution.

“What I liked in this camp is that there were no problems and disputes between representatives of different ethnic groups. Despite the fact that we talked in different languages we could easily understand each other and took active part together in various competitions”. - Alibek from Tajikistan:

“I have never thought that it is possible to find way out from any conflict, - said Saltanat from Kadamjay, Kyrgyzstan. “Now I know that I would not quarrel with my peers at school. And all these games could be applied during trainings at my school as well”.

Camp participants had the chance to share knowledge and experiences with their peers, to develop skills of leadership and teamwork that would be helpful in their adult life.

Through the initiation of this Summer Camp the UNDP Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan made one more attempt to promote sustainable cross-border cooperation and strengthening spirit of cooperation, peace building and social harmony in the Fergana Valley by brining together youth from border adjacent communities.

* The Cross-border Cooperation Project of the UNDP Conflict Prevention Programme in Kyrgyzstan has been implementing the conflict prevention activities in the south of Kyrgyzstan in an effort to support the peace and social harmony in the region. The project incorporates such components as interethnic friendship strengthening, national diplomacy development, local governance capacity building, and organization of cross-cultural and sport events as well as good neighborhood promotion in the bordering communities of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

For more information, please contact Ms. Ainura Umetalieva, Cross border coordinator at: +996 (3222) 55713 / 5-78-37 or visit our website: www.pdp.undp.kg

UNITED NATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN KYRGYZSTAN (UNV)

Young volunteers across Kyrgyzstan link up for a national campaign, “I Volunteer”!

Every year in April, Global Youth Service Day is celebrated in nearly 100 countries worldwide (for further information, go to www.gysd.net). This year, thanks to the initiative of UNV Youth Project, GYSD came to Kyrgyzstan and was the impetus for a national youth volunteer campaign. From 21st April till 3rd June, ‘I Volunteer!’ managed to enroll 5,000 young people in promoting the Millennium Development Goals, carrying out volunteer actions in all areas of the country and organizing an inter-regional volunteer exchange aimed at strengthening the youth volunteer network.

The six-week “I Volunteer!” campaign was launched on Global Youth Service Day 2006 (21st April), with a series of planning meetings in Bishkek and all provincial capitals.

The first stage of the campaign itself took place on the next day in Naryn, capital of the most remote and mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan. To mark this event, Hugh Salmon, UNV Programme Officer, and Aigul Dogdurova, UNV Youth Project Manager, handed over a flag symbolizing volunteer unity to the Naryn Volunteers’ Alliance. After the completion of activities in Naryn, two Naryn volunteers carried the flag to Osh, and from then on it traveled all around the country, linking north and south each time it traveled. At each stop the flag was passed over to a new pair of volunteers who then accompanied it on the next leg of its journey. The traveling pair of volunteers carried with them valuable experience to share with volunteers at the next destination. On 29th May the flag arrived in Bishkek, having completed the final leg of its journey, carried by two volunteers from the remote south-western province of Batken. This triggered the final stage of the campaign, a week of volunteer activities carried out by youth initiative groups and student groups in the province of Chui, which surrounds the capital Bishkek.

To take part in the “I Volunteer!” campaign, groups of local youth were encouraged to register on the web portal www.jashtar.kg. This enabled establishment of a network among enthusiastic young people all around Kyrgyzstan. The registered participants received updated information on the events. They will also be able to establish new partnerships, and take part in future volunteer work camps and volunteer exchange programmes initiated by the UNV Youth Project and its partners. In each province, one day was reserved for the volunteer activities in the provincial capital, and a further three days for events in local villages.

The ‘I Volunteer!’ campaign particularly focused on raising awareness and local involvement in achieving the Millenium Development Goals, in particular prevention of HIV / AIDS, promoting better environmental sustainability and drawing attention to the needs of local disadvantaged children.

In several provinces, volunteers organized successful movie sessions, where the movie ‘Love as a Test’ was shown. This four-episode TV serial was produced by the Begim production studio in 2005, and sponsored by UNAIDS, UNDP and UNFPA in cooperation with the ‘Sector on HIV/AIDS Coordination under the Office of Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic’. Activities included fundraising for disadvantaged children, a youth mini-marathon, cultural events to promote inter-ethnic tolerance, small-scale ecological projects and refurbishment of community facilities. In two provinces, Osh and Naryn, volunteers did not stop at cleaning up communal area; they founded Volunteer Parks, in cooperation with local government officials.

The closing ceremony

The closing ceremony took place on 3rd of June in the Conference Hall of the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek. Mr. Bakytbek Jekshenov, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth Policy, formally received the ‘I Volunteer’ flag on reaching the end of its nationwide tour, and opened the first session of the round table.

At the round table, volunteers and partners of the UNV Youth Project presented, illustrated and summed up the results of the six-week action in Kyrgyzstan dedicated to the Global Youth Service Day 2006. A cordial atmosphere contributed to open discussion among participants, organizers, sponsors, and guests.

In closing the official ceremony, Mr. Hugh Salmon, UNV Program officer, congratulated the young people on their efforts, which had far exceeded the expectations of the organizers, and encouraged young volunteers not to stop at what they had already achieved, but to keep up the good work. Mr Salmon added, “

The real work of a volunteer is not just confined to national days or special events, but is consistent and ongoing. Disadvantaged children and isolated older people, for example, need help and support at all times of the year, and especially appreciate volunteers who can show a sustained commitment.”

During the discussion, participants also raised wider issues, including the need for more active promotion of the contribution that young people can make to the development of their communities and Kyrgyz society as a whole through volunteering. As one of the young volunteers put it, “If volunteering is “very good”, in terms of its impact at the local level, we [young leaders of Kyrgyzstan] should work to multiply the effects of volunteering to benefit the whole of society!”

For more information, please contact Ms. Hugh Salmon, UNV Programme Officer at: +996 (312) 61-12-05 or by e-mail:

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FUND (UNICEF)

Art Therapy – A new tool to help traumatized children in Kyrgyzstan

By Galina Solodunova

Children from 16 residential care institutions and rehabilitation centres in Kyrgyzstan who suffered from abuse or violence – as well as children with special needs – will soon experience the benefits of art therapy in helping them to overcome major stress and trauma, thanks to UNICEF-supported training for child psychologists. Helen Woolley, known for her extensive expertise in working with traumatized children worldwide and specifically in Kyrgyzstan conducted the training.

“We are hanging on every word of our trainer because it is one of few sources on practical of art therapy,” says Indira Matamarova, a child psychologist charged with helping children from three residential institutions reunite with their biological or extended families. According to Matamarova, “Art therapy is not just drawing sessions; we have learned several techniques using water, sands, plasticine, dough and other materials. But most importantly, we studied a programme that allows us to adopt therapy games to the needs of a particular child and invent new ones if necessary.”

In Kyrgyzstan, art therapy is not included in university curriculum and therefore its techniques have not been duly deployed. Representatives of two local universities who took part in the workshop received 10 books on art therapy which they are going to use in developing of a special course for students of psychology in future.

This week, the participants go back with a three kilogram bag of supplies. They are going to practice new games on their relatives first to make sure that they feel confident to apply them to traumatized children. In a few months, UNICEF, together with the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University, will help these and other professional psychologists to further improve their knowledge and skills in summer school.

Ms. Woolley has been working in Kyrgyzstan for some years already and knows some of the challenges that her trainees face. “There is lack of information. If the participants need clarification or advice, they do not have anybody to turn to. Secondly, it is a managerial and supervisory challenge. Children’s institutions are often understaffed. Art therapy requires time and safe space to be effective and not to harm children. The participants were enthusiastic, creative and interested in the practical application of art therapy, particularly to help children with loss and changes in their life. However, without on-going support they will lose the confidence they gained this week.”

Unfortunately, more and more children are abandoned in Kyrgyzstan. The number of state-administered institutions – and the number of children that reside in them – has doubled since 1991. More than 82 per cent of children in these institutions have one surviving parent and/or an extended family. Today, some 6,347 children reside in 62 various institutions, which include by definition boarding schools and homes for children who struggle with developmental delays and disabilities. The rise in the number of children living and working on the streets has also added to the number of children living in institutional settings, although accurate figures on their numbers are not available because there is no official agency to register them.

Supporting the development of professionals who work with children is an essential element of UNICEF-supported child protection programmes. Additionally, UNICEF provides support to the Government on critical matters of reform within its the national child protection system, lending expertise in the development of new Standards of Care for Residential Institutions and a Manual on Foster Care, which seeks to ensure that every child can realize the right to live with his or her family or in a family-like environment. The Government, with UNICEF’s support, plans to develop and implement other national policies and strategies to foster social inclusion and child poverty reduction. The country’s overall goal of reform of its national child protection system is slated for completion by 2010.

On this occasion UNICEF Kyrgyzstan expresses deepest gratitude to UK National Committee for UNICEF and its Special Representative Mr. Ralph Fiennes for supporting these and many other activities under Child protection programme in Kyrgyzstan.

For more information, please contact Ms. Galina Solodunova, at +996 (502) 50-54-13 or by e-mail:

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

Central Asian Meeting of Parliamentarians on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Bishkek, 28 June 2006 - On 27-28 June, the Central Asian meeting of parliamentarians on adolescent sexual and reproductive health took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting was organized by the governmental of Kyrgyz Republic with the support of Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development and United Nations Population Fund. Parliamentarians from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Russia and Thailand participated in the forum. The deputies of Jogorku Kenesh, members of the National Committee of Parliamentarians on population and development, representatives of sectoral ministries and agencies, non-governmental and international organizations, working in the area of reproductive and sexual healthcare, mass media were presented at the forum. Ambassadors Extraordinary of the participating countries were invited for participation in the meeting.

The Prime –minister the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Felix Kulov made a welcoming speech. The meeting of parliamentarians is devoted to one of the most significant issues of the contemporaneity – adolescent reproductive and sexual health, as it relates not only to demographic development of the country, but also social and economic progress.

Half of the world's people are under the age of 25. This includes the largest-ever generation of adolescents who are approaching adulthood in a rapidly changing world. Some three billion children and young people are, or will soon be, of reproductive age. In 57 developing countries, over 40 per cent of the population is under 15.

Although all countries, cultures and traditions try to ensure the best for their young generations, adolescents needs may be viewed differently from one community or culture to the next. Still, the psychosocial, emotional and biological changes that characterize this stage of life are widely shared. During this critical stage of life, personality and self-identity become more defined. Parents can have an enormous role in guiding their children. Adolescence is also a time for expanding relationships and friendships outside the family circle, for establishing greater autonomy, and for intensified development of interpersonal and social skills.

How young people develop their understanding of the biological, emotional and social changes they experience in adolescence is closely related to their sense of social identity and purpose, self-perception and self-esteem, thoughts and feelings, and capacity to establish caring relationships and intimacy with others. It is all the more important for young people to feel support and assistance from their parents, peers, schools, government.

The issues of reproductive rights of young people and young people’s participation and involvement in development and implementation of programmes for youth were also discuss at Bishkek meeting.

For more information, please contact Ms. Natalia Kim, Secretary, of the United Nations Population Fund at +996 (312) 611202 or by e-mail:

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)

UNHCR Urges Kyrgyz Government Not to Deport four Uzbek Refugees

Geneva, Wednesday 14 June 2006 - UNHCR is extremely concerned about the fate of four Uzbek refugees who are still in detention in Osh, western Kyrgyzstan, nearly a year after they were arrested following an extradition request from the Uzbek government.

On June 13, the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan upheld the negative decision with regard to the refugee status of the last of the four Uzbek refugees, taken earlier by the Kyrgyz Department of Migration Services. The other three refugees had received negative decisions earlier in the year.

The latest decision indicates that all Kyrgyz legal proceedings related to the refugee status determination procedures of the four, have been completed. The four Uzbeks cannot appeal this decision and are now dependent on a decision on their fate from the Kyrgyz government. UNHCR recognised the four Uzbeks as refugees under the 1951 Convention in mid-2005. This decision was made after a thorough review of all the circumstances surrounding their cases.

UNHCR reiterates its urgent appeal to the Kyrgyz authorities to refrain from any action aimed at forcibly returning these four refugees to Uzbekistan. UNHCR has secured resettlement places in different countries for the four and encourages the Kyrgyz government to allow them to either remain in the country or transfer them to UNHCR for immediate resettlement.

The refugee agency strongly emphasizes the importance of the principle of non-refoulement, under which no refugees should be forcibly returned to their country of origin. The extradition of recognised refugees would be a violation of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention to which Kyrgyzstan is a signatory. It is also against international law, including the Convention Against Torture.

The four men arrived in Kyrgyzstan in the immediate aftermath of the violent events in Andijan in May 2005. They were part of a group of some 500 asylum seekers, all of whom were subsequently recognised as refugees. All the other refugees in that group were evacuated out of Kyrgyzstan by UNHCR in July and September after being accepted for urgent resettlement elsewhere.

UNHCR appreciates the Kyrgyz government's commitment to asylum principles and wishes to assure the authorities of its continuing assistance.

For more information, please contact Ms. Sabrina Buechler, Assistant Protection Officer (UNV) UNHCR Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic at +996 (312) 61-12-64 or by e-mail:

World Refugee Day – 20 June 2006

Bishkek, 20 June 2006 - Today, the World Refugee Day was celebrated for the 6th time around the world. In line with this year’s World Refugee Day slogan “Hope”, UNHCR in the Kyrgyz Republic carried out a series of activities aimed at highlighting the right of refugees to appropriate durable solutions and their positive contributions to the societies that host them.

Several events took place throughout the country, supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent and the Embassy of the United States of America in Bishkek.

A multicultural celebration was held in Bishkek. Following an official opening, refugees and local artists performed. The celebration ended with a handicraft and food fair, featuring the national products and dishes of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Chechnya and Uzbekistan. Finally yet importantly, the winners of the article and broadcast competition that UNHCR launched in late April were announced.

A parallel event featuring similar activities took place in Osh, organized by UNHCR’s Field Office in cooperation with the southern branch of the Kyrgyz migration authorities. In May, UNHCR initiated an essay competition among students of the universities in Osh. This was the first step in sensitizing the youth in the South on refugee related issues.

Earlier during the day, the refugee communities and the local population of two villages in Chui oblast, Ivanovka and Jany Paxta, organized happenings. In Ivanovka the Tajik refugee NGO “Sairon” celebrated its last World Refugee Day, since the cessation clause for Tajik refugees formally entered into force on 30 July 2006. In Jany Paxta UNHCR’s partner Save the Children organized a series of activities for refugee and local children in cooperation with the NGO “Adab”. On these occasions, UNHCR took the chance to launch ninemillion.org, its new global campaign in partnership with Nike on the rights of children to play and to learn.

For more information, please contact Ms. Sabrina Buechler, Assistant Protection Officer (UNV) UNHCR Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic at +996 (312) 61-12-64 or by e-mail:

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC)

26 June 2006: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Bishkek, 26 June 2006 - The theme of 2006 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - "Drugs are not child's play" was selected by UNODC in an effort to increase public awareness about the destructive power of drugs and society's responsibility to care for the well-being of children. The slogan communicates a child’s vulnerability. The target audiences of the campaign are parents, family members and friends, neighbors, teachers, social workers, journalists, politicians and non-governmental organizations. As a result of the UNODC campaign, these adults should keep their eyes open and act in the best interest of children.

In Kyrgyzstan, this year’s campaign was highlighted by synergy of efforts of the partners working in the field of drug abuse and HIV prevention. As the result of series of coordination meetings organized by UNODC, the government, civil society and international agencies united their efforts and launched the large-scale campaign in different regions of the country with one slogan – “Drugs are not child’s play” and symbol (the drawing of 8-year old girl Khvorostynannay Yana was selected as the national symbol of the campaign).

According to the Republican Drug Treatment Center there is a rapid increase in juvenile drug abuse rate. First cases of drug use were registered among 9-12 years old children and cases of drug dependence among children of 13-15 years old which lead to serious physical and mental health implications, overdoze, early invalidation and death. Involvement of youth in drug abuse leads to the increase of juvenile crime rate and social destabilization.

The situation is exacerbated by lack of comprehensive concept and model of the work on drug abuse prevention among youth. The school based education on life skills, including those, which prevent youth drug abuse, is in the process of development and will take some time for introduction into the state education system. Parents, who are responsible for children upbringing, very often are unaware themselves on the problem of drug abuse and the methods of communication with children on these issues.

In order to urge adults to protect their children from drugs and raise children’s awareness on drug abuse issues, UNODC in partnership with UNICEF organized the following events.

24 June 2006, Promotional event in the Child Center “BALAJAN”

The promotional event aimed at advocating 2006 Anti-Drugs campaign and improving communication between parents and children on drug abuse issues was held in the Republican Center of Children’s Aesthetic Education “Balajan” under Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic on 24 June 2006.

About 200 Bishkek 4-17 year-old school children and their parents took part in the event. The competitions of drawings, essays and graffiti on topics promoting healthy lifestyle and improving the knowledge of elder children (12-17) on drug abuse risks and harms were organized. Some sports games for both parents and children were held as well.

Specifically for this event, the information materials and trainings sessions for parents and children were developed by experts of UNODC, Child Center, Republican Drug Treatment (Narcology) Center and NGO “Pravo na jizn experienced in drug abuse prevention among youth and communities.

The parents were trained on drug abuse prevention methods, including how to watch out for warning signs and which measures to take to address any drug-related problems. They were urged to provide kids with information on the health risks linked to drug abuse and ensure that a child's home is a safe environment. According to the held survey, all of them liked the event and 96% of them improved their knowledge on drug abuse issues and as the result of the training will be able to recognize signs of drug abuse by their children, about 81% indicated the need to further their knowledge in this area and 56% would prefer getting the knowledge through the same type trainings.

Children of elder age (12-17) were also educated by trainers on the dangers associated with drug abuse and trained on life skills, which would allow them saying no to drugs and make healthy choices.

The prizes and honorary diplomas were given to the winners of the competitions, including three winners of the drawing and essay contests on drug abuse and healthy lifestyle topics held among students of schools and colleges of Chui province.

UN Communication Group’s activities

To signal the UN’s commitment to the celebration 26 June 2006 - International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the banner with the slogan and the symbol of the campaign was placed on the UN House billboard. RC Fund covered the expenditures.

Prevention action in Kant city, Drug Control Agency

Large-scale promotional event was held by Drugs Control Agency in Kant city aimed at promoting International Anti-Drug Day and prevent drug abuse among provincial youth through various contests, concert and alternate entertainment activities. UNODC together with other agencies has provided organizational and finance support, as well as assisted in mobilization of resources for this activity.

For more information, please contact Ms. Ainura Bekkoenova, Associate Project Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime at +996 (312) 611906/07/08 or by e-mail:

Special Medal Award to UNODC National Project Coordinator

Bishkek, 26 June 2006 - Today, the Kyrgyz Drug Control Agency has awarded the UNODC's National Project Coordinator, Mr. Bahtiar Mambetov, with a special medal "The Honorary DCA Officer" for his commitment and professionalism. This medal is given to those who made a special contribution towards successful cooperation with the Kyrgyz Government leading to a significant improvement of the DCA capacity in the field of drug combat and drug abuse prevention.

Award was made during a special ceremony devoted to International Day Against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking on June 26, 2006.

In his speech, the DCA Director, General Bolotbek NOGOIBAEV, put a special emphasis on the fact that all the DCA successes became possible thanks to constant UNODC's support and assistance. He expressed the hope that such cooperation will deepen and strengthen in the future. He also underlined that Kyrgyzstan remains committed to unprecedented fight against illicit drugs, illicit precursor chemicals and psychotropic substances.

For more information, please contact Ms. Ainura Bekkoenova, Associate Project Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime at +996 (312) 611906/07/08 or by e-mail:

WORLD BANK

The World Bank and the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia Announced the Winners of the 2006 Small Grants Program

Bishkek, 6 June 2006 – Today, the World Bank and the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) together announced the winners of the 2006 Small Grants Program competition in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The World Bank’s Small Grants Program was established in the Kyrgyz Republic in 1996. The program supports local initiatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that to broaden dialogue on socio-economic issues, develop civic partnerships, empower citizens and engage marginalized and vulnerable groups in civic activities. Between 1996 and 2006 the World Bank awarded 98 small grants totaling $245 thousand. EFCA joined the World Bank this year as a partner donor.

This year, applicants from all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic submitted a total of 214 proposals in the highly publicized Small Grants Program competition. Following the competition, the World Bank and EFCA awarded $50,000 in grants. Of the 22 total projects, EFCA is funding five.

The following NGOs were awarded grants as part the 2006 Small Grants Program:

1. Public Fund "El Site" (Batken oblast) - «Civic engagement of problem youth and prevention of law violations».

2. Public Fund «Akyikat Jolu» (Bishkek) - «Work migrant».

3. Public Union for Social Protection of the Population (Bishkek) – «Empowerment of elderly people of Kyrgyzstan in protecting their civic rights”.

4. Public Fund "Moltur Koz" (Bishkek) - «Social integration of children with special needs».

5. Public Fund "Chintamani" (Jalalabad oblast) - «An active citizen».

6. Public Fund «Aksy Ishkerleri» (Jalalabad oblast) – «Knowledge is power»

7. NGO “Yujnyi Krest” (Issykkul oblast) – «Youth in development of Issykkul oblast».

8. NGO “Intuitsiya” (Issykkul oblast) – «Partnership with the communities to develop ecological literacy and discipline».

9. NGO “Chychkan Aiyly” (Issykkul oblast) – «Engagement of teenagers in communities of Kichi-Jargalchak Ayil Okmotu in addressing ecological issues”.

10. "Soopker" (Naryn oblast) – «Demilge».

11. "Òoo Tany" (Naryn oblast) - «Increasing knowledge & capacity in rural communities for poverty reduction».

12. "Bauk" (Naryn oblast) – «Enhancement of the educational center».

13. "Too-Moyun-Aravan" (Osh oblast) – «Work migrants are not slaves!»

14. «Osh SBDC consult» (Osh oblast) - «Civic engagement of unemployed youth in small towns of Osh oblast”.

15. Territorial Public Council of May Ayil Kenesh (Manas Rayon, Talas oblast) – «Rural women: catalysts of the communities».

16. "Arimad" (Chui oblast) – «Our strength is in unity».

17. "Taza Tabigat" (Chui oblast) – «Youth engagement in villages Ivanovka and Sadovoe»

18. Public Association “Social Research Center” (Bishkek) - «Tolerance and multicultural education of school children in the suburbs of Bishkek city»

19. Child Support Center “Aitana” (Bishkek) – Mobile «Youth Club»

20. Public Association Voluntary Center “Orion” (Bishkek) – «Alternative measures of punishment»

21. Public Association “Onor Kenchi” (Issykkul oblast) - «Developing economic opportunities for women with physical disabilities»

22. Public Fund “Manas 1000” (Talas oblast) – «Regional NGO conference for Talas Oblast»

For more information, please contact Ms. Jyldyz Djakypova, WB Communication Associate at + 996 (312) 61 06 50. More information about the program as well as the application form is available to download on www.worldbank.org.kg and the WB country office reception.