Uzbekistan provides extensive support to Palestinians
Recently, the situation in Palestine has been at the center of attention of the international community. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, one quarter of the population in the Gaza Strip is living under the threat of hunger. Approximately one hundred thousand women and children are in critical condition due to malnutrition and require urgent medical assistance.
Uzbekistan supports resolving this conflict peacefully based on international legal norms. On November 3, 2023, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the parties to cease military actions, stop firing, and agree to a humanitarian truce.
According to him, the only fair and lasting solution to the problem should be based on the principle of "two states for two peoples." In accordance with UN resolutions, the Palestinian people have the right to establish an independent state.
In November 2023, President Mirziyoyev signed a decision to allocate 1.5 million dollars to the UN agency for the Near East to assist Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. On December 26, 2024, Uzbekistan evacuated 100 wounded Palestinian women and children from Rafah.
All necessary measures were taken to ensure their decent living conditions in Uzbekistan. They were placed in temporary accommodations, underwent medical examinations, and were provided with necessary medicines and daily necessities.
The government of Uzbekistan is implementing additional measures to support the integration of Palestinian guests into society. On August 14, 2024, a presidential decree was adopted establishing a system to provide social, medical, educational, and employment assistance to Palestinian citizens under state care.
The decree envisages targeted assistance to Palestinians in difficult conditions, ensuring their access to social services, education, and employment opportunities. A special Republican commission was established, whose tasks include coordinating the work of state bodies, ensuring the placement of guests throughout the country, and facilitating their integration into society.
The working body of the commission is designated as the National Agency for Social Protection under the President. At the local level, the “mahalla seven” and “Inson” social service centers operate.
They assist guests in adapting to the spiritual environment of the mahalla. Social support for guests includes granting disability status, assigning pensions, and paying living allowances.
Additionally, families receive coverage for rental expenses, one-time benefits for childbirth and funeral ceremonies. Families are allocated lump sums for purchasing non-food products, and each family is assigned a social worker from the mahalla.
In the field of education, the children of guests are admitted free of charge to state schools and kindergartens, with priority placement ensured. Additional education (vocational training, information technology, and preparation for higher education) is provided free of charge.
Diplomas obtained abroad are recognized free of charge and promptly within two months. These measures expand the guests’ opportunities for education and adaptation to the new environment.
The Ministry of Health ensures the registration of guests at family doctor points, polyclinics, and central medical institutions. Medical assistance is provided based on benefits granted to low-income families.
This allows guests to receive quality and prompt medical services. Assistance is also provided in finding employment and vocational training.
The National Agency for Social Protection will prepare proposals within a month to support employment. The ministries of economy, finance, employment, and commercial banks assist guests in entrepreneurship
