Social Services - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan’s Talas Province Faces Urgent Need for Proper Detention Facility

Kyrgyz Ombudswoman Jamilya Dzhamanbayeva has voiced serious concerns over the substandard conditions in the temporary detention center (TDC) in Talas Province. During a recent visit, detainees reported inadequate facilities and breaches of detention standards, according to the Ombudsman Institute. Dzhamanbayeva revealed that the TDC houses individuals awaiting trial alongside those already charged with crimes—a practice explicitly prohibited under Kyrgyz law. “At the time of the visit, there were 17 individuals suspected or accused of crimes in the TDC, which has a total capacity of 36 people. Among them, two were women. The TDC is situated in the yard of the Department of Internal Affairs, but in a separate building,” stated the Ombudsman Institute. Lack of a Dedicated Proper Pre-Trial Facility The absence of an investigative detention center (IDC) in Talas Province forces authorities to detain pre-trial prisoners in the TDC, mixing them with individuals under investigation. This not only violates national laws but raises significant human rights concerns. During her visit, Dzhamanbayeva inspected the cells and spoke directly with detainees to assess their conditions. She called on the Kyrgyz government to expedite the construction of a dedicated IDC in Talas Province to comply with international standards and Kyrgyz legal obligations. Inhumane Living Conditions The National Center for the Prevention of Torture has also criticized the state of the Talas TDC, identifying severe deficiencies: Lack of natural light: Windows are blocked by metal structures, preventing daylight from entering. Inadequate sleeping arrangements: Detainees sleep on the floor due to a shortage of beds and bedding. Unsanitary environment: The facility suffers from poor hygiene and overall neglect. These conditions exacerbate the already critical situation for detainees, underscoring the pressing issue of detention standards in Talas Province.

Social Services Society USAID Education

Updated Entrepreneurship Education Program Introduced in Turkmenistan with Assistance from USAID

Turkmenistan has modernized its entrepreneurial education program. This was made possible through a partnership between the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Modern Skills Development Project (YDA) and the School of Entrepreneurs of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The updated program integrates modern teaching methods for practical learning and developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills - critical competencies for future entrepreneurs. From September 30 to October 4, 2024, the program held a training session for teachers, including representatives of regional branches. Participants learned new approaches to teaching through case studies, group work, and interactive methods. These innovations are expected to be introduced into the teaching process. The program aims to support young people with innovative business ideas by providing an opportunity to develop projects based on the Entrepreneurs' School branches. The final stage will be a business project competition, the winners of which will receive mentoring and access to investment to realize their ideas. This project is designed to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs and strengthen Turkmenistan's economy. USAID actively promotes youth development in Turkmenistan through various educational programs and initiatives. One of the main projects is the Youth Development Activity, a program to improve youth entrepreneurial competencies and professions. USAID also conducts training, seminars, and competitions for young people with promising business ideas, supporting their aspirations to become part of the country's economy.

public opinion Regional Security Social Services Government

Tajikistan Mobilizes Civil Servants for Door-to-Door Anti-Radicalism Explanatory

As reported, officials and civil servants in Tajikistan have been tasked with going door-to-door and holding explanatory talks with the population on radicalism and extremism. In the southern Khatlon region, 1,800 civil servants, including teachers, healthcare workers, and local council members, have been assigned to carry out these talks. Officials claim the primary goal of these conversations is to prevent young people from becoming radicalized. During the meetings, they discuss topics like promoting traditional women’s clothing instead of hijabs, which authorities associate with radicalism. They also ask about relatives living abroad who might be at risk of becoming extremists and encourage young people to join the army. In the first seven months of this year, campaign groups visited over 620,000 houses. At the same time, campaign groups film their interactions with people and publish reports on social networks. Critics of the government in this regard claim that officials' door-to-door visits are nothing more than intrusions into people’s homes and interferences in their personal affairs. However, officials deny this; they say that the chosen method only allows for identifying the “most vulnerable” families and is necessary to combat radicalism among young people. “The issue of radicalization in the region is alarming, especially the joining of young people to various extremist movements. There are many cases,” said Davlatali Said, the governor of Khatlon region.

Climate Change Healthcare Social Services World Bank aid Vulnerable communities

World Bank Helps Improve Social Services for Vulnerable People in Uzbekistan

On 24 May, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $100 million concessional loan for an Innovative Social Protection System for Inclusion of Vulnerable People Project to improve access to, and the quality of social services for vulnerable people in Uzbekistan. The project is co-financed by a $2 million grant from the Early Learning Partnership; a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank to support vulnerable children’s development and learning. The grant will be used to evaluate and improve social services’ provision for the well-being of vulnerable children in Uzbekistan’s local communities or ‘mahallas.’ Welcoming the government’s commitment to broadening the nation’s social protection system and provide more inclusive and effective support to vulnerable people, Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan, commented: “This project will help build the legal and institutional foundations of the care economy. It will also expand access to quality on-demand social services that are currently underprovided to thousands of vulnerable people across the country, including older people, persons with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and vulnerable children.” The project will be implemented by the National Social Protection Agency through the Office of the President of Uzbekistan, in close collaboration with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Uzbekistan’s international development partners. Over 50 community-based territorial social service centers (TSSCs) will be established across the country to improve access to enhanced social care and rehabilitation facilities for over 50,000 vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and vulnerable children. The project will also create a platform for a regulated and accredited provision of social services from the private sector and by encouraging external investment, reduce the strain on the state’s institutional-based care and welfare system. Once in operation, the project will equip 1,200 people with disabilities, at least half whom are aged 15-24, with professional skills and employment opportunities. Women will also benefit from legal, health and psychological services offered by the establishment of 29 Women Adaptation and Rehabilitation Centers. Last but not least, the initiative will lay the foundations for shock-responsive social protection in Uzbekistan, including the development of policies, emergency procedures and the piloting of a new climate adaptation program. Serving 100,000 impoverished people living in rural communities, the program is designed to increase awareness of climate-related risks and improve communities’ resilience through the provision of seeds for climate-resistant crops, tools, and training in climate-smart agriculture and climate adaptation practices.

Social Services Central Asia Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan: Disabled Citizens Still Face Host of Challenges

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Muhabbat Rakhimova, head of the Uzbek public association for disabled people, Sharoit Plus. We discussed the current situation with disability rights in Uzbekistan, and the country's entry to the international arena of advocates. TCA: In your opinion, what is the state of the educational system for people with disabilities in Uzbekistan, today? MR: In order to develop inclusive education, it is first necessary to make the infrastructure of buildings and educational equipment comfortable, to develop sufficient textbooks, and to provide educational materials that account for the possibility of persons with disabilities. Also, most of our schools were built a long time ago, the buildings have three to four floors, and they do not have elevators. In this case, not all people with disabilities have the opportunity to go and study. TCA: This month in Tashkent, USAID launched its five-year project called All Children Succeed. The project will be implemented as a pilot program in the regions of Namangan and Syr Darya, and hopes to make school education, teaching materials and teacher qualifications inclusive. Do you think schools in Uzbekistan are accessible for everyone? MR: According to the next reforms, construction of structures will be allowed only if the buildings are wheelchair accessible, but in many cases, we notice that ramps are inconveniently located. For example, on ramps near the wall, it is not possible to turn backwards or forwards in a wheelchair. In ordinary stores and pharmacies, it is difficult to climb due to the steepness of the ramp; even with the help of two or three people, it's impossible to climb them. But the presence of a ramp does not mean the infrastructure of the building fully meets the requirements of disabled people. The interior of buildings, rooms, toilets should also be adjusted. In order for persons with disabilities to study and work effectively, it's necessary to adapt the infrastructure of the buildings. TCA: What joint projects are currently being implemented in Central Asia to support disabled people? MR: Central Asian countries don't have joint projects on persons with disabilities. The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia organizes educational seminars on this [topic] and invites organizations of the countries of the region dealing with disability issues to them. I think that this is actually a form of cooperation. In your opinion, are there any advanced international practices that can be implemented in Uzbekistan to help disabled people? MR: There is a system of independent living centers in the Philippines and Thailand, where a person with a disability learns independent living skills for five to six months. As a result, after returning home this person can live without the support of family members, can live separately from them is they so choose. In order for Uzbekistan to have the opportunity to create this, first of all, we need the desire. For this to happen, the active participation of people with disabilities is a necessity.

Uzbekistan Central Asia Social Services

Five Hundred Uzbek Orphans Will Be Provided With New Homes in 2024

Officials in Uzbekistan held an online meeting under the direction of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 20th to discuss the top priorities in the realm of social services. One topic raised at the meeting was that the work of juvenile legal and social-assistance centers needs to be improved. It was stated that these centers ought to be transformed into facilities that deal with childhood issues inherent to those who have challenging upbringings, and that the center should offer complex social services to help children adjust to society. The President directed that institutions like the School of Life be reorganized. It was also underlined how important it is to give orphans land for farming, and also provide training in entrepreneurship and professions in order to help them fulfill their potential. The Cabinet of Ministers was set the task of establishing a system to enable orphans and young people who lack parental guidance and affection to find work in state organizations. To help complete this task, a list of young people in dire need of housing will be compiled by the Inson (People) social-service centers. The value of the housing provided to them is set by region and is based on fair market value. The amount of money set aside for these projects this year will total 140 billion som (~$11.2 million). Officials were instructed to provide housing for 500 orphans who are on the waiting list before June 1st.