Kazakhstan, the European Union, and UNICEF discussed their collaboration on the reintegration and support of returnee children, DKnews.kz reports.
At the second coordination meeting, parties reviewed the progress of the joint programme aimed at the reintegration and protection of children returned from conflict zones, while also working to strengthen Kazakhstan’s overall child protection system.
Today, representatives from the European Union (EU), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs gathered for the second coordination meeting to review the progress of the joint programme focused on the reintegration of children[1] returned from conflict zones and their families.
As part of the second implementation phase, partners have taken steps to strengthen Kazakhstan’s overall child protection system and provide essential support for repatriated children. These efforts strengthened the case management system for working with vulnerable children and their families. Extensive training has been provided to specialists on effective case management approaches, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive, trauma-informed care. In collaboration with the Committee for Child Rights Protection of the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan, UNICEF has also led a self-assessment of administrative data on children in alternative care and identified areas for improvement. This work underscores the commitment of all partners to providing sustainable, high-quality support for children reintegrating into their communities.
“The success of this programme depends on the collective efforts of all parties. It is through the exchange of knowledge, resources, and experiences that we can provide sustainable solutions for the reintegration of children returned from conflict zones” noted the Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Talgat Kaliev.
An important focus of the meeting was to establish a collaborative platform that enables regions across Kazakhstan to exchange best practices, address challenges, and develop effective strategies in child protection. The discussions emphasized strengthening child protection systems, enhancing education and psychosocial support services, expanding alternative family-based care, and improving access to education and skill development for children returning from conflict zones.
Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan, also highlighted the importance of the EU’s commitment to supporting the region. “The European Union remains a reliable partner in supporting Kazakhstan’s efforts to protect and reintegrate children affected by conflicts. Our collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Kazakhstan plays a key role in improving the quality of services in education, healthcare, and children’s rights protection,” said Baur.
“The protection of the most vulnerable children and their families requires a well-coordinated, collaborative approach across all contributing stakeholders. Significant advancements in regulatory frameworks, accompanied by advocacy efforts, have reinforced integration between government agencies, ensuring policies are aligned with a child-centered approach. We are grateful to the European Union for their contribution and to the government of Kazakhstan for advancing these impactful reforms,” said Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan.
The meeting concluded with participants developing recommendations for further action to strengthen child protection efforts for returnee children and enhance coordination across regions. Cooperation between Kazakhstan, the European Union, and UNICEF will play a key role in enhancing child protection and reintegration, ultimately contributing to broader goals of peace, stability, and social cohesion.
Kazakhstan is among the first countries to repatriate its citizens from conflict zones in Iraq and Syria. So far, Kazakhstan effectuated the return of 526 children, providing them with comprehensive government support to adapt to life in Kazakhstan.
