danishdemininggroup.dk: Memorandum of Understanding signed in Tajikistan

Memorandum of Understanding signed in Tajikistan

08.09.11

After amicable negotiations, DRC and the Tajikistan Ministry of Internal Affairs have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will help both DRC and the Government of Tajikistan to assist the approximately 6,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Tajikistan.

The MOU pledges DRC and the Ministry to cooperate in numerous areas, particularly in the capacity building of Ministry staff and the development of reference materials to support Tajikistan in its efforts to meet its obligations to refugees and asylum seekers under domestic and international law.

“The memorandum confirms our common goal of assisting refugees and asylum-seekers within the framework of international law – it is a crucial step in our further efforts,” says Rexane Rasmussen, DRC Regional Representative in Central Asia.

The majority of asylum seekers and refugees in Tajikistan are from neighbouring Afghanistan, and the influx of Afghans may very well increase in the future depending on the security situation in Afghanistan.

“In an unstable region it is vital to have sufficient capacity to receive asylum-seekers and refugees. We have agreed on working together to improve capacities on all levels - asylum procedures, integration measures and temporary accommodation,” says Rexane Rasmussen.

A one-year Joint Action Plan between DRC and the Ministry includes institutional and technical support to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the development of a Refugee Status Determination manual as well as support for the social development and integration of refugee communities in Tajikistan. Further the plan includes the establishment of a Temporary Accomodation Center for asylum seekers in Tajikistan.

”We have a lot of ground to cover – but the process of improvement has begun, and we are very happy to have the Tajik government on our side,” says Rexane Rasmussen.

Tajikistan remains the poorest post-Soviet country with an impoverished population and underdeveloped governance structures at all levels, not least the asylum and immigration authorities. DRC focuses on improving the protection and livelihoods of refugees and asylum seekers, enhancing the capacity of immigration authorities, and strengthening civil society.

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