DUSHANBE, September 13, 2011, Asia-Plus — After amicable negotiations, the Danish refugee Council (DRC) and Tajikistan’s Tajikistan Ministry of Interior (MoI) 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.
According to information posted on DRC’s website, the MoU signed on September 8 pledges DRC and a MoI 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 neighboring 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 Accommodation 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.
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, humanitarian organization founded in 1956. In Tajikistan, DRC’s work focuses on improving the protection and livelihoods of refugees and asylum seekers, enhancing the capacity of immigration authorities, and strengthening civil society.
The majority of asylum seekers and refugees in Tajikistan are from neighboring Afghanistan. As an integral part of the regional strategic response to Afghan displacement, a large part of DRC’s work in Tajikistan aims at improving the protection and livelihoods of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. Mobilization of the Afghan refugee communities plays a pivotal role in this effort, ensuring the target group’s participation and ownership, and DRC strives to increase the capacity of refugee communities to advocate for their rights and address their own protection needs.
