Humanitarian aid distributed in southern Kyrgyzstan
In recent weeks (July 17), Samaritan’s Purse humanitarian aid, in the form of food, blankets and medicine, has been distributed to families caught up in the recent ethnic violence. A total of 1,909 people received food and other materials in Osh, with further distributions planned in Jalalabad.
Official figures state that 294 people died as a result of the unrest, although the Interim Government has indicated that the number may be much higher. The UN estimates that almost all of the 375,000 ethnic Uzbeks who initially fled across the border into Uzbekistan have now returned to Kyrgyzstan, with a total of 560,000 people now estimated to be in need of aid within the region. The UN has launched a $70 million appeal for humanitarian aid, in response to the crisis.
A referendum on a new constitution was also held on June 27, with no major incidents reported, although the Interim Government has reinstated a curfew in several southern cities and districts until August 10.
“Please join with us in praying for the Kyrgyz and Uzbek people at this time, that our partners would be able to get aid to the people who need it most and that the this region would know peace amongst its peoples,” said Simon Barrington, Executive Director of Samaritan’s Purse UK.
Please pray for the people caught up in this conflict and for our partners there, as they look to support those in need. To be part of this support, please click here and make a donation that will help us respond to the emergency in Central Asia and to other emergencies around the world.
