Uzbekistan, Tashkent, June 25 / Trend, D.Azizov /
The Government of Uzbekistan revises the number of refugees downwards to 15,000 with more returns taking place, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
It was early reported that 100,000 peoples, fleeing the violence in southern Kyrgyzstan, were temporarily accommodated in Uzbekistan. They were accommodated in 46 special camps, including in the buildings envisaged for this purpose.
Representatives of humanitarian agencies June 24 visited 27 of the 46 refugee camps in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan, OCHA reported.
According to the report, 27 camps hosted initially 30,000 people; today only 3,000 refuges were found, with more returns taking place during the day.
The Uzbek authorities stated during a coordination meeting today (24 June) in Andijan that refugees who are hesitant about their imminent return to Kyrgyzstan will be allowed to remain temporarily in the refugee camps in Uzbekistan.
In view of the much lower number of refugees, no major needs were identified. Refugees remaining in the camps appear to have adequate shelter, water and food supply. According to UNHCR, the returning refugees are being given a food ration for 2-3 days from the Uzbek Government.