Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Uzbekistan

Group Of Uzbek Andijon Refugees Reportedly Returns

Many of those who fled the violence in Andijon are still in Kyrgyzstan (file photo) (RFE/RL)

December 29, 2006 -- Uzbek law enforcement authorities said today that a group of 13 Andijon refugees have returned to Uzbekistan.

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December 29, 2006

The 13 were staying in Ukraine and according to Uzbek authorities received refugee status from the UN and were granted permission to travel on to Switzerland.

That information has not been confirmed by any other source.

RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports that some among the group may face charges in Uzbekistan. It was also not clear if all returned voluntarily.

Uzbek authorities claim UN officials tried "unsuccessfully" to convince the 13 not to return to Uzbekistan.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Uzbek citizens fled violence in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijon on May 13, 2005, many crossing into neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees later evacuated 439 of the refugees to Romania and from there most were resettled to countries in Europe and North America. More than 50 have voluntarily returned home since then.

(with material from Interfax)

Andijon Refugees

Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan on May 19, 2005 (epa)

NO PLACE TO GO: More than 400 Uzbeks who fled in panic in the hours and days after troops opened fire on demonstrators in Andijon one year ago have been granted political asylum outside Central Asia. In limbo for weeks in Kyrgyzstan as they and the world tried to come to grips with the bloody events of May 12 and 13, they feared for their lives and the lives of family members as the official crackdown continued.... (more)

Andijon Refugees In Romania Have Escaped Violence, But Not Heartache

Refugees In Romania Await Decision On Destination

Refugees Want To Return Only If Regime Changes

THE COMPLETE STORY: A dedicated webpage bringing together all of RFE/RL's coverage of the events in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in May 2005 and their continuing repercussions.

CHRONOLOGY

For an annotated timeline of the Andijon events and their repercussions, click here.

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