The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) hosted a conference to discuss Kazakhstan’s experience in repatriation of citizens from conflict zones and their reintegration into society. The event in Washington on October 1 was attended by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Acting U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass, foreign officials, and leading American experts.
Ambassador Ashikbayev briefed the participants on Kazakhstan’s experience in conducting humanitarian operations to repatriate its citizens, as well as the ongoing efforts to reintegrate them into Kazakh society. He emphasized that these actions contributed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2178 and 2396, serving as a successful example of U.S.-Kazakhstan cooperation in combating terrorism.
Special attention was given to the “Zhusan” humanitarian operation, which has been internationally recognized as a successful initiative for reintegration and rehabilitation. The Ambassador noted, “Kazakhstan considers the return of its citizens primarily as a humanitarian operation, in line with the traditions and values of the Kazakh people. Caring for children and those in need has always been part of our cultural code.”
As part of Kazakhstan’s continued efforts in this direction, the Ambassador announced plans, shared by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, to host an International Conference on Best Practices in the Field of Repatriation and Reintegration in 2025.
The event also highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation, which is key to successfully addressing repatriation challenges and preventing radicalization. Ambassador Ashikbayev underscored that Kazakhstan’s experience can serve as a practical example for other countries facing similar challenges.
