Since 2013, over 800 nationals of Kyrgyzstan have left for territories in Syria and Iraq that were controlled by ISIL (also known as ‘Daesh’) (including approximately 150 women and 100 children), of which at least 230-250 are believed dead. In those years, over 140 persons have been arrested and convicted for having taken part in terrorist activities in Syria and been relocated to the Kyrgyz Republic. Relevant authorities have dismantled several terrorist cells planning to commit terrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan. As also reflected in its efforts, the Government is cognizant of the threat related to the continued return of its radicalized nationals intending to continue their terrorist activity in Kyrgyzstan and the region.

 

The delegation noted the focus of the Kyrgyz authorities on preventive measures, including counter-narratives and awareness raising measures, developing reintegration and rehabilitation measures for returning women and children, with the involvement of a wide array of international partners and civil society stakeholders. The delegation also reaffirmed the readiness of relevant United Nations bodies and international and regional organizations that joined the follow-up visit to support Kyrgyzstan in its counter-terrorism and counter violent extremism efforts through the provision of technical assistance as appropriate and in compliance with the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s recommendations.

 

The visiting delegation included CTED experts, as well as representatives of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT); the Monitoring Team of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (UN Women); the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA); the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL); the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the Eurasian Group for Combatting Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (EAG);  the Anti-Terrorist Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS-ATC); and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

 

The delegation also held meetings with the UN Resident Coordinator a.i., the United Nations country team in Kyrgyzstan, the Programme Office of the UNODC, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and representatives of the donor community.