Democratic Governance
May 11–17 – An information campaign to launch activities within the new EU-UN “Operationalising Good Governance for Social Justice” Project took place in all seven provinces of the country. Representatives of the UN agencies participating in the project – UNICEF, UN Women, UNESCO and UNDP visited visited several rural municipalities and met representatives of state and local authorities, NGOs and local communities to discuss cooperation within the project in details. Learn more from Asylgul Akimjanova, communications specialist (asyla@socialjustice.undp.kg).
On May 18 the EU-UNDP New Legal Framework Project assisted the Parliament in conducting a round table discussion of a number of anticorruption bills. The project experts provided expert legal analysis of the proposed drafts. The project also facilitated participatory approach in decision making by involving civil society and independent experts. As a result of the round table the bills were sent for further improvement with engagement of the CSOs. Learn more from Ms. Gulmira Mamatkerimova, Project Manager ( gm@dgov.undp.kg).
Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Protection
May - The Green Project on creation of the nursery of Semenov’s fir (A.Semenovii B.Fedtsch) that is endemic to the Tien Shan in the Chychkan gorge was completed. 130 thousand of the Semenov’s fir seedlings which were obtained in the nursery will be planted on mountain slopes to reduce the risk of landslides and avalanches in the Chychkan Gorge, through which runs the Bishkek-Osh highway. UNDP helped to purchase required material and technical equipment, while 17 local residents who helped in implementation fo the project received 1350 kg of foodstuff from the UN World Food Programme ("Food for work"). The project was implemented together with the Forest Institute of the National Academy of Sciences, the Agency for the Protection of the Environment and Forestry (Chychkan forestry), WFP and UNDP ("Disaster Risk Management Programme"). Learn more from Enver Suerkulov, regional programme specialist ( es@dm.undp.kg).
May – Residents of mountainous villages of Suusamyr of Jayil district, and Atay of Toguz-Toro district, completed the green projects initiated and supported by the UNDP "Disaster Risk Management Programme" and the UN WFP "Food for work" Programme. As part of the project they created an 0.85 hectare seed-plot nursery of endemic plants, cleaned a 2600 m long irrigation network , planted 200 thousand of willow cuttings, 24 thousand saplings of mountain almond, apricot, elm and poplar. Plants were planted at avalanche, landslide and erosion hazardous areas in order to reduce the risks. The material for planting frost and drought-resistant endemic plants raised in the nursery will be used to restore the riparian forests and creation of forest belts for the protection of arable land. 188 local residents from vulnerable families were involved in this work. They will be provided with 82,127 kg of flour and 7,623 kg of vegetable oil by WFP. UNDP helped to purchase of diesel fuel and equipment, its total contribution amounted to 90,200 soms. Learn more from Enver Suerkulov, regional programme specialist ( es@dm.undp.kg).
May 2 – Local activists of Soosamyr valley (Chui province) participated in a workshop at Soosamyr Ayil Okmotu to identify potential types of micro-projects that demonstrate linkages between poverty and environment to be considered during the planning processes and forming income generating activities. Focus group meetings during the workshop helped identify six demonstration project ideas: “Clean Soosamyr” campaign, creation of milk processing shop, wool processing shop, sewing shop, purchase of an excavator to recover irrigation systems and establishment of communal service. Participants also learned how to fill in the project application forms to apply for funding. It is planned to develop the projects further for funding. Learn more from Gulnara Abdykalykova, UNDP-UNEP Poverty and Environment Initiative (g.abdykalykova@up.elcat.kg ).
May 6 – А delegation headed by the Ambassador of Finland in Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan Mikko Kinnunen, and UNDP Resident Representative Alexander Avanessov visited Tash-Bulak village of Suzak district, where one of the “green projects” are implemented. The project aims at strengthening and protecting slopes from erosion by planting seeds and nuts, almond and elm. At the moment, survival of seedlings was around 80%. UNDP purchased necessary material and technical equipment required for the project (73,200 soms), while 55 local residents who participated in the project received 8200 kg of foodstuff from WFP. The guests visited the sites, talked to the participants of project and wished them success in the forthcoming work on the remaining 25 hectares this coming fall and during the next 5 years. Learn more from Taalai Ergeshov, regional programme specialist ( t.ergeshov@dm.undp.kg).
May 29-30 – As part of the UNDP and UNEP Poverty and Environment Initiative Naryn province Administration hosted several meetings on development of measures and activities to be included in the Development Strategy of Naryn Province. During the two days Rafkat Hasanov, Project expert, local experts, responsible staff of the Naryn Province Administration, representatives of nongovernmental and private organizations finalized the Development Strategy with consideration of linkages between poverty and environment. Learn more from Gulnara Abdykalykova, UNDP-UNEP Poverty and Environment Initiative (g.abdykalykova@up.elcat.kg ).
Socio-Economic Development
May 3-4 – 30 women, potential entrepreneurs, from various villages of Batken province took part in a two training on development of poultry and vegetable farming in Batken. The training will help the participants to diversify their family businesses and create new types of income generating businesses in their villages. The training was organized as part of the “Economic opportunities for rural entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan” project funded by AGFUND. Participants are residents for UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme pilot villages. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg ).
6 May – Mikko Kinnunen, Ambassador of Finland in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and Alexander Avanessov, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, visited Jalal-Abad province. During the visit the delegation visted several rehabilitated businesses that were affected during June 2010 events. UNDP assisted in recovery of the businesses as part of the “Support to restoration of local business environment in Osh and Djalal-Abad” project funded by the Government of the Russian Federation in 2011. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg ).
May 11 – The traditional meeting of the UNDP Resident Representative Alexander Avanessov with representatives of 50 NGOs and state authorities working in the area of HIV prevention took place in the UN House. The parties discussed issues related to efficient implementation of Global Fund grants. During the meeting Alexander Avanessov mentioned that UNDP concluded grant agreements with three non-governmental organizations: branch of East-West AIDS foundation, Communities of legal entities Association Solidarity of people living with HIV and Country Network which will provide social, legal and psychological help to vulnerable people with financial support of Global Fund. These meetings are one of the means of interaction to solve many administrative, financial and other issues in order to increase efficiency of grants implementation and improve quality of services. Learn more from Oksana Shubina, HIV grant Coordinator GFATMUNDP, o.shubina@gf.undp.kg
14 – 15 May 2012 –18 leaders and consultants of Consulting and Marketing Centers of nine new villages in Naryn Province participated in a round table establishment and development of potato seed funds. They developed documents and agreement formats to establish the seed funds and planned further activities. They also organized groups to grow quality potato seeds and plan to organize training on potato growing later in the season. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg ).
May 15, 2012 – The first meeting of the Southern Mission of the Public Council to protect rights of people living with HIV and key populations at higher risk took place in Osh. This office of the Council is a public advisory body entitled to protect rights of vulnerable groups, including PLHIV and people affected by HIV in the context of HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Members of the Council’s Southern Office are representatives of NGOs and governmental agencies. The meeting was organized with support of the UNDP Programme "Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the Kyrgyz Republic". Learn more from Mr. Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator, Programme Manager a.i. (is@aids.gov.kg).
May 18 – UNDP Programme "Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the Kyrgyz Republic" organized in Bishkek a round table discussion on access to state social benefits for children born by HIV-positive mothers. The work on increasing access of mothers living with HIV to social benefits for their children was carried out upon request of the Ministry of Social Development. This work was very timely since such mechanisms are planned to be implemented in a system of social benefits for HIV-positive children as well. A team comprised of representatives from Ministry of Social Development, National "AIDS" Center, NGOs and banking sector worked on this issue. Developed draft documents are aimed at ensuring complete confidentiality of benefits payment. Learn more from Mr. Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator, Programme Manager a.i. (is@aids.gov.kg).
May 18 – UNDP together with associations working with people living with HIV organized several events dedicated to the World AIDS Memorial Day, which is celebrated every third Sunday of May. Representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare, NGOs and UNDP gave a press conference to highlight latest trends in the issues of HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan and activities implemented in this area. Moreover, a number of NGOs organized a small gathering titled “Don’t Judge, SUPPORT! I KNOW! I SUPPORT! I JOIN!” in order to call for attention to problems related to stigma against people living with HIV. Learn more from Oksana Shubina, HIV grant Coordinator GFATMUNDP (o.shubina@gf.undp.kg).
May 29 – Finance specialists of UNDP organized training for accountants of 43 partner organizations implementing Global Fund grants. During the presentation participants learned about UNDP procedures and requirements for supporting documents. In particular, they discussed issues like conducting activities in the framework of the budget, correct filling and formulation of documents, preventing conflict of interests when working with GF grants. Learn more from TB grant Coordinator Irina Shchelokova (i.schelokova@gf.undp.kg) and HIV grant Coordinator (o.shubina@gf.undp.kg).
May 29 – UNDP HIV Programme organized training for mothers of HIV-infected children from Osh province and Osh city on HIV prevention issues, vulnerability of women to HIV, rights of HIV-positive children, necessity of ARV-treatment for HIV-positive children. Some participants were not informed on ways of HIV-infection, their rights and solutions to their respective problems. Trainers will continue such training with other groups of mothers of HIV-positive children. Three short-term experts hired by UNDP HIV Programme are providing legal, medical and peer counseling helping women to manage care and support of their HIV-positive children. Learn more from Mr. Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator, Programme Manager a.i. (is@aids.gov.kg).
29-31 May – Several events under overall motto “All children have the right for happy childhood” took place in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Bishkek. They were devoted to the International Children’s Day.
In Osh and Jalal-Abad 330 children from different districts of the provinces came to see theater performances of fairy tales and received presents and DVDs of an animated movie “Story of Fairy Vitaminka”. The movie tells about necessity to take ARVT drugs regularly in a form of fairy tale. It was translated into Kyrgyz and duplicated specially for International Children’s Day with the Global Fund grant support in order to help parents in children’s treatment. In Bishkek 50 children with their parents came to one of the city amusement parks, where they watched shows with clowns, played games and contests, and received sweet gifts. The events were organized by UNDP in collaboration with associations “Solidarity of people living with HIV” and “Country network of people living with HIV”. Learn more from Oksana Shubina, HIV grant Coordinator GFATMUNDP (o.shubina@gf.undp.kg).
May 30 - 31 – UNDP Programme on HIV organized a training for trainers for members of Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of Interior, health workers, staff of regional AIDS centers, heads of health facilities in Osh, Jalalabad and Batken provinces on HIV prevention and reducing stigma and discrimination. Such training covering all mentioned target groups was organized for the first time in partnership with the Osh province AIDS center. Cases of HIV infection of children in hospitals in the south of the country provoked strong public response. Kyrgyz General Prosecutor’s Office initiated criminal proceedings against healthcare workers, some of them were punished, while others are under investigation. Investigations to the case caused a lot of discussions. Thus the training was very timely and aimed at building effective partnership and collaboration between health professionals and representatives of the Prosecutor's Office. The training became a discussion platform, where participants discussed current problems in the context of HIV prevention. Learn more from Mr. Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator, Programme Manager a.i. (is@aids.gov.kg).
May 31 – As part of the Global Fund grants UNDP installed refrigerating chamber in the National Center of Phthisiatry (NCP). It is designed for anti-TB drugs, which require special temperature regime. Availability of this equipment will help store medicines in appropriate conditions. Previously, the institution rented commercial warehouses, because of limited space and lack of equipment. Learn more from TB grant Coordinator Irina Shchelokova (i.schelokova@gf.undp.kg).
June 3 – UNDP HIV Programme completed the first stage of the new regional Central Asian distant learning medical course on drug addiction and harm reduction – accepting applications for participation. This course is designed for healthcare professionals from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. It is offered for graduates of previous courses on HIV and AIDS, held from 2007 to 2011. Online course started on June 11 and will be completed in August 2012. Official partners of the course are the Central Asian Training Information Centre on Harm Reduction and the UNDP Programme "Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the Kyrgyz Republic." Learn more from Mr. Nurbek Tentiev, Specialist on information technologies (nt@aids.gov.kg).
Regional Cooperation
May 22 – Tashkent hosted a two-day regional workshop for heads and instructors of Customs academies and training centres from five Central Asian states. During the workshop, participants exchanged professional experience in training and enhancement of customs officers at training institutions in Central Asia and the European Union on the example of Latvia. They also shared ideas in identifying potential cooperation areas to train customs personnel with BOMCA’s assistance. Participants of the workshop visited the Higher Military Customs Institute’s faculty of re-training and professional development under the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan to learn its best practices. The workshop was organised by the EU-UNDP Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA) programme with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Learn more from Talaibek Usubaliev, BOMCA Deputy Regional Programme Manager (talaibek.usubaliev@bomca.eu ) ; or Asel Sekimova, BOMCA Communication Specialist (asel.sekimova@bomca.eu).
22 May – BOMCA Programme together with UNDP Peace and Development Programme organized one of the regular meetings of a cross-border working group from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Fifty representatives of local authorities, border detachments, customs service and law-enforcement agencies from Leilek (Kyrgyzstan) and Djabarasulov (Tajikistan) districts discussed trans-border issues such as joint use of pastures, distribution of water resources and dealing with natural disasters. Moreover, thirty members of another cross border working group representing local authorities and law enforcement officers from Batken (Kyrgyzstan) and Isfara (Tajikistan) were trained in interethnic conflict prevention techniques. They learned about the rights of ethnic minorities and discrimination. During practical exercise they made ethnic conflict analysis and studied techniques to resolve interethnic conflicts. Learn more from Ruslan Baiysh-tegin, BOMCA Country Manager (ruslan.baiysh@bomca.eu).
24 May – Seventeen officers from state agencies participating in counter-drug operations (State Customs Service, State Service on Drug Control, Manas International Airport, Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Committee on National Security and State Border Troops) were trained in detection of chemical precursors and drugs. A trainer from the European Union presented global trends in detection of precursors and routes of their distribution to explain participants how countries are affected and how they respond. Participants also learned about threat assessment, international monitoring and legal control of precursors globally, in Central Asia and in the European Union. Participants also trained their skills in handling precursors. The training was organized by the BOMCA Programme and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Learn more from Ruslan Baiysh-tegin, BOMCA Country Manager (ruslan.baiysh@bomca.eu).
