On temporary deployment of the UN Mission in Almaty

Almaty, 18 August 2021 - In view of the situation in Afghanistan, the United Nations has requested the temporary relocation to Almaty of the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) and other UN agencies accredited in Afghanistan.

In the spirit of Kazakhstan's comprehensive cooperation with the UN and as part of Kazakhstan's commitments as a full-fledged member of the Organization, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev decided to fulfil the UN request.

Today, on 18 August, the first flight with UNAMA personnel landed at the Almaty airport. The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Almaty Akimat and other competent authorities are taking the necessary measures to accommodate them in a timely manner. The newly arrived persons are international diplomats, bearers of UN passports, to whom UN immunities apply.

It is expected that the abovementioned deployment and further activities of the offices of UNAMA and other UN agencies will be temporary, approximately for six months, until the situation in Afghanistan stabilizes. All expenses, including the personnel’s accommodation and office rental will be fully financed by the UN budget.