“Zhusan” Operation: Kazakhstan's experience in the rehabilitation and reintegration of citizens repatriated from war and conflict zones

On December 14, 2020, a webinar on “Zhusan” operation was held for Members and Staff of the U.S. Congress. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the U.S.-RK Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives to discuss Kazakhstan's experience in repatriating citizens from war zones and reintegrating them into society. The keynote speakers at the webinar were Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and Fionnuala Ni Aolain, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

In his opening remarks, Erzhan Kazykhanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States noted that “Zhusan” operation was not only a valuable experience for Kazakhstan, but also is bright example for other countries. He also expressed the hope that this project will continue in the form of the Center of Excellence in Kazakhstan, in order to develop and distribute acquired knowledge and skills.

Deputy Minister Ashikbayev, meticulously described all stages of the operation, marking with concern the fact that more than 80 countries in the world have faced same issue of citizens' involvement in terrorist organizations. He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. partners for their tireless support and expressed the readiness of Kazakhstan to share the gained experience with other interested countries.

In addition, Deputy Minister pointed out that “Zhusan” operation is primarily a humanitarian mission aimed at protecting women and children who became victims of radical ideology. 

UN Special Rapporteur Ms. Ni Aolain stressed the leadership of Kazakhstan in repatriating and reintegrating individuals brought back from conflict zones, and called on other countries to follow this example, particularly noting the openness and readiness of the Government of Kazakhstan for cooperation and establishing trustful dialogue.

 

Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States