International Partners Strengthen Uzbekistan’s Counter-Extremism Efforts with EU-Supported Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme
Tashkent, 10 February 2026 – Uzbekistan is strengthening its capacity to safely reintegrate individuals returning from conflict zones, with financial and strategic support from the European Union through its Foreign Policy Instrument (FPI). The three-year Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (PRR) programme focuses on returnees from Iraq and Northeast Syria.
Since 2012, more than 4,000 people from Central Asia are believed to have joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), making the region the third largest point of origin for foreign fighters. In Uzbekistan alone, over 500 individuals have returned, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated national strategies to address security risks while supporting rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The EU-funded PRR programme complements national efforts by bringing together expertise from international partners – GCERF, Hedayah, and IIJ – to support Uzbekistan in:
- Reinforcing legal and law enforcement systems to prosecute cases effectively and fairly.
- Providing rehabilitation and social reintegration services, including mental health support, vocational training, and community engagement initiatives.
- Reducing stigma and strengthening public awareness, helping communities to safely welcome returnees.
- Building national capacity and resilience, enabling authorities to design evidence-based interventions and long-term strategies for security and social cohesion.
Today, experts from Uzbekistan and partner organisations gathered in Tashkent to confirm shared understanding on priorities, validate coordination mechanisms and agree on practical measures and workplan for 2026. The discussions focused on integrating PRR efforts with national priorities and highlighting Uzbekistan’s innovative approach to combining security, justice, and social support.
“Through the EU FPI, this programme demonstrates Europe’s commitment to safe, humane, and sustainable reintegration approaches. By supporting Uzbekistan to strengthen legal frameworks, empower communities, and provide targeted assistance to returnees, the EU helps enhance security while fostering social cohesion,” said Bakhtiyor Mustafaev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS).
Through collaboration with national authorities, civil society, and international partners, the EU-supported programme continues to ensure that reintegration is not only a security measure but also an opportunity to build resilient communities, uphold justice, and create long-term stability in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia.