This paper presents an overview of general approaches toward repatriation and rehabilitation of children in Central Asian countries, with concrete examples of practices and multi-agency interventions, and national coordination for the repatriation of child returnees. Four Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, repatriated hundreds of ISIS-linked children from Syria and Iraq. The paper draws on the workshop organized on 05 August 2022 by the Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations promoting an active exchange of good practices and knowledge between national and international experts, diplomats, and practitioners. The workshop was targeted at PRR practitioners from different fields and countries who currently prepare to work or are working in the rehabilitation and reintegration of children repatriated from conflict zones in the Middle East, and want to exchange experiences, strategies, and best practices.

The paper analyses the aspects of children’s R&R discussed during the workshop and concludes with an analysis of promising practices and existing challenges. Finally, it presents practical recommendations on institutional cooperation, local-level measures and individual reintegration approaches to be implemented in future programs and actions.

Ready the full version of the working paper here: Working Paper on Child Returnees