Youth from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan agree to promote safe migration

In a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation on migration, youth leaders from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have agreed to collaborate on promoting safe migration practices. The meeting, held in the Batken region, brought together young representatives to address the vulnerabilities faced by individuals migrating for work without adequate information about their rights and legal avenues for employment.

The outcome of their discussions was the signing of a memorandum of long-term cooperation. This agreement is set to bolster efforts to mitigate the risks associated with labor migration, particularly for those departing from border regions. The initiative is being facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with the support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

The dialogue session was part of the "My Kyrgyzstan" festival and specifically focused on labor migration from border areas. Participants recognized that many young people leave their home countries for work abroad without a clear understanding of legal employment channels, potential dangers, or the mechanisms available for protecting their rights. This knowledge gap often leaves them susceptible to exploitation.

During the collaborative working sessions, representatives from the three nations developed concrete ideas for joint information campaigns. These campaigns are intended to reach young people through social media platforms and local outreach efforts. The core message will be to communicate information about regulated migration in simple, accessible language, utilizing the channels where young people actively seek information in today's digital world.