The Mercifulness Has No Borders the RED CRESCENT MONTH in TAJIKISTAN Dearest Readers!

TAJIKISTAN RED CRESCENT’S NEWSLETTER

Supported by IFRC Country Representation in Tajikistan #9, May 2012 Saving lives, changing minds Наҷоти ҳаётҳо, тағйири нигоҳҳо May the Month of the Red Crescent

The mercifulness has no borders THE RED CRESCENT MONTH IN TAJIKISTAN Dearest readers!

In May we witnessed the historical moment for the Red Crescent Movement in Tajikistan. Our beloved country became the first country in the world which officially devoted the whole month to this most famous charitable organization. If the whole world has only one day to celebrate the Red Cross and Red Cres- cent Day, i.e. on 8th May, Tajikistan now has the whole month to celebrate it.

What does it give us? It attracts the thousands to the charity and mercifulness, to the needs of thousands others.

We believe that the army of volunteers for the Red Crescent will increase due to this Month; without volunteers we were not able to reach so many people in need and help them. We believe that the number of people, who want to take an extended and asking-for-help hand, will increase.

Thousand years ago, a famous poet Rudaki the Great said: “Гар дасти фитодаеро бигирӣ, мардӣ”. (If you take the hand of a person-in-need, you are the real man).

So, we believe in you, dears, that you will help us to help others. We hope to see you all soon dressed in the white cap and the red T-shirt with the logo of Tajik Red Crescent and we know that you are not indifferent to the fate of your nation, your neighbors, relatives and friends, and you are ready to help them.

Thanks to all of you. Be happy, healthy, and prosperous!

Zafar Muhabbatov, Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan Secretary General Eric Michel-Sellier, IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan

UN EXPERT TO FOCUS ON THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IFRC Country Represen- the challenges of people’s access to the health.

tation in Tajikistan hosted In the meeting Mr. Grover was introduced with health-related pro- a meeting with Mr. jects implemented by RCST with IFRC support. Mr. Zafar Muhabba- Anand Grover, Special tov, RCST Secretary General mentioned the difficulties of attracting Rapporteur on the Right the donors “despite of good capacity and governmental support we have”. of Everyone to the Enjoy- Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier, IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan, ment of the Highest talking about his experience of cooperation with the officials and the Attainable Standard of society in Tajikistan, stressed the exceptional readiness for changes he Physical and Mental witnessed here. He brought an example that “several years ago you Health, on 30 May 2012. In addition to IFRC Country Representation could not talk about the psychological support here, as people could refuse staff, the representatives of other organizations, such as the Red Cres- their need, as well as the officials could refuse the need of population for it, cent Society of Tajikistan, ICRC, Finnish Red Cross, Project “Hope”, but few weeks ago during a field visit to an earthquake-affected area in the and USAID participated at the meeting. eastern part of the country the president of the country came to us and re- Mr. Grover’s mission to Dushanbe started from May 24 and during quested us to pay special attention to the provision of psychosocial support to his visit he met with Tajik officials, health authorities, as well as inter- the affected people. If to speak about changing minds, than Tajikistan is the national organizations. According to a press release of the United right place to be an example”. Nations office, it is the first mission of an independent expert charged During the meeting in the IFRC office, the participants discussed the by the UN Human Rights Council to Tajikistan to monitor the imple- challenges to identify ways to curb the disease effectively, treat pa- mentation of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest tients respectfully and encourage human rights extensively. attainable standard of physical and mental health. Mr. Anand Grover visited Tajikistan at the invitation of the Government to make an in- The Special Rapporteur is an dependent assessment of the realization of the right to health in the independent expert appoint- country. According to the high-level guest, within his visit he aimed ed by the UN Human Rights “to engage the Government, development partners and the civil society in Council to help States, and tackling the financial predicament of Tajikistan’s health system that relies others, promote and protect heavily on private out-of-pocket payments, estimated to be more than two- the right to the highest attain- thirds of total healthcare expenditure”. able standard of health (right

to health). Anand Grover Mr. Grover introducing the purpose of his visit drew a special atten- (India) is co-founder and tion to the affected people, who often face social stigma and discrimi- Director of the Lawyers Col- nation. Being informed about the Red Crescent May celebrations in lective HIV/AIDS Unit and Tajikistan, Mr. Grover called to use this opportunity and to talk about the Senior Counsel in India.

THE RED CRESCENT MAY STAR: “HAPPY TO SERVE MY NATION”

Famous TV presenter and cinema actress Tahmina Rajabova your duties during the Month of Red Crescent? publicized humanitarian values and Red Crescent humanitarian A: Of course, my duties did not consist of only presence in the most activities during one month in Tajikistan. Tahmina was a good- important events of this month, speeches and interviews to media. I will ambassador to the Month of Red Crescent in Tajikistan. We did my best to become a symbol of attracting youth to volunteerism had a small interview with Tahmina, the first ever RC Goodwill for the Red Crescent. I tried to pass my voice to as more as possible Ambassador in Tajikistan. people and to increase the attraction to the Red Crescent. The volunteers are the main power of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and it would not be possible to reach thousands and millions of people in the world without volunteers. Millions in the world and thousands in Tajikistan are always ready to spend their time and energy for the assistance to others and this should be praised. If the Red Crescent was able to help anybody and anywhere, one should know that the hand of a helper, in fact, is the hand of a volunteer.

Q: Why such attention is paid to the youth?

A: The youth are the engine of each society, especially the Tajik society. In our country, the power of youth is valued peculiarly, and this peculiarity is in the number of youth. Despite of all sayings that mod- Q: Tahmin-banu, salom. First of all, we express our thankfulness to ern youth have no value at all, we want to show that still thousands of you for accepting the invitation to be RC Goodwill Ambassador. youth are ready to do their best for the humanitarian values, for mer- Could you please tell us, why did you accept this invitation and what cifulness and charity. We want to show that Tajik youth still are not was your reaction when you first heard about this offer? indifferent to what Rudaki the great said more than one thousand A: Salom and thank you. You know, I love to do good things myself. I years ago, when he called to take a hand of a person in need. believe that each human being should help others, if he can. By the way, the motto of this year’s International Red Cross and Red I was very happy when Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier offered me to be the Crescent Day, which was celebrated on 8 May, was dedicated to the Red Crescent Goodwill Ambassador. I think this is kind of a sign from youth too. It says, “Youth on Move: Doing more, doing better, and God. As if even one more person was aware of the Red Crescent reaching further”. I believe that we can go further and further with through me and if that makes that person help somebody else, than I more and better efforts of youth. consider that I did my job well. Q: Are you going to continue your volunteering in the future? In general, I am very very happy that I had this opportunity to serve A: Sure, every time and everywhere when I can. To help each other the Red Crescent and this was happiness for me. should be one of the goals of people’s life. Even human body parts are Q: Was it the first time you are volunteering? the evidence that helping should be the priority. See, one foot helps another to walk, one hand helps another< A: I was a volunteer for the international organizations in Dushanbe, when I was a student, but when I found a job, I was not able to Q: Tahmin-banu, can you kindly tell us about yourself? continue my volunteering experience. A: I am Tahmina, a mother, a sister – a women. An actress, a law- I believe that volunteering opens new doors of full of opportunities yer and a TV presenter. Just want to conclude the interview with a call and experience for youth. Such kind of experience is very useful for to everybody that one should think about others too. The real human youth. is that one, who thinks not only about himself. Q: Did you know before anything about Red Crescent?

A: It should be shame not to know about Red Cross and Red Crescent. As it is the most famous humanitarian organization, which serves the people all over the world and helps the people in need.

Q: It is clear that you were the first person of the Red Crescent during this month as you are very famous. Please, tell me more what were

Tajik pop and folk stars, famous SUPERSTARS SING FOR THE RED CRESCENT comedy groups, as well as young performers - winners of national and international competitions gave pleasure to hundreds guests of the Red Crescent charity concert held on 5 May 2012 at “Kokhi Jomi” cinema. Tajik pop stars - Noziya Karomatullo and her brother Muhammadrofe’ Karomatullo, Saida Sirojiddin, Sa’di Boorizad, folk singers – Afzalshoh Shodi, Saidqul Bilol, Qurbonali Abdullo, Muharrama Sharipova, most famous comedy group of Tajikistan – “Lahzahoi Guvoro” made the audience dance, sing and have a fun. All proceeds from ticket sales collected during the concert will be spent on charitable activities to support vulnerable people. International Federation Country Representation in Tajikistan visited an orphan asylum in Dushanbe city and an elderly

house in Vahdat city on 8 May 2012, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

HAPPINESS IN THE HEARTS… …AND SMILES IN THE LIPS

IFRC staff organized a tea-party for children of this orphanage. Cakes, Inhabitants of the house for elderly and invalids of Vahdat city al- sweets, cookies, juices were brought; drawing-books with colored pen- ready know most of IFRC staff personally. “Salom, salom cils, discs with animated cartoons were distributed. duston“ (Hello, friends) - Eric Michel-Sellier’s greetings in Tajiki always make them smile as it is always interesting to hear a local lan- The representatives of the orphanage say, many of the children have guage from the mouth of a foreigner. mothers, but they are not able to take care of the children because of the social and economic challenges. While other colleagues were unloading flour, rice, tea and sugar brought for Vahdat city elderly and invalids, 71-year-old Qurbonali Tahmina Rajabova, Goodwill Ambassador to the Month of Red Cres- was telling his story to us: “I am here already for 15 years. I had children, cent in Tajikistan visits this orphanage frequently and already many wife. I had a work. But now I am invalid. When my elder daughter was 5 children know her and call her “apajon” (sister). She says “I would years old, I was injured and became an invalid. My wife left me, and with- blame neither the parents of these children, nor their relatives. We all know out divorcing, got married for the second time. Since then I have not seen well the situation in most Tajiki families. But these cute and innocent children them”. need for the mercifulness. And it is the responsibility of everybody who can visit these angels and bring happiness and joy to their hearts and smile to their There are some 96 old people and invalids aged 68-75 in this elderly lips”. house and some 58 nurses serve them. And all of them have their own story full of sadness. Ibrohim Safarov used to live in Rudaki Visitors spent unforgettable hours with the children, talking to them, district. He says, he has 6 children, “but I do not know why my children playing with them and feeding them. The children, as all children in left me here. All of them are married, all of them have good jobs and good the world, were especially happy for cakes and sweets. Many of the earnings, but…but they do not have a heart, a conscience”. visitors could not keep themselves from dropping tears, every time when happy children thanked them. Thousand times. That led to a Mumin, 62 years old man served in Chechnya. He was taken in hos- thought that they see visitors so rarely. tage. In 1997 he was released and came back to Tajikistan. He had a wife and two daughters. At the moment, they live in Germany. Sev- All of them called their nannies “Mummy”. “Mummy, please, give me eral times, as he said, he tried to call and talk with his wife and one more piece of cake”; “Mummy, please, pour out some juice”; daughters, but could not reach them. After the death of his mother, “Mummy, thank you very much< ”. his sister sold a four-room apartment. And he had to come here. Shamsuddin Muhuddinov from the IFRC Country Representation According to him, the condition in the elderly house is good, and he has no complaint. says, “Not only children are happy today. We also are happy to see the smile of these children and the enjoyment of them. The eyes full of happiness because A doctor, a mother of the only son, 65-year-old apai Rima has been of somebody’s visit are the in this house for 3 years. “I liked this place, and do not want to go home. evidence that this world does My son is ashamed of me and several times insisted me to go home, but still I am refusing. My son was married to a woman who was not so good. He not consists of black and white went to Russia for earning some money, I stayed with my daughter-in- colors, but the world is full of law”. (Probably that was the reason of her moving to the elderly colors, full of happiness. I am house). “They got divorced, thanks to God, and he married to a very good sure, these children will grow woman. I have 2 sweet grandchildren”. up and some day they make Maybe some time she will return and raise her grandchildren, says others happy. Today we made Eric, today’s guest of these elderlies and invalids. He says, “We want them smile; tomorrow they will to communicate with them, so that they can feel that they are not forgotten, make somebody else to smile”. to devote some time to make the people in need happy”.

Read about it at TojNews Read this story at BBC Persian Watch photo-gallery at BBC Persian Watch more pictures See slide-show also RED CRESCENT RUNS AT THE NATIONAL MARATHON

The Red Crescent volunteers and staff with their red and white T-shirts and caps and with flags in the hands were an important part of mara- thoners this year at the National Marathon Day on May 20.

Governmental Marathon was started from Varzob gates and continued through the almost whole centre of the capital city of Dushanbe. RCST has its great pleasure to join this big cooperated event with the volunteers, school pupils and Dushanbe branch staff. The National Soci- ety had provided T-shirts, caps and flags to all 60 participants. More than 50 Red Crescent staff and volunteers participated at the National Marathon in Khujand city too.

Nabijon Sidikshoev, RCST Youth and Volunteers Coordinator says, that the Red Crescent volunteers had also opportunity to meet and discuss future cooperation with other volunteers from different NGO’s during this productive Marathon event. He says: “I would like to mention that different programs related to the youth, volunteering and health care lifestyle were organized among NGO’s youth network within the country in order to improve the knowledge, gain new information and share experiences with each other and mainly involve youth into joining our Movement”.

Top-ten runners have been awarded with special prizes by the Red Crescent. Parviz Sharipov, one of the prize-winner volunteers, says “Oh, I did not know that I can run so fast J. Joking, of course. What I would like to say. I would like to thank the organizers of this Marathon and I hope that our Red Crescent will be developed as fast as its volunteers run in this Marathon”.

RED CRESCENT PLAYS FOOTBALL WHO IS MOST FUNNY AND INVENTIVE? Three teams – RCST Headquarter, RCST Dushanbe Branch and Swiss Foundation for mine action (FSD) – competed with each other for the Red Crescent Cup of May Month football competition.

It was very posi- Matches: tive and great friendly envi- RCST HQ 5:4 RCST Dushanbe Branch ronment compe- RCST HQ 11:0 FSD tition and the first football experience showed that this kind of sport events should be organized more often in the future. Five students’ teams competed to win the KVN held under the Month All the participants got positive impressions and had pleasure of the of the Red Crescent on May 12, 2012 at the “Kokhi Jomi” cinema. matches. This competition had the main winner – Friendship! KVN (Russian: КВН, an abbreviation Teams: of Клуб Весжлых и Tajik Technical University Находчивых, Tajik Technological University "Club of the Funny Tajik Pedagogical University and Inventive") is a Moscow State University Branch student competi- RCST Volunteers Team tion where teams compete by showing prepared sketches. KVN is a task-based team competition in front of a live audience and judged by a panel of judges.

Based on the panel of judges’ grades, Tajik Technical University won the competition. Tajik Pedagogical University named the second team and the bronze was given to Tajik Technological University students. The winners received their prizes from the hands of Tahmina Ra- jabova, the Goodwill Ambassador of the Red Crescent. All proceeds from ticket sales will be spent on Watch more pictures charitable activities to support vulnerable people. DELIVERING ASSISTANCE TO EARTHQUAKE-AFFECTED PEOPLE

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) supported the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in delivering non-food items, construction tools, provision of psychosocial support and disaster awareness information materials to the earthquake-affected people in Rasht, Nurobod and Tavildara districts.

Within this DREF, the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan provided support to 558 families (3,348 beneficiaries). The operation included the provision of immediate non-food items support to 86 households, replenishment of the Red Crescent disaster preparedness stocks with non-food items already distributed to support 110 households, as well as provision of construction tools to these 196 households. Psychosocial support is being provided for all 558 families suffering from the earthquake and aftershocks psychological effects. The provision of disaster awareness information materials is planned.

As a result of strong earthquake that occurred on 13 May 2012, some 33 villages in 3 districts were affected in the eastern part of Tajikistan. According to the preliminary assessments, the earthquake killed 2 and affected an estimated 2,531 people - residents of the 86 destroyed and 276 damaged residential buildings. The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan supported by the International Federation has been active from the first hours of the earthquake. RCST has started its operation with deployment of 50 Local Disaster Committee members in all three affected districts and 8 National Disaster Response Team members. The deployed staff and volunteers conducted needs assessment, rendered first aid and are providing psychosocial support to disaster affected people in Rasht, Nurobod and Tavildara districts.

On 16 May 2012, RCST leadership and IFRC Country Representative have visited most affected area, Tavildara district, to coordinate the RCST activities and meet with heads of local mu- nicipalities. Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier, IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan says, “People lost their houses and properties as a result of the disaster. We feel pain for the affected people and we will not leave them alone. As the Government of Tajikistan is delivering food and tents, we decided to provide the affected people with non-food items and construction tools. By saying non-food items we mean quilts, bed linen, mattresses, pillows, water cans, buckets, cooking sets, hygiene kits, etc. The aid has already been delivered to the area”.

On 16 May 2012, the President of Tajikistan met the RCST Deputy Secretary General and IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan in the field to discuss the actions taken by the National Society to assist the affected population. The President of Tajikistan expressed his appreciation to both organizations and requested to provide psychosocial support to people suffered from disaster affect.

The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a fund set up by the International Federation of Red Cross Watch more pictures and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross/Red Crescent emergency response to disasters.

Provided Humanitarian Aid by RCST (non-food items) DISASTERS ATTACK ON TAJIKISTAN Bed- Hy- Cook Construc- Shovels, Water The In addition to the earthquake in the eastern part of Tajikistan, Location ding giene ing tion Hoes, cans, rmo the republic was hit by numerous mudflows, floods and ava- Set* kits set tools Axe buckets ses lanches at the end of April and throughout May. Increased

Tavildara 65 65 65 65 65 130 65 and intense precipitations have triggered numerous disasters in different districts of the country. Heavy rains caused land- Rasht** 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 slides, mudslides, floods and avalanches in total in 18 cities

Nurobod 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 and districts throughout the country killing 2 and injured 7 more people in Panjakat and Rudaki districts, killing about Rudaki 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 100 livestock, damaging houses, auxiliary facilities, social Varzob 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 infrastructure, water supply systems and irrigation channels, gardens, cultivated lands, trees, roads and bridges, etc. Vahdat 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 In response to the occurred disasters, RCST deployed its staff Mumino- 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 and volunteers including National Disaster Response Team bod members and Local Disaster Committee members in all dis- Panj 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 asters affected sites. The team members were involved in J. Rasulov 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 conducting rapid situation assessment and rendering first Ghonchi 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 and psychosocial aid, participation in evacuation activities, Asht 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 selection and registration of beneficiaries and distribution of Rumi 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 the non-food items according to agreed criteria with local Qumsangir 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 authorities and other stakeholders. *include- mattresses, quilts, pillows, bed linen for 6 persons; **including 3 all weather tents THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEF TO NEW AND BETTER LIFE

Eric Michel-Sellier Meetings with Tajik other items, need for the words which can IFRC support. Dr. Abdoul Ghafour said that officials including reanimate the hope to life in their hearts, the he is extremely ready to support the Red the President of words which ginger their love to life up. And Crescent as much as he can.

country, with UN luckily we were able to train tens of Red Cres- That is very impressive that new opportuni- officials, with am- cent staff and volunteers who can say the ties are being opened for RCST. The National bassadors, inter- right word in the right place – psychosocial Society is entering a new, higher level and views with local and team of RCST showed its ability to return very soon will play an important role at the international media, people’s spirit to the normal life many times. regional arena of the humanitarian activity. participation at the RC celebrations, charity Many times – because the country faced dis- The evidence of that is increased attention of actions and visiting disaster-affected people – asters a lot. And there’s a need to increase the local and international media to this organi- it was my schedule in May. When you work number of these teams and to improve the zation. BBC Persian and CA-News, Asia Plus, in Tajikistan, your calendar is always full of skills of their members – because the country Tojnews, Khovar and Ozodagon news agen- notes of meetings and events. It is not only is prone to disasters and seems, unfortunate- cies, TV stations, local state and private radi- because you have to work a lot and hard, but ly, we will witness disasters a lot. os, as well as tens of print and internet media, it is also because you have opportunities for frequently pay heed to our activities. These looking for collaboration and cooperation. Reduction of the disaster risk and preparedness to the disasters in order to decrease the media give us a chance to promote humani- Tajik officials are always ready to listen to fatal and financial consequences were one of tarian values, a chance to call hundreds of you, to share their views and accept sugges- the main topics of talks in my meeting with new, active, smart and young volunteers to tions for mutual cooperation. In the same RCST. The UN officials - Mr. Anand Grover, the Special time, they expect you to strictly follow your Envoy for Human Rights and Access to same hopes Watch a TV programme on the mission - mission of assistance to people who Health for People on May 30 and Mr. Alexan- I declared Red Crescent at “Safina” TV need this assistance. So, I was not surprised der Zuev, UNDP Resident Representative in in the RC when the President of Tajikistan Emomali Tajikistan on May 18. Mr. Anand showed Month opening ceremony, where I had a Rahmon seeing us, the Red Cross/Red Cres- deep interest in our activities, especially on meeting with Ms. Qurbonova, first deputy of cent representatives in the earthquake- Tajik Prime-Minister. HIV and TB prevention, as well as, we dis- affected area of Tavildara, came directly to us cussed the possible future cooperation. In As, when you see even Tajik labour migrants and asked – What kind of assistance was pro- discussion with Mr. Zuev, he expressed spe- - one of most vulnerable groups of the popu- vided and what kind of actions is planned by cial interest to the proposal on cooperation on lation, especially when they are abroad to the Red Crescent? Mr. President was especial- cross-border issues and programmes between earn a piece of bread for their families – who ly glad to hear about our psychological sup- Tajikistan and Afghanistan. come to our centers for migrants not only for port to the affected and shocked people. He getting information and knowledge, but also thanked the Red Crescent Society of Tajiki- Cross-border issues was in the focus of dis- cussions with Mr. Robin Ord-Smith, the Am- for volunteering to assist other migrants, than stan and IFRC for the timely response to the you understand that this world is still full of disaster and acting in the area which is usual- bassador of the Great Britain to Tajikistan on May 18 and Dr. Abdoul Ghafour, the Ambas- light and colours. I told this to the representa- ly remained out of the glance in Tajikistan – tives of Russian Migration Service (just turn provision of psychological support. sador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Tajikistan on May 24. The British ambassa- the page at this Newsletter for more details of People who lost their loved ones, their prop- dor expressed his readiness to support small this meeting) and I am ready to tell this to the erties, everything and sitting in the ruins programmes on cross-border issues, as well whole world – the life is beautiful and every without enough food and hygiene – I saw this as his interest in visiting the Red Crescent person, despite of all challenges and difficul- kind of people, who looking lost and without programmes in the regions and following ties should believe and make others to believe any hope in the eye for recovery not only DFID funding. The Afghan ambassador was in it and none should lose his heart. Making during my visit to Tavildara, but many many very glad that a cooperation agreement will others to believe in this, when you take their times. These people in addition to food, in be signed between the Red Crescent Societies hands extended for help – is our mission and addition to shelter, in addition to hygiene and of Tajikistan and Afghanistan this June with our duty. TAJIK CUSTOMS OFFICIALS WERE INTRODUCED TO DISASTER LAW About 80 representatives of the Customs Service participated at a lecture on disaster risk and IFRC Disaster Law programme on 16 May 2012. The current lecture was proposed by the Cus- toms Service representatives. The audience was middle and low-level employees of the Cus- toms Service headquarters. The programme of the lecture included Red Cross history, IFRC mission, disaster risk and special attention was paid to the disaster law. After the lecture some materials (Disaster Law leaflet in Tajiki, IFRC Tajikistan Country Representation leaflets in Tajiki and Russian, RCST/IFRC latest issue of the newsletter, RCST Disaster Management leaflet, IDRL Guidelines in Tajiki, DVD with all Disaster Law related information) were dis- seminated among the participants.

The lecture was interactive and attracted the attention of the listeners. They were very inter- ested, especially in increasing the number of disasters, the necessity of preparations, including legal preparations and the linkage between coverage of a disaster and provided assistance. Being introduced into the Guidelines and the Mod- el Act Law customs-related points, the representatives of the Customs Service said that most of recommendations regarding the customs are already implemented in Tajikistan. But the challenge is that that Customs officers in the fields in some cases are not aware of the laws and legislation and in other cases do not understand the importance of the issue. There was a proposal to assist the Customs Service in increasing the awareness of their officers in the fields via special leaflets and/or trainings. EDUCATING TAJIK MIGRANTS DISCUSSED WITH RUSSIAN FMS Ms. Tatyana Bazhan, Head of Integration Assistance Department at the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation, and Mr. Victor Semenev, Head of the Russian Federation Federal Migration Service, Representation in Tajikistan visited IFRC Country Representation Office in Dushanbe on May 21, 2012 to discuss the possible cooperation on provision of informational and educational services to labour migrants from Tajikistan.

Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Country Representative in Tajikistan, welcoming the guests from the Federal Migration Ser- vice of the Russian Federation, mentioned the high importance of educating current and potential migrants, as well as providing their families with psychosocial support and trainings. He said: “Many of labour migrants who leave their homes have less knowledge about the laws of the country of destination, the labour market, have a language barrier and all these factors make migrants vulnerable. In many cases, living and working conditions lead to the spread of diseases, as well as psychological problems. It is very important for migrants to study Russian language, migration and labour-related legislation in their country of destination, and to have some skills, such as new-tech knowledge. Furthermore, migrants’ families should receive psychological support, as it is not easy for them to be far from their sons, husbands, brothers for a long period”.

Tajikistan Population: 7,487,489 (July 2010 est.) Mr. Michel-Sellier introduced the guests with IFRC regional project on migration, being 0-14 years: 34.3% implemented in four Central Asian republics including Tajikistan. “Central Asian Red 15-64 years: 62.1% Crescent Societies Network on labour migration issues” project had been launched in 2009 65 years and over: 3.6% with the financial support of the European Union. Under this project, 5 out of 12 informa- Net migration rate: tional-educational centres for migrants had been established in Tajikistan – in Vose’, Panj, -1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) Asht, Shahriston and Roshtqal’a districts.

Ms. Dilorom Mirova, Deputy Secretary General of the Red Crescent Society of Tajik- Services provided (2009-2011) istan (RCST), informed the guests about the activities of these centres, mentioning Legal issues consultations: 3,721 men, 2,049 women that during the project implementation (2009-2011), more than 15,000 people have Russian language: 3,423 men, 893 women benefited from the centres. She said: “These centres provide informational and educa- Computer skills: 2,460 men, 1,691 women tional services on legal issues, prevention of various diseases, in particular, HIV and tuber- Total: 9,604 men, 5,633 women culosis, assist in the search, as well as aid in the delivery of messages to the families of migrants. Russian language and computer literacy classes are also held in the centres”.

Reach our educational centres for migrants and their families: Ms. Tatyana Bazhan, sharing the impressions from her recent visit to one of Vose’ - Abduvali Mirzoev str. Tel: (+992) 90 797 6072 RCST centres for migrants in Vose’ district, said, that she was pleasantly Panj—7 Novobolnichnaya str. Tel: (+992) 93 519 8311 surprised with the professional level of the Russian and computer literacy Asht—Shaydon, 74 I.Somoni str. Tel: (+992) 918 51 97 52 classes. Ms. Bazhan talking about the Russian Federation’s FMS activities, Shahriston—7 Istaravshan str. Tel: (+992) 918 18 16 56 pointed out to the directions of possible cooperation. Mr. Victor Semenev, Roshtqal’a—3/1 Javonon str. Tel: (+992) 91 948 8897 Head of Russian Federation Federal Migration Service Representation in Tajikistan, proposed to collaborate on developing informational materials, as well as conducting joint lectures on legal issues.

AN AGREEMENT TO EASE MIGRANTS’ LIFE ICRC GIVES LECTURES FOR TAJIK MFA A cooperation agreement was signed between the Migration Service On 10-11 May 2012, under the Government of Tajikistan and the Red Crescent Society of the International Tajikistan on May 2, 2012. The agreement was signed by Mr. Safiallo Committee of the Devonaev, Head of the Migration Service and Mr. Zafar Muhabbatov, Red Cross together RCST Secretary General. with the Red Cres- cent Society of Tajiki- During the meeting Mr. Devonaev said that the Migration Service stan conducted lec- plans to establish training centres on pre-migration preparation to tures for 50 employ- train the potential migrants on new skills, languages and legal issues. ees of the Ministry of Mr. Muhabbatov noted about the Red Crescent experience in training Foreign Affairs migrants under the informational-educational centres for migrants the (MFA) of the Repub- Society has. Cooperation on this area was actively discussed in the lic of Tajikistan upon meeting and the sides agreed to continue the negotiations on mapping request of MFA. future collaboration. It was the first time RCST conducted such kind of lectures for the rep-

Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan resentatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event took place International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies during the “Month of the Red Crescent” and was also the opportunity Monthly Newsletter #9, May 2012 for the National Society to present its activities. Circulation: 90 120, Umar Khayyom str., Dushanbe, 734017. Republic of Tajikistan The International Committee of the Red Cross presented the following Tel.: (+992 37) 2240374; 2240033; 2244296 subjects: International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Inter- Tel/Fax: (+992 37) 224 4433; 224 8520 national Committee of the Red Cross - activities in the world and in E-mail: [email protected] Tajikistan, Introduction into Contemporary International Humanitari- Web-home: www.tajikistanrc.wordpress.com an Law (IHL).