OSCE Centre supports co-ordination meeting on disaster mitigation in Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 13 March 2009 - A two-day co-ordination meeting in Osh, supported by the OSCE Centre's Field Office, to foster co-operation and information exchange on disaster preparedness, mitigation and rapid response among key actors of Kyrgyz society concluded today.

Representatives of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), international organizations and local non governmental organizations working in the south of the country took part.

"The start of spring, which brings with it an increased risk of natural disasters, makes this event very relevant and much needed. The discussions will help us identify the capacity and ability of each organization, which will serve as a basis for better co-ordination and for concerted assistance to the MES in building its capacity to respond to natural disasters and reach out to the most vulnerable communities," said Hugo Karlsson, the Head of the OSCE Osh Field Office.

The OSCE Centre's Field Office in Osh plans to train 25 communities on natural disaster response and to enhance the professional skills of the MES's staff through international best-practice exchange programmes. The activities also emphasize disaster prevention and complement other existing co-ordination projects.

"When all key actors co-ordinate their activities and work within one concerted framework they can organize effective response to such disasters. In 2008, 312 natural disasters and emergency situations occurred in Kyrgyzstan, claiming 281 lives. I am confident that such meetings will contribute to developing improved responses to natural disasters," said Bakir Jolchiev, Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations.