The project will be implemented by UNDP in Kyrgyzstan and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The total budget of the project for 10 years is 9,8 million Swiss francs.

According to Alexander Avanesov, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, the project is long-term, was developed in close cooperation with all the stakeholders, and meets the needs of national partners. “To date, Kyrgyzstan is the only parliamentary democracy in the region and this strive of the country shall be supported. This is the main essence of the project being launched today”, - said A. Avanesov during the official project presentation on April 28, 2017 with participation of project partners.

It was also reported that project activities are designed and will be carried out in line with the 2021 Development Strategy of Jogorku Kenesh. According to this strategy, the parliament takes a lead in shaping the future strategic vision of the country on behalf of citizens, identifies its directions and generates new ideas and development concepts.

On May 1, the project has started implementation of its first 4 year phase with a total budget of 3,8 million Swiss francs. “In the first phase, we will closely collaborate and provide expert support to the activities of three parliamentary committees, namely the committee on constitutional legislation, state structure and judicial legal affairs, the committee on social affairs, education, science, culture and healthcare as well as the committee on finance and budget,”- stated Lucio V. Sarandrea, UNDP Chief Technical Adviser on Rule of Law.

In addition, the project will closely work on enhancing capacity of Public Councils and will run a special Civic Action Fund to support various civil society initiatives that promote inclusiveness of the parliament.

During the meeting, the head of the apparatus of the Parliament Samat Ibraev has expressed his gratitude for launching this timely project and readiness to work together.

The three organizations will allocate in total up to USD 340’000 to provide shelter assistance to highly vulnerable earthquake-affected households in Chong Alai district of Osh oblast, to train local masons on affordable para-seismic construction norms and techniques, as well as to provide legal assistance to help the affected households claim their housing, land and property rights and access affordable and reliable insurance. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation will contribute CHF 240’000, the Aga Khan Foundation will contribute USD 50’000 and Helvetas the amount of CHF 40’000.

“The Swiss contribution to the reconstruction of houses is an expression of Switzerland’s solidarity towards the population of Chong Alai. The joint effort places victims at the center of our engagement in a spirit of neutrality, independence and impartiality”, said the Ambassador of Switzerland René Holenstein. 

The work will be implemented by the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED) in Kyrgyzstan and the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, District Department of Architecture and Jekendi Ayil Okmotu. 

For reference:

On 3^rd and 5^th May, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake and a 5.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in northern Tajikistan followed by several aftershocks. The earthquakes reverberated in several villages in Chong-Alai district of Kyrgyzstan, with a magnitude of 4 to 6. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan reported that 1,000 houses, 3 hospitals, 1 primary health care centre and 1 school had been affected by the earthquake with damages of various intensities. 

The Government of Switzerland provides assistance for the development of the Kyrgyz Republic and supports projects in areas such as health, private sector development, public sector reform, and infrastructure. 

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational, not-for-profit agencies that aim to improve living conditions and opportunities for people without regard to their particular religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. AKF has been active in the Kyrgyz Republic for more than two decades. For more information on AKF and AKDN, please visit: www.akdn.org. 

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is a development organization anchored in Switzerland. Helvetas started its activities in Kyrgyzstan in November 1994, and today organization is running 8 projects in Kyrgyzstan. Our organization is always ready to support and develop relationship with local and international partners. For more information, please visit our website at www.kyrgyzstan.helvetas.org