Kyrgyzstan: Tracking the Crisis — Reports from CIVICUS and partners

Overview of the Conflict

Recent ethnic conflict between Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationalities has shattered the communities in southern Kyrgyzstan. Over 2,000 are estimated dead, and local reports indicate that the actual death toll may be much higher. Approximately 400,000 people have fled their homes, with an estimated 100,000 crossing the border into neighbouring Uzbekistan.

Tens of thousands of these refugees are without shelter, food or access to water as humanitarian aid is slow to reach those in need. Despite reports that a trickle of refugees have begun to return to the region, many will not have homes to return to. CIVICUS has received reports of looting, rapes, killings, «ethnic cleansing,» people burned alive, and entire Uzbek neighbourhoods burnt to the ground.