Story of Anya

Anya* is one of over 439 Uzbek refugees who arrived in Kyrgyzstan after the horrific events in Andijan on May 12th and 13th of 2005. She spent ten weeks of her life living in fear of being deported before she was transferred to Romania a few months later. The then 46-year-old told the UNHCR that she still had terrible memories of that day, which changed her whole life in the worst way. Her son was killed in Babur Square. She witnessed the bullet go through his ear. Like many others, she went to the square with the best intentions to see what the President had to say.

She continued to wait with some of her family members in Romania, talking with representatives from various resettlement countries - more than 10, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. Like other Uzbek refugees in their group, she hoped to find a home where she felt safe again.

In 2005-14, within the framework of refugee assistance, the Association for Human Rights in Central Asia (AHRCA) documented 114 cases of extra-territorial repression. Almost all those concerned were declared wanted by Uzbekistan.

Unfortunately, in free democratic countries where Uzbek citizens find refuge, the personal data of people under international protection are not protected.

*name changed

Written by Rethinking Refugees

Representative Photo