Geneva, 15 September 2026. An aside event entitled “Education as a Primary Tool for the Reintegration of Children Returning from Conflict Zones” took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, on the margins of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the 101st session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The discussion focused on the role of education, psychosocial support and inter-agency cooperation in helping children rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

At the heart of the discussion was Kazakhstan’s practical experience gained through the “Zhusan” and “Rusafa” humanitarian operations. These efforts brought 572 children home from armed conflict zones and established a comprehensive system of rehabilitation and follow-up support.

Opening the event, Alua Nadirkulova, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that repatriation alone does not complete a child’s return to a peaceful life. Successful reintegration requires coordinated efforts by government agencies, educators, psychologists, social services, civil society and international partners, with each child’s individual needs and best interests at the centre of decision-making.

Saken-Tai Mukhamedzhanov, Director of the AQNIET Centre, shared practical experience in working with returning children and their families. Kazakhstan’s experience demonstrates that schools serve not only as places of learning, but also as vital environments for socialisation, rebuilding social ties and restoring a sense of belonging.

In a video message, Vanessa Frazier, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, highlighted education as a key tool for the protection, recovery and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict.

UNICEF representative Tasha Gill stressed the need to regard returning children first and foremost as victims of armed conflict who need family support, access to education, psychosocial care and sustained assistance.

Participants identified several essential conditions for successful reintegration: long-term support following a child’s return, access to quality education, engagement with families and local communities, and the prevention of stigmatisation and social exclusion.

The event built on Kazakhstan’s sustained efforts to promote education as a means of advancing peace, tolerance and social inclusion. In September 2023, at the initiative of Kazakhstan and other Central Asian States, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted without a vote resolution 54/5, “Ensuring quality education for peace and tolerance for every child”.

Kazakhstan will continue to advance this agenda at the United Nations, including during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with particular attention to the role of education in reintegration and in securing a sustainable future for children affected by armed conflict.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1293960?lang=ru