UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
The Kyrgyz Republic has launched three major programs to expand electronic ID cards for citizens, increase capacity to respond to disasters, and make schools safer. Developed with an $11.9 million donation from Japan, the initiatives will be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The ID program, called civil registry, aims to deliver a first batch of 3 million electronic ID cards and establish 150 state registry service offices across the country, with implementation by UNDP. Countries need modern, functional civil registry systems to enable citizens to enjoy economic, social and political rights.
The disaster risk reduction program, also to be carried out by UNDP, will provide equipment to help monitor avalanches. It will also equip 22 fire stations across the country and create an emergency phone line in the northern regions of the country.
UNICEF will work with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as the state agency responsible for housing and school safety. The latter agency ensures the physical safety of schools and teaches children how to protect themselves when disaster hits.
“I believe our joint work will allow us to make an important contribution to the agenda for…the Sendai Framework Program for Disaster Risk Reduction through 2030 adopted by the United Nations member countries,” said Alexander Avanessov, the UNDP resident representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.