The government of Uzbekistan has approved regulations on the procedure for attracting and socially supporting volunteers and voluntary rescuers to public groups of "Emergency Volunteers" through Decree No. 181 dated April 17. Announced by the Ministry of Justice, this document is designed to systematically recruit and incentivize individuals who provide assistance during emergencies in the country. The regulations aim to standardize volunteer activities and enhance their effectiveness, marking a significant step in this field, though their implementation may face bureaucratic hurdles and logistical challenges.
According to the regulations, only Uzbek citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to join the public groups. Prospective members must first register through the electronic volunteer platform (volontyor.uz) and then apply to regional emergency management authorities (main departments). This process establishes a centralized system for selecting and monitoring volunteer qualifications, but concerns remain about the platform's functionality and accessibility, which could hinder recruitment efforts and delay response times in crises.
Members of the public groups are granted several privileges. For instance, a recommendation for additional points in university admissions is provided to volunteers who win a competition organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The competition is open to volunteers aged 18 to 25, targeting youth engagement. However, the fairness and transparency of the competition have sparked public debate, and the age restriction may exclude experienced volunteers, potentially undermining the diversity and effectiveness of the volunteer corps.
Volunteer activities are evaluated at the district (city), regional, and national levels based on accumulated points according to specified criteria. While the evaluation criteria are clearly defined, their practical application and the objectivity of results raise questions. Recommendations are awarded to one volunteer from each region, totaling 14 volunteers, which may intensify competition due to limited opportunities. The recommendation is valid for one academic year, indicating a lack of long-term incentive mechanisms and possibly reducing sustained participation and motivation among volunteers.
Source: www.gazeta.uz