The first humanitarian operation was conducted on May 30, 2019, on the personal instructions of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: 156 citizens of Uzbekistan, mostly women and children, were brought back from war-torn Syria.

Later, in October 2019, Operation 'Mehr-2' was carried out, followed by 'Mehr-3' in December 2020 and 'Mehr-4' in February 2021. These operations resulted in the return of dozens of women and children from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The final stage of Operation 'Mehr-5' took place in April 2021: 92 people—24 women and 68 children—were brought home from Syria.

In total, more than 530 people have been repatriated through the 'Mehr' operations, approximately 75% of whom are children. All returnees have been provided with documents. Every child born in the conflict zone has been issued a birth certificate of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The repatriated children study in regular classes, not special ones. Currently, about 10 returnees are pursuing higher education, and 9 children have become winners and prize-winners of national and regional subject olympiads.

Source: kun.uz