Confiscated Swiss Assets of Gulnara Karimova Funding Social Projects in Uzbekistan
The government of Uzbekistan has recently received the first tranche of $131 million from illegally acquired assets confiscated in Switzerland. This money has been redirected towards the development of healthcare and education in the country.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev initiated this move to utilize these funds for social development projects. As a result, the “Ishonch” Fund was established within a multilateral UN trust mechanism in 2022. A Strategic Committee and a Civil Society Advisory Council were formed to ensure the proper allocation of these resources.
In the healthcare sector, the funds were used to purchase modern medical equipment for perinatal centers across Uzbekistan. Over 5,800 units of medical equipment have been procured so far, with plans for an additional 1,400 devices. Furthermore, over 11,000 healthcare professionals have received training, and medical protocols have been updated to meet international standards.
In the education sector, the money from the “Ishonch” Fund is being utilized to implement digital technologies in schools and improve sanitation and hygiene conditions. This includes modernizing heating systems and increasing community involvement in school management.
Uzbekistan and Switzerland have also agreed on the return of a second tranche of $182 million, bringing the total repatriated assets from Gulnara Karimova to $313 million. This partnership between the two countries is a positive step towards the development of healthcare and education in Uzbekistan.
