The UNHCR regional logistics hub in Termez, Uzbekistan, is set to become part of the agency’s global humanitarian emergency response stockpile network. As the eighth global stockpile, the integration enhances UNHCR’s ability to swiftly deliver essential relief supplies to displaced populations worldwide and underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts.
The Termez hub was established in 2021 at the Termez Cargo Centre with support from the government of Uzbekistan in response to the Afghanistan emergency. Initially launched as a pilot project, the hub aimed to test whether maintaining a stockpile near Afghanistan could enable faster replenishment of local supplies while reducing costs and logistical risks. Since its inception, over 7,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid have been processed through the hub via four airlifts and more than 720 trucks.
The UNHCR global stockpile network ensures rapid response to humanitarian crises by providing essential items such as blankets, mattresses, solar lamps, and kitchen sets to up to one million displaced people.
“Providing vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people with these core relief items supports their dignity, health, privacy, and self-reliance, reducing further protection risks,” said Dumitru Lipcanu, acting UNHCR Representative for Central Asia. “Inclusion of the hub into our global stockpile network will allow us to leverage the services and connections available from Termez even further, to better and more efficiently support people who have been forced to flee their homes.”
The official launch of the UNHCR Global Stockpile Termez took place on February 11, attended by Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, Ismatullah Irgashev; UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Indrika Ratwatte; UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Machl; UNHCR Representative for Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal; and acting UNHCR Representative for Central Asia, Dumitru
Sabine Machl highlighted the significance of the integration, stating, “The formal inclusion of the Termez hub into UNHCR’s global network is evidence of Uzbekistan’s commitment to the principles of multilateralism and reinforces its role as a proactive member of the international community. Millions of displaced individuals are expected to benefit from the vital assistance provided by UNHCR.”
Special Representative Irgashev emphasized that the Termez hub symbolizes international cooperation, efficiency, and reliability, while also contributing to regional development through job creation and economic opportunities.
In 2024, UNHCR completed a pioneering project to solarize the hub, making it the first of its kind powered entirely by renewable energy. The 700kW solar photovoltaic power plant will significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower operational costs, allowing for reinvestment in further sustainable initiatives.
Alongside Termez, UNHCR operates global stockpiles in Accra, Ghana; Amman, Jordan; Copenhagen, Denmark; Douala, Cameroon; Dubai, UAE; Nairobi, Kenya; and Panama City, Panama.
