Few people have heard of the suffering the Andijani Uzbeks have faced, but those who have heard their story have been deeply moved. We not only want to tell you the story, but we want you to be included in the next chapters of their story, the chapter where they flourish in every way as residents of Phoenix and where they peacefully stand against the injustices that have been committed.

Andijan is a city with a population of 350,000 people  near the Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan border. In the 1990s the Uzbek economy was struggling, making it difficult to even feed one’s family. That’s when a group of 23 business leaders from Andijan decided they would build a community based on fairness, entrepreneurship, and generosity to provide jobs, hoping to lift people out of poverty. This wasn’t just a dream or an idea – it actually worked. They started businesses that provided jobs for thousands. For this act alone, this community should be admired.

Through some tragic and oppressive events, many people in this community died at the hands of their own government, and thousands were forced to flee their homeland. They are among the millions of Uzbeks who have suffered at the hands of Uzbekistan’s Dictator, Islam Karimov, whose regime has repeatedly violated the Uzbek Constitution and Human Rights. His brutal acts of torture, forced child labor policies, and corruption have been well documented.

 

Our friends, the Uzbeks in Phoenix,  have lived in refugee camps, suffered physical violence, been separated from family, and lost many people who are dear to them. Now, many live here in America as refugees in a foreign land where they have to learn a new language, culture and start new careers.

Most people in their situation would be crushed and defeated, but not this community! They have a vision! They are building a strong community, starting businesses, launching social ventures and stimulating the economy in Phoenix by creating jobs. It’s truly a blessing to be able to call the Andijani Uzbeks our neighbors.