We welcome Kyrgyzstan's support for the majority of recommendations, including on combating domestic violence, protecting children's rights and rights of people with disabilities, and strengthening anti-corruption measures.
We regret, however, that Kyrgyzstan did not support recommendations to repeal its repressive "foreign representatives" law, which unlawfully and severely restricts civil society organizations receiving foreign funding. The right to seek, receive, and utilize resources from national, international, and foreign sources is an inherent part of the right to freedom of association, as established by numerous international and regional human rights mechanisms.
Kyrgyzstan also did not support multiple recommendations on freedom of expression and media freedom. The government's failure to repeal restrictive media legislation and release imprisoned journalists contradicts its constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations. Of particular concern is the closure of Kloop Media and the continued harassment of its workers – including the very recent convictions of four staffers on charges of ‘’public calls for mass unrest’’ for allegedly participating in the production of You Tube videos critical of the government.
Kyrgyzstan did not support any of the recommendations on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, most of which focus on basic anti-discrimination protections, safety from violence, and access to justice.
We also regret Kyrgyzstan's failure to support ratification of the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute. The government's position undermines accountability for the apparent war crimes committed by forces of both sides during recent border conflicts in Tajikistan.
We urge Kyrgyzstan to reconsider its positions on recommendations it is yet to support. Doing so would be in line with Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to be an active part of international human rights structures and mechanisms, including the UN Human Rights Council of which it is a member. Human Rights Watch calls on the UN human rights system and member states to continue pressing Kyrgyzstan to implement all accepted recommendations while working to address the human rights gaps left by rejected recommendations.
Thank you.
