Amnesty International, an international organization dedicated to protecting human rights, is urging Kyrgyzstan to retract a proposed bill that seeks to amend the NGO law, thereby restricting the fundamental right to freedom of association.
The organization's statement emphasizes the significant threat posed to Kyrgyzstan's vibrant civil society, which has been highly active in the region. The proposed amendments contradict the country's international human rights obligations, particularly regarding the protection and promotion of the right to freedom of association. They have garnered condemnation from Kyrgyz civil society and international experts.
Under the proposed amendments, civil society activists engaging in the creation, participation, or promotion of an NGO, or a branch of a foreign NGO, could face imprisonment of up to 10 years. The criteria for what constitutes "incitement of citizens to renounce civil duties or commit other unlawful acts" are vaguely defined. Additionally, the amendments introduce a mandatory requirement for NGOs receiving foreign funding to be labeled as "foreign representatives."
The updated law empowers authorities to suspend NGO activities for up to six months without a court decision or remove them from the register if they fail to register as a "foreign representative." The use of the term "foreign representatives," as observed in other countries in the region, significantly undermines the work of NGOs. It imposes heightened state control over their activities and stigmatizes their work, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Moreover, human rights activists argue that these changes discriminate against foreigners, stateless individuals, and those with psychosocial disabilities. Such individuals are prohibited from registering NGOs, thereby depriving them of essential civil rights.
Recently, another law was issued to limit the freedom of the press in Kyrgyzstan, which was negatively commented on by Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic. She emphasized that the provisions in the bills do not align with international agreements signed by Kyrgyzstan.
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