The Soros Foundation, which has been active in Kyrgyzstan since 1993, has announced the cessation of its operations in the country, on April 15, due to the enactment of a new law on non-profit organizations. The foundation stated on its website that the decision to terminate activities stems from concerns over disproportionate and unnecessary restrictions imposed by the recent legislation on local organizations funded by the international community.
The foundation, known as the "Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation," emphasized that its management comprised Kyrgyz citizens, with funding originating from abroad. However, the implementation of the new law would inevitably subject the organization to additional legislative constraints.
Over nearly three decades of operation, the Soros Foundation allocated approximately $115 mn to support various projects across Kyrgyzstan, collaborating with both governmental bodies and civil society. These projects encompassed initiatives in education, public health, digital technology accessibility, criminal justice reform, and legal aid.
The enactment of the new law on non-profit and non-governmental organizations in Kyrgyzstan, which occurred a few weeks ago, has sparked controversy. Initially, the legislation proposed criminal liability for NGOs whose activities were deemed contrary to national interests. Although this provision was subsequently removed from the bill, the law still tightens control over NGO activities.
The law's adoption has prompted concerns from international actors, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who expressed apprehension about diminishing levels of democracy in Kyrgyzstan. In response, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov defended the legislation, asserting that it aimed to safeguard national interests. Japarov also invited Blinken to visit Bishkek to gain firsthand insight into the country's internal affairs, as it was disclosed by TASS.
Responce of the government
The decision to close the representative office of the Soros Foundation in Kyrgyzstan has left the administration of the President perplexed, as it was informed by Sputnik Kyrgyzstan on April 16.
The official noted that the Soros family and associated entities have been reassessing their global operations in recent years, leading to the closure of offices in other Central Asian countries and throughout Eastern Europe, with exceptions in Ukraine and Georgia. Many regional projects have also experienced significant reductions or closures.
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