The European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic held the 12th round of the annual Human Rights Dialogue, where the partners discussed a broad range of issues. EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic reported.
The dialogue participants underscored the importance of close cooperation between the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic in the current geopolitical context.
According to the media and information coordinator Chentymir Kalbaev, the parties discussed the ongoing work to harmonize legislation under the new constitution in a transparent and inclusive manner.
The EU stressed the need for effective and democratic checks and balances.
«The EU expressed concern about the overall negative trend on fundamental human rights notably as regards a shrinking space for civil society to operate freely and increasing pressure on freedom of speech. In this regard, the EU raised concern about the broad and seemingly arbitrary application of criminal code Article 330 on hatred and discord and the implementation of the law on false information,» the statement says.
The blocking of media and targeting of journalists, bloggers and social media users engaged in investigative journalism, civic or political participation critical of government is in contravention with Kyrgyzstan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
From the statement of the EU mission in Bishkek
The EU reiterated concerns about reports of deaths, torture and inhuman treatment and the very low rate of court adjudication of these allegations.
«The Ombudsperson and National Preventative Mechanisms need to be equipped with independence and effective capacities in line with the Paris Principles on standards for national human rights institutions. The EU repeated its concern that the death in prison of the prominent Human Rights defender Azimzhan Askarov in summer 2020 has still not been impartially and transparently investigated and his family still awaits justice,» the statement says.
The parties discussed non-discrimination and the need for comprehensive legislation covering all forms of discrimination, including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and religious belief.
The EU welcomed the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic to strengthen the rights and protection of children and looks forward to the swift adoption of the draft Child Code.
In line with its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Kyrgyz authorities outlined steps taken, including its recently developed ‘accessible country’ programme. The EU expressed its concern about the rising numbers of cases of violence against women and children in the country and urged effective victim support, proper investigation and access to justice.
The Human Rights Dialogue was preceded by the meeting with local civil society representatives including human rights defenders and was held back-to-back with the EU’s GSP+ monitoring mission.
The Kyrgyz Republic has benefitted from the GSP+ (special incentive arrangement of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences for Sustainable Development and Good Governance) unilateral trade preferences since 2016. The current scheme will expire at the end of 2023. To continue benefitting, all GSP+ beneficiaries, including the Kyrgyz Republic, will have to go through a reapplication process. The EU encourages the Kyrgyz Republic to address its commitments, including the above-mentioned issues to ensure its continued enjoyment of GSP+ benefits.
The GSP+ mission and human rights dialogue serve to inform the assessment prepared by the European Commission of all GSP+ beneficiary countries to be submitted to the European Parliament and European Council at the end of the year.
