«The UN Office in Kyrgyzstan is seriously concerned about the numerous provisions of the bills on NGOs and the media,» Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, said at the round table «Freedom of speech and human rights in Kyrgyzstan: threats of legislative initiatives.»
She noted that it was the fourth time she spoke on the same bill. The concern is that many provisions of the draft laws are not consistent with the international documents that Kyrgyzstan has signed.
«At a time when Kyrgyzstan could be an example for the UN and the Human Rights Council, today’s actions risk interrupting achievements in the field of sustainable development. If such laws are passed, they will greatly affect 7 million Kyrgyz people and deceive their hopes for a decent life. The UN Secretary-General has clearly stated that society becomes stronger and more resilient when men and women influence politics. He emphasized the importance of the right to freedom of opinion, speech and peaceful assembly,» Antje Grawe said.
She also noted that the draft laws on NGOs and foreign representatives would limit the rights of non-profit organizations to implement development projects in the Kyrgyz Republic. All this will bring problems to NGOs, especially in the regions where they work with vulnerable groups. The law on NGOs has vague wording that could expose service organizations to potentially unfair treatment. And the right of access to information is a basic one.
«These rights and freedoms are the cornerstone of freedoms and human rights. It is important for media, journalists and bloggers to have the right to disseminate the facts that need to be broadcast, to show the most vulnerable people. Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Kyrgyz Republic requires not only close consultations with civil society. They are based on the important role of civil society, which would allow the development of rights with dignity. Legislative provisions, if passed in their current form, will inevitably limit civil space and society,» she concluded.
