Foreign-Funded NGOs in Kyrgyzstan Face Legal Crackdown, Sparking Fears in Civil Society
Kyrgyz President Signs Controversial Law Targeting Foreign-Funded NGOs
Almaty, Kazakhstan — Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has approved a new law that will require organizations receiving foreign funding and engaged in political activities to register as “foreign representatives.” This move has sparked concerns about the potential crackdown on civil society and the further erosion of democratic values in the country.
The law, which will come into effect next week, mirrors Russian legislation on “foreign agents” and has been met with criticism from international rights organizations, the United States, and the European Union. Critics argue that the new law could restrict the operations of NGOs delivering essential services to the Kyrgyz people, including U.S. assistance implemented by local and international organizations.
Under the new law, NGOs designated as “foreign representatives” will be subject to unannounced inspections by law enforcement agencies and will be required to report quarterly on their activities and funding sources. This heightened scrutiny and oversight could potentially lead to the closure of organizations deemed non-compliant with the new regulations.
Dinara Oshurahunova, a prominent rights defender, has expressed concerns about the broad definition of “political activities” under the law, which could encompass various civic engagement and advocacy efforts. Oshurahunova’s organization, Civic Initiatives, which monitors and works with parliament, is now in the process of liquidation due to fears of reprisals and discrimination.
The law’s impact extends beyond traditional NGOs, as media outlets registered as nonprofits could also face restrictions on receiving foreign grants without being labeled as “foreign representatives.” This has raised fears of further stifling freedom of expression and press freedom in Kyrgyzstan.
While the Kyrgyz law currently does not target individuals as in Russia’s legislation on “foreign agents,” activists warn that the government may introduce more stringent measures in the future, such as an “undesirable organizations” act. This could further curtail cooperation with international rights groups and limit the space for dissent and advocacy in the country.
Despite the challenges posed by the new law, activists like Nurbek Toktakunov remain committed to defending human rights and the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan. Toktakunov, who plans to cease cooperation with foreign donors to avoid legal repercussions, emphasizes the importance of local support for civil society initiatives and the need to continue advocating for fundamental rights within the country.
As Kyrgyzstan navigates the implications of this controversial law, concerns persist about the future of democracy and civil liberties in the country. The international community, including the European Union and the United States, has urged the Kyrgyz government to uphold democratic values and protect the rights of civil society organizations operating in the country.
