Kyrgyzstan Bans All Forms of Discrimination: Geneva Report Released
Kyrgyzstan’s Commitment to Combating Racial Discrimination Highlighted at UN Presentation
On May 1-2, 2025, Nurgul Bakirova, Deputy Chair of the Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan, represented the nation during the presentation and defense of its 11th and 12th periodic reports on the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) for the years 2019-2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the Supreme Court’s press service, Kyrgyzstan has been dedicated to enforcing the Convention’s provisions since it joined in 1996. The country’s Constitution, along with procedural legislation and various sectoral laws, explicitly prohibits all forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or nationality.
During her speech, Bakirova emphasized the judiciary’s role in safeguarding individual rights. She pointed out that Kyrgyz courts apply both domestic and international legal standards, including those stipulated in the Convention. A legal mechanism exists that allows individuals to challenge legislation that contradicts anti-discrimination principles, showcasing the judiciary’s commitment to upholding fairness.
Bakirova also highlighted the judiciary’s proactive approach in addressing crimes driven by racial, ethnic, or religious animus. Such offenses are treated as aggravated circumstances within the legal framework, leading to stringent penalties against those promoting supremacy and extremism.
Since 2019, over 400 judges in Kyrgyzstan have received training focused on human rights protection and international legal standards, further enhancing the judicial system’s capacity to combat discrimination.
In her remarks, Bakirova noted the representation of various nationalities within the judiciary, emphasizing gender balance—38 percent of the country’s 470 judges are women. "Kyrgyzstan remains committed to the principles of equality, justice, and respect for diversity," she stated. "We recognize that combating racial discrimination is not only an international obligation but a vital step toward building a harmonious and inclusive society."
The nation expressed its willingness to collaborate further with international partners and the UN in efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination and strengthen the foundations of justice.
