Russia Cracks Down on NGOs in Central Asia Amid Existing Challenges
In recent developments in Central Asia, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made controversial comments regarding “pro-Western” NGOs operating in the region. Shoigu’s remarks came on World NGO Day, highlighting the perceived threat these organizations pose to Russia’s interests in Central Asia.
Shoigu mentioned over 100 large pro-Western NGOs operating in the region and expressed concerns about their activities potentially undermining military, economic, and cultural cooperation between Central Asian states and Russia. This stance reflects Russia’s longstanding fear of Western influence through NGOs in undemocratic countries, according to analysts.
Kazakhstan, unlike other Central Asian countries, publicly pushed back against Shoigu’s statements, emphasizing the importance of supporting civil society and NGOs within its borders. However, the country has also faced criticisms for its treatment of NGOs, with prominent figures like Dina Smailova facing legal challenges for their activism.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan has passed a controversial bill heavily inspired by Russian legislation, aiming to regulate foreign-funded organizations as “foreign representatives.” This move aligns Kyrgyzstan with Russia’s crackdown on civil society groups, raising concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory under President Sadyr Japarov.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have also faced challenges in their NGO landscapes, with closures and restrictions impacting civil society activities. Despite efforts to encourage NGO development, Uzbekistan’s NGOs are largely government-organized, limiting their independence and ability to source funding from abroad.
Overall, the Central Asian region is witnessing a complex landscape for NGOs and civil society, with varying levels of government scrutiny and restrictions. Russia’s perceived “preventive measures” against NGOs further highlight the challenges faced by organizations advocating for human rights and democracy in the region.
