Taking Action Against Foreign Agents: Urging Donors to Act
A coalition of 15 organizations has come together to express their concerns over a draft law in Kyrgyzstan that could have serious implications for the development projects in the country. The joint letter, addressed to four international finance institutions (IFIs) including the Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, and World Bank, urges them to take immediate action.
The draft law, officially known as the Draft Law «On Amendments to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic «On Non-Commercial Organizations», has raised red flags among the organizations due to its potential impact on civil society and independent media. If passed, the law could create a climate of fear, making it difficult for individuals including workers, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations to speak out without fear of reprisals.
The letter calls on the IFIs to demand the withdrawal of the draft law on «foreign representatives» and the draft law on mass media, highlighting that these initiatives go against the principles and objectives of the development assistance programs in Kyrgyzstan. The need to ensure an open space for civil society and independent media is emphasized, as well as the creation of a platform for promoting cooperation to address social issues in the country.
The coalition warns that failure to address these concerns could jeopardize future projects financed by the IFIs in Kyrgyzstan. The passing of such a law could limit stakeholder engagement, increase the risk of corruption, and silence critical voices that play a crucial role in public accountability.
The letter comes at a time when the Kyrgyz authorities have been criticized for cracking down on freedom of expression, including the recent imprisonment of journalists. The adoption of the draft law on «foreign representatives» could further erode freedoms in the country and send a concerning message to neighboring nations.
As of February 22, amendments to the Law on NGOs were adopted in the Kyrgyz Parliament, introducing the concept of a «foreign representative». Despite some opposition, the amendments passed with a majority of parliament deputies in support.
It remains to be seen how the IFIs will respond to the concerns raised in the joint letter and whether the Kyrgyz authorities will reconsider the implications of the draft law on the country’s development and human rights landscape.
