Transparency International Calls for Rejection of Proposed Foreign Representatives Law
Transparency International Urges Kyrgyzstan to Reject Draft Law Targeting NGO’S
Transparency International, an international organization dedicated to fighting corruption, is calling on Kyrgyzstan’s parliament to reject a proposed Russian-inspired draft law that would classify externally funded civil society organizations as “foreign representatives.”
According to the organization, this restrictive measure is aimed at stigmatizing NGOs and could potentially force them to cease operations, further shrinking the civic space in the country.
The proposed legislation is part of a worrying trend where Kyrgyzstani authorities are intensifying efforts to restrict access to information, suppress free speech, and limit civic engagement. This includes draft laws to restrict media, pressure on independent media outlets, and the arrests and prosecution of activists and journalists.
If enacted, the draft law would grant public authorities oversight powers and potentially impose criminal sanctions for vaguely outlined offenses. Organizations would have to register as “foreign representatives” and submit to excessive state control or face suspension and eventual liquidation.
Altynai Myrzabekova, Regional Advisor for Europe and Central Asia at Transparency International, stated, “The proposed law is incompatible with Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights commitments. If enacted, the law could seriously threaten Kyrgyzstan’s civil society and should be withdrawn.”
The bill, which introduces the concept of “foreign representatives,” was adopted in the first and second readings by the Parliament on January 23, 2024. It will be considered in the second reading at a meeting of the Parliament today.
Transparency International is urging the Kyrgyzstani authorities to reconsider this dangerous legislation and protect the rights of civil society organizations engaging in legitimate activities aimed at promoting public dialogue and advocating for legislative improvements.
