World Bank Reacts to Appeals from NGOs Regarding Foreign Agents Law
World Bank Office in Kyrgyz Republic responds to concerns over bill on “foreign representatives”
In response to a letter posted by the Coalition for Human Rights in Development regarding the bill on “foreign representatives” in the Kyrgyz Republic, the World Bank Office has issued a statement to 24.kg news agency.
The World Bank recognizes the vital role that civil society organizations (CSOs) play in promoting accountability and transparency in countries. CSOs have been instrumental in monitoring the social and environmental impacts of investment projects, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable solutions. The World Bank also emphasizes the importance of independent media and freedom of the press.
The World Bank Office in Kyrgyz Republic stated that as a matter of policy, they do not interfere in the internal political or legal affairs of a country. They will closely monitor the developments in Kyrgyz Republic.
A joint letter from 15 organizations, including Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan, urged international finance institutions to take action against the “foreign representatives” bill. The organizations called for the immediate withdrawal of the draft law and measures to ensure space for civil society and independent media remains open.
The letter highlighted that if the law is adopted, it could pose a serious threat to development activities in Kyrgyzstan. The bill introduces the concept of a “foreign representative,” similar to the foreign agent law in Russian legislation.
On February 22, deputies in Kyrgyzstan adopted amendments to the Law on NGOs in the second reading, with 64 parliament deputies in support and 5 against. The World Bank’s statement serves as a response to the concerns raised over the bill and its potential impact on civil society and media freedom in the country.
