KYRGYZSTAN: International Human Rights Groups Urge Parliament to Reject “Foreign Agents Bill”

A coalition of nine international human rights groups has urged Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, Zhogorku Kenesh, to reject a proposed law that poses a grave threat to the country’s non-governmental organizations. The draft legislation, known as the “foreign representatives law,” is expected to come up for a second and final reading in parliament soon.

Criticism of the Proposed Law

The groups, including Civil Rights Defenders, Human Rights Watch, and the World Organisation Against Torture, have criticized the proposed amendments to Kyrgyzstan’s law on nonprofit organisations and its Criminal Code. They argue that the draft law is at odds with the country’s international human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression and association.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Law

• Introduces a series of restrictions on the activities of foreign-funded groups
• Requires all groups that receive financial assistance or other support from abroad to register as “foreign representatives”
• Broadly defines “political activity” as any activity aimed at influencing decision-making by state bodies, shaping public opinion, or monitoring and advocating positions
• Gives the Justice Ministry broad powers to supervise the activities of foreign-funded groups, including access to their financial and organisational documents
• Violations of the law could result in suspension of activities for up to six months or even the closure of an organization by a court order

Concerns and Consequences

The proposed legislation has been widely criticized by Kyrgyzstani civil society organizations, with over 120 groups urging parliament to reject it in September. The draft law has also raised concerns among international human rights organizations and foreign governments, including the European Union.

• Kyrgyzstan’s human rights record has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with increasing restrictions on freedoms of speech, association, and assembly
• Independent media and journalists have faced pressure, including criminal cases, arrests, and imprisonment
• The EU has already highlighted the dire situation for independent groups and journalists as a main area of concern in its critical report on Kyrgyzstan. If parliament proceeds with the law despite these warnings, the EU may reconsider its trade benefits and planned Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kyrgyzstan.
• Kyrgyzstan’s negative trajectory also raises questions about whether the country is qualified to continue serving on the UN Human Rights Council.

Call to Action

The international human rights groups are urging parliament to reject the proposed law and instead work towards creating an environment that supports and protects the activities of non-governmental organizations. They are calling for the government to respect its international obligations and commitments to protecting human rights.