ABOUT THE PROJECT

The objective of the project is to develop safeguards for human rights and support democratic processes by working together with local civil society leaders, universities and other schools in communities in Kyrgyzstan, as well as by training people who work with locals. The programme, adapted to local conditions, will increase human rights awareness among third-sector partners and the citizenry and take steps to promote and protect human rights.

By working with younger people (NGO members, university and upper secondary school students), the project will encourage the target group to imagine society as one where individuals can draw on human rights for support and put modern information society to work for them in contributing to the development of society. The project activities will take place in 2015-2016.

HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan has problems safeguarding certain human rights – such as, first and foremost, the freedom of the media and minorities rights. The country has been assigned a “partly free” rating in Freedom House’s civil liberties index.

Kyrgyzstan is a meeting point for Russian Orthodox Christianity and Islam, and the Soviet past mingles with aspirations toward democratic governance. The country gained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since that time, the situation of democracy and human rights has gradually improved, but as in many post-Soviet countries, there have been a number of setbacks.

The Tulip Revolution in 2005 resulted in the overthrow of an authoritarian president, followed by marked improvement in the situation. But as is often the case in countries with limited experience with democracy, corruption has been slow to disappear. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan, as it is officially known, is formally a democracy, but everyday life is characterized by selective clampdowns on the press and freedom of speech based on whichever political force is in control.

There have been problems ensuring rights of the Uzbek minority and the situation faced by women and sexual minorities is relatively poor. In 2013, the country’s parliament adopted a law forbidding women under the age of 23 from travelling abroad unaccompanied by a parent or companion. As of 2014, people who support rights of sexual minorities or who cover the topic may face prosecution. Neighbouring countries have exerted an influence on political decisions.

According to Freedom in the World index, civil liberties in Kyrgyzstan were rated “partly free" with a score of 38 out of a possible 100 points (in comparison, Estonia scored 94). Thus Kyrgyzstan faces a fair number of obstacles and challenges to overcome on its way towards greater openness and respect for human rights.

FACTS ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN

PROJECT PARTNERS

Partners
Projekti rahastab Välisministeerium arengu- ja humanitaarabi vahenditest.

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

Development cooperation is a general term that includes both financial aid aimed at developing countries as well as know-how (technical assistance) and material assistance. Development cooperation is implemented in bilateral and multilateral cooperation formats.

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