Source: European Parliament
The EU monitors the human rights situation in the Kyrgyz Republic very closely. The EU Delegation in Bishkek is in close contact with local civil society, human rights defenders and independent media, and regularly attends trials of journalists, human rights defenders and non-governmental organisations and cases where human rights are suspected of having been violated.
Individual human rights cases and general concerns in relation to human rights are raised during meetings with the Kyrgyz authorities at every level, and most recently at the 14th Human Rights Dialogue held on 21 November 2024 in Bishkek.
Throughout 2024, the High Representative/Vice-President issued statements on developments of concern, including on 2 April 2024 on the adoption of the ‘Foreign Representatives’ law[1].
The case of Temirlan Sultanbekov has been raised by the EU Delegation with the Office of the General Prosecutor, and the authorities have been urged to ensure Mr Sultanbekov’s right to access to justice and to medical care.
In early 2024, the EU Delegation — in response to shrinking space for civil society — published a call for proposals[2] specifically aimed at supporting civil society. Additionally, in 2024, the EU adopted a EUR 5 million programme in support of civil society organisations operating in the area of human rights, gender equality and youth empowerment.
The EU-Kyrgyz Republic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement[3], signed in June 2024, provides a strong framework to boost further political dialogue and closer engagement on fundamental freedoms, human rights and democratic values.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/kyrgyz-republic-statement-spokesperson-new-legislation-foreign-representatives_en
- [2] Support to Civil Society initiatives in the Kyrgyz Republic, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kyrgyz-republic/support-civil-society-initiatives-kyrgyz-republic_en?s=301
- [3] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10660-2022-INIT/en/pdf, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/factsheet-enhanced-partnership-and-cooperation-agreement-between-eu-and-kyrgyz-republic_en