A group of 15 organizations has sent a letter to four international financial institutions (IFIs) funding projects in Kyrgyzstan (Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, and World Bank) expressing serious concerns regarding the draft law on "foreign agents," officially known as the draft law "On Amending the Law on Non-Profit Organizations." The joint letter was published on the Coalition for Human Rights in Development website.
In the letter, the organizations urged these financial institutions to take specific actions and call on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to:
- Immediately withdraw the draft law on "foreign agents" and the draft law on mass media, indicating that these initiatives contradict the principles and goals of the international financial institutions' development assistance programs in the country, and their adoption could lead to a review of these programs;
- Take concrete and effective measures to ensure that the space for civil society and independent media in Kyrgyz Republic remains open in line with the recommendations of international human rights bodies;
- Agree to establish a platform, including representatives of independent civil society, to collaborate in addressing socially significant issues in the country.
As noted in the letter, if the law is passed, it will pose a serious threat to the successful development activities in Kyrgyzstan. It will inevitably create an atmosphere of fear, preventing people, including workers, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations, from expressing their opinions out of fear of reprisals. By adopting such legislation, the Kyrgyz Republic, which has long been a relative bastion of freedom in Central Asia, would signal to neighboring states that there is no longer a need to ensure that critical voices are heard, as there would be no consequences for restricting them.
"From a practical standpoint, this would jeopardize future projects funded by your financial institution and significantly limit your ability to engage safely and meaningfully with stakeholders. If this law is passed, the civil society's ability to operate will be severely restricted, if not entirely eliminated. Current and future projects that you may implement in the country will be at a much higher risk of corruption if civil society is destroyed, leading to the cessation of its role as a watchdog and a key player in ensuring accountability. Additionally, there is a risk that potential social and environmental harm will go unnoticed, as whistleblowers, workers, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations will remain silent out of fear," the letter emphasizes.
It is worth noting that on February 22, lawmakers approved amendments to the Law on NGOs in the second reading, introducing the concept of "foreign agent" (analogous to a foreign agent in Russian legislation). Sixty-four parliamentarians voted in favor, while five voted against.
