The World Bank office in Kyrgyzstan has commented on a letter published by the Coalition for Human Rights in Development regarding the proposed law on "foreign agents," officially known as the draft law "On Amending the Law on Non-Profit Organizations."
The office acknowledges the important role that civil society organizations play in enhancing accountability and transparency in countries. By monitoring the social and environmental impacts of investment projects, civil society organizations contribute significantly to poverty reduction and help create long-term solutions for people and the planet.
The World Bank also values the significance of independent media and press freedom. According to their policy, the World Bank does not interfere in a country's internal political or legal affairs. They will continue to monitor the developments in Kyrgyzstan closely.
Previously, a group of 15 organizations, including the human rights movement "Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan," sent a letter to four international financial institutions expressing serious concerns about the proposed law on "foreign agents." The organizations urged the financial institutions to take concrete actions and call on the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately withdraw the draft laws on "foreign agents" and media, emphasizing that these initiatives contradict the principles and goals of international financial institutions' development assistance programs in the country.
They also called for specific and effective measures to ensure that the space for civil society and independent media in Kyrgyzstan remains open in line with international human rights recommendations. The organizations proposed the creation of a platform, including representatives of independent civil society, to collaborate on addressing socially significant issues in the country.
The letter highlights that the adoption of the law would pose a serious threat to the successful development activities in Kyrgyzstan. It is worth noting that on February 22, deputies approved amendments to the Law on NGOs in the second reading, introducing the concept of "foreign agent" (similar to the concept in Russian legislation). 64 parliamentarians voted in favor, while 5 voted against it.
