The Kyrgyz Parliament has passed amendments to the law on non-profit organizations (NPOs), introducing terms like "foreign non-profit organization" and "non-profit organization acting as a foreign agent." This essentially creates a status similar to that of "foreign agents" in Russia.
The Kyrgyz law on foreign agents mirrors the Russian model, complicating the work of NPOs in Kyrgyzstan, including journalists and NPOs engaged in political research. Under the proposed law, NPOs receiving foreign funding for political activities will be labeled as "foreign representatives" and included in a special registry, allowing government authorities to conduct checks and intervene more actively in the affairs of recognized foreign agents.
At present, the bill has passed the parliament in the third reading, awaiting only the president's signature to come into effect. Concerns have been raised about transparency and the potential stigmatization and pressure on organizations receiving foreign funding, particularly those focused on human rights issues.
The EU delegation and embassies of the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and France have jointly called on Kyrgyzstan's leadership to reconsider the law, warning that it jeopardizes the work of NGOs, contradicts international norms, and hinders foreign assistance aimed at improving the lives of Kyrgyz citizens.
While the US Secretary of State expressed worries about the amendments, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov defended the law, drawing parallels with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act. Despite initial harsh provisions, the bill was softened, removing criminal penalties but retaining the foreign agent status requirement.
The concept of foreign agents, originating in Russia in 2012, has been adopted in Kazakhstan as well. The move has raised concerns about freedom of the press and civil society, with similar laws in countries like Australia, Hungary, and Israel. The US designates entities like Russia Today and Sputnik as foreign agents.
Experts argue that while the concept may have been borrowed from the US, its implementation varies. The situation in Kyrgyzstan has sparked debate on the regulation of foreign-funded organizations in Central Asia, with differing approaches in neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
In Tajikistan, attempts to restrict NGO activities date back to 2016, reflecting broader trends in the region. Experts emphasize the need to consider the impact on citizens working in these organizations, as restrictions could affect livelihoods and essential services. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.
