Human rights in Kyrgyzstan

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2013)

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Politics of Kyrgyzstan

CIS Member State

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Sadyr Japarov
* Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers

Akylbek Japarov

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President Talant Mamytov

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Minister: Ruslan Kazakbayev

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Human rights in Kyrgyzstan improved after the ouster of President Askar Akayev in the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the installment of a more democratic government under Roza Otunbayeva.[1] While the country is performing well compared to other states in Central Asia, many human rights violations still take place. While LGBT rights have been declining in recent years,[2] freedom of press has been improving.[3]

The democratic performance of the country has been declining since 2014.[4] Corruption is still an issue in the country although it has been steadily declining since 2008.[5]

Formerly a republic of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991. Remaining reasonably stable throughout most of the 1990s, the country's young democracy showed relative promise under the leadership of Akayev,[6] but moved towards autocracy and authoritarianism by the early 2000s, achieving a 5.5 rating from Freedom House in 2000.[7] In 2020 the country is considered "partly free" by Freedom House with a score of 39 out of 100.[8]

In 2004, prior to the democratic revolution, Kyrgyzstan was rated by Freedom House as "Not Free," with a 6 in Political Rights and 5 in Civil Liberties (scale of 1-7; 1 is the highest). This indicated marked regression, from a 4.3 rating a decade earlier in 1994. Although the 1993 Constitution defines the Kyrgyz Republic as a democratic republic, President Askar Akayev continued to dominate the government. Serious irregularities reportedly marred 2003 a national constitutional referendum as well as presidential and parliamentary elections in 2000.[7]

## History

[edit]

On September 14, 2001 the Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior declared it had implemented "passport control regime" against "pro-Islamic" activists in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan. Following the reelection of President Askar Akayev in 2003, the government reportedly "intensified" harassment of political opposition members, independent news media groups, religious groups and ethnic minorities, according to Human Rights Watch.[9] In advance of elections in February 2005, the Akayev government reportedly increased political restrictions on Kyrgyz citizens, in order, according to some outside observers, to prevent a "democratic revolution" like the recent one in Ukraine.[1][2]

Human rights under Akayev's regime in 2004 reportedly remained poor; although there were some improvements in several areas, problems remained. Citizens' right to change their government remained limited and democratic institutions remained fragile. Members of the security forces at times beat or otherwise mistreated persons, and prison conditions remained poor. Impunity remained a problem, although the Government took steps to address it during the year. There were cases of arbitrary arrest or detention. Executive branch domination of the judiciary as well as corruption limited citizens' right to due process.[10]

In June 2005, Kyrgyz officials said that 29 Uzbek refugees who had fled to Kyrgyzstan in the wake of the Andijan massacre would be returned to Uzbekistan.[11] The United Nations and human rights groups criticized this decision, stating the refugees faced possible torture or execution upon their return. However, on June 27, the 439 Uzbek refugees were airlifted to safety out of the country by the United Nations.[12]

## Current situation

[edit]

### Press freedom

[edit]

Press freedom in Kyrgyzstan has been increasing since the crackdown on the media that preceded the 2017 elections and the pluralism in the Kyrgyz media landscape is exceptionally high in the Central Asian region.[3] While performing relatively well, issues remain for journalism in the country. Sensitive government information is often inaccessible, journalists risk sanctions for covering controversial topics (like corruption) and ineffective media policy and management weaken the role of journalism in the country. Critical journalism is present in the country, but many media outlets don't cover topics that are too politically sensitive.[13] Journalism in Kyrgyzstan, especially when related to religious topics or inter-ethnic relations, often still lack neutrality in its coverage.[3][14]

### Women's rights

[edit]

The country suffers from high and rising inequalities, women are largely excluded from decision-making. Violence against women is widespread and takes many forms, including domestic violence, bride kidnapping, trafficking, early marriages and physical abuse. The negative reinterpretation of some cultural and social practices increasingly restricts women’s rights to control their lives. Rural women and girls have restricted access to productive resources.[15]

Kyrgyzstan strengthened the 2016 Family Violence Law a year later and criminalized domestic violence in January 2019. However, authorities are not consistently enforcing protective measures for women and girls, including both the Family Violence Law and a 2016 law to curb child and forced marriage.[2] In cooperation with the United Nations Kyrgyzstan developed a policy plan to decrease gender inequality in 2013, but women still suffer from their subordinated position in society.[15]

#### Bride kidnapping

[edit]

As a consequence of changes in gender ideologies in Kyrgyzstan, there has been a revival and legitimation of nonconsensual bride kidnapping as a national tradition.[16] In this practise the groom abducts a girl off the street with a group of friends and brings her to his parents. Traditionally the women of the family will try to convince the girl to marry the boy who abducted her. Often girls have little choice, because refusing to marry often leads to being outcast by their parents.[17] Even though in Kyrgyz law the practice is considered illegal and a violation of human rights since 2013, up to 50% of ethnic Kyrgyz marriages are a result of kidnappings, both consensual and non-consensual.[16][18] In April 2021, protests broke out in Bishkek after a woman was found dead following a bride kidnapping.[18] The country's president Sadyr Japarov called for the incident to be the last in Kyrgyzstan's history, though he did not announce any plans to prevent bridal kidnappings.[19]

### LGBT rights

[edit]

See also: LGBT rights in Kyrgyzstan

Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Kyrgyzstan, but same-sex marriage is not recognised and even explicitly banned in the constitution since 2016.[20] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people continue to face ill-treatment, extortion, and discrimination by state and non-state actors.[2]

Domestic violence against LGBT minors is a major issue and victims have limited access to government support. LGBT people are often unable to seek protection because of violence and other abuses by law enforcement agencies. Ill-treatment against LGBT people by law enforcement authorities is a systemic phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan according to Kyrgyz Indigo, a local LGBT advocacy group.[21]

Various nationalist groups threatened LGBT interest groups during demonstrations in 2019, several parliament members responded by expressing their aversion to same sex couples, where one member said LGBT people should be “not just cursed, but beaten.” [2]

Transgender people are allowed to change legal gender in Kyrgyzstan, but require undergoing sex reassignment surgery. The first such surgery was performed in Bishkek in January 2014.[22]

## Recent developments

[edit]

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2025)

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In a move to restrict the freedom of assembly amendments were made to the Law on the Right of Citizens to Hold Peaceful Assemblies 2002 in 2008 by the government and enacted by the president in 2010.[23] Human Rights Watch criticised the amendments, claiming that they are violating the Kyrgyz constitution and international law.[24]

In a move that alarmed human rights groups, dozens of prominent Uzbek religious and community leaders were arrested by security forces following the 2010 South Kyrgyzstan riots, including journalist and human rights activist Azimzhan Askarov.[25] Following a trial criticised by several international human rights organizations, Askarov was given a life sentence charges including creating mass disturbances, incitement of ethnic hatred, and complicity in murder.[26] Various human rights organizations stated that they believe the charges against him and his co-defendants to be politically motivated.[27] Amnesty International considers Askarov a prisoner of conscience and is currently campaigning for his immediate release and an investigation into his allegations of torture by law enforcement.[28]

On May 18, 2011, the Kadamjay Regional Court sentenced two young men, Iskandar Kambarov (18 years old) and Jonibek Nosirov (22 years old) to seven years in prison on the charge of possessing two DVDs of an extremist Islamic organization. The two men are not Islamic, but Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Norwegian human rights organization Forum 18 claims that the DVDs were planted as false evidence during a police raid. Their sentenced got overturned but it is unclear how the court case has developed further.[29]

In July 2019, human rights defender Azimzhan Askarov died in prison in Kyrgyzstan. He was 69 years old and was serving life imprisonment. Kyrgyz authorities ignored the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruling to release Askarov, as he was arbitrarily detained, tortured, and denied a fair trial. In May 2020, he made a final appeal, and Kyrgyz Supreme Court sustained his sentence.[30]

In 2021 the caretaker parliament passed legislation that would punish groups that cause "political enmity" a move that according to Human Rights Watch would undermine freedom of expression and association.[31]

On 16 July 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the liquidation of Kloop Media, an investigative news outlet known for reporting on corruption and election violations. President Sadyr Japarov defended the decision, arguing it was necessary to combat “anarchy” rather than suppress free speech. Despite the ruling, Kloop vowed to continue publishing online.[32]On 28 August 2024, the Culture Ministry proposed fines of up to 100,000 KGS ($1,200) for individuals and 200,000 KGS ($2,400) for organizations found guilty of spreading "disinformation" online.[33]

Traditional storytellers, or akyns, have also faced scrutiny. In March 2025, performer Asylbek Maratov reported receiving a warning from state security after singing about political issues. Another akyn, Askat Zhetigen, was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly calling for the violent seizure of power. Critics argue these actions reflect a shrinking space for free expression in Kyrgyzstan.[34]

## Historical situation

[edit]

The following chart shows Kyrgyzstan’s ratings since 1991 in the Freedom in the World reports, published annually by Freedom House. A rating of 1 is "free"; 7, "not free".[35]1

Historical ratings

| Year  | Political Rights  | Civil Liberties  | Status  | President2

|
|
|
|

1991  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1992  | 4  | 2  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1993  | 5  | 3  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1994  | 4  | 3  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1995  | 4  | 4  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1996  | 4  | 4  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1997  | 4  | 4  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1998  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
1999  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
2000  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Askar Akayev
2001  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Askar Akayev
2002  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Askar Akayev
2003  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Askar Akayev
2004  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Askar Akayev
2005  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Askar Akayev
2006  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Kurmanbek Bakiyev
2007  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Kurmanbek Bakiyev
2008  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Kurmanbek Bakiyev
2009  | 6  | 5  | Not Free  | Kurmanbek Bakiyev
2010  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Kurmanbek Bakiyev
2011  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Roza Otunbayeva
2012  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2013  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2014  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2015  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2016  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2017  | 5  | 5  | Partly Free  | Almazbek Atambayev
2018  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Sooronbay Jeenbekov
2019  | 5  | 4  | Partly Free  | Sooronbay Jeenbekov
2020  | 7  | 5  | Not Free  | Sooronbay Jeenbekov
2021  | 7  | 5  | Not Free  | Talant Mamytov (acting)
2022  | 7  | 5  | Not Free  | Sadyr Japarov
2023  | 7  | 5  | Not Free  | Sadyr Japarov

In 2023, the country scored 27 out 100 for overall freedom; it was ranked as "not free".[36]

## Religious freedom

[edit]

In 2023, the country scored 2 out of 4 for religious freedom.[36]

## See also

[edit]

* Asia portal

* Human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan
* Internet censorship and surveillance in Kyrgyzstan
* LGBT rights in Kyrgyzstan
* Religion in Kyrgyzstan
* Agriculture in Kyrgyzstan

## Notes

[edit]

1.^ Note that the "Year" signifies the "Year covered". Therefore the information for the year marked 2008 is from the report published in 2009, and so on.
2.^ As of January 1.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Tran, Mark; agencies (2010-04-08). "Kyrgyzstan opposition leader demands president's resignation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
2. ^ a b c d Kyrgyzstan, events of 2019. 10 December 2019. `{{cite book}}`: `|website=` ignored (help)
3. ^ a b c "World Press Freedom Index 2020: Kyrgyzstan". Reporters sans frontières. 2 April 2024.
4. ^ "Nations in transit 2020" (PDF). Freedom House.
5. ^ "Kyrgyzstan Corruption Index". Transparency International Kyrgyzstan. 30 January 2024.
6. ^ Anderson, John (1999). Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia's Island of Democracy. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic Publishers. pp. ix. ISBN 9057023903.
7. ^ a b Piano, Aili; Puddington, Arch (2004). Freedom in the world 2004 (PDF). Lanham, Maryland, United States of America: Freedom House. p. 314\. ISBN 0-7425-3644-0.
8. ^ "Freedom in the world 2020: Kyrgyzstan". Freedom House.
9. ^ "HRW: Opportunism in the face of Tragedy: Repression in the name of anti-terrorism". www.hrw.org. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
10. ^ "2004 Country reports on human rights practices: Kyrgyz Republic". U.S. Department of State.
11. ^ Finn, Peter (2005-06-24). "Kyrgyzstan Signals Uzbek Extraditions". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
12. ^ "Uzbekistan: HRW Blocks Refugee Return". 8 September 2005. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
13. ^ Freedman, Eric (2012). "Deepening shadows: The eclipse of press rights in Kyrgyzstan". Global Media and Communication. 8 (1): 47–64\. doi:10.1177/1742766511434732. S2CID 143552301.
14. ^ Wolf, I. (2011). Freedman, E. (ed.). Hizb ut-Tahrir in Kyrgyzstan as presented in Vechernii Bishkek: A radical Islamist organization through the eyes of Kyrgyz journalists. Michigan State University Press. `{{cite book}}`: `|work=` ignored (help)
15. ^ a b "UN Women in Kyrgyzstan". UN Women.
16. ^ a b Ismailbekova, Aksana (2014). "Migration and patrilineal descent: the role of women in Kyrgyzstan". Central Asian Survey. 33 (3): 375–389\. doi:10.1080/02634937.2014.961305. S2CID 144473749 - via Taylor & Francis.
17. ^ Kleinbach, Russ; Salimjanova, Lilly (2007). "Kyz ala kachuu and adat: non-consensual bride kidnapping and tradition in Kyrgyzstan". Central Asian Survey. 26 (2): 217–233\. doi:10.1080/02634930701517466. S2CID 144912640.
18. ^ a b "Kyrgyzstan: Fury over death of 'bride kidnapping' victim". BBC News. 2021-04-08. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
19. ^ "After Aizada Kanatbekova's Murder, Kyrgyzstan Struggles To End 'Tradition' Of Bride Kidnapping". Current Time English. 2021-04-13. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
20. ^ "Kyrgyz Voters Back Amendments On Same-Sex Marriage, Presidential Power". Radio Free Europe. December 11, 2016.
21. ^ "Kyrgyzstan: human rights violations of LGBT" (PDF). Ilga World. Kyrgyz Indigo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-11-30. Retrieved 2020-05-16.
22. ^ "First Kyrgyz Sex-Change Surgery A 'Success'". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 6 February 2014.
23. ^ "The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Peaceful Assemblies" (PDF). Legislation Online. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
24. ^ Cartner, Holly (9 July 2008). "Letter to the President of Kyrgyzstan on Restrictions of Peaceful Assembly". Human Rights Watch.
25. ^ Andrew E. Kramer (1 July 2010). "Uzbeks Accused of Inciting Violence in Kyrgyzstan". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
26. ^ "Kyrgyzstan: Appeal to the international community - call for a new, fair review of the case of human rights defender Azimzhan Askarov sentenced to life in Kyrgyzstan". International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR). 16 September 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
27. ^ "Human rights groups condemn Kyrgyzstan activist jailing". BBC News. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
28. ^ "KYRGYZSTAN: FURTHER INFORMATION: PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE ON BRINK OF DEATH: AZIMZHAN ASKAROV". Amnesty International. 12 November 2010. Retrieved 17 April 2011.
29. ^ Corley, Felix (24 June 2011). "Jail terms overturned, but investigation continues". European Country of Origin Information Network.
30. ^ "Kyrgyzstan: Human Rights Defender Dies in Prison". Human Rights Watch. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
31. ^ "Kyrgyzstan: Proposed Legal Changes Threaten Political Dissent". Human Rights Watch. 2021-05-03. Retrieved 2021-05-03.
32. ^ "Kyrgyzstan Closes Kloop; Media Outlet Says Work Will Go On - The Times Of Central Asia". 2024-09-03. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
33. ^ "Kyrgyzstan's Culture Ministry Wants to Fine People for Spreading "Disinformation" Online - The Times Of Central Asia". 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
34. ^ "Traditional Storytellers in Kyrgyzstan Face Scrutiny From Authorities - The Times Of Central Asia". 2025-03-28. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
35. ^ Freedom House (2022). "Country and Territory Ratings and Statuses, FIW 1973-2022" (XLS). Retrieved 8 March 2022.
36. ^ a b Freedom House website, retrieved 2023-08-08

## External links

[edit]

* "Wave of brutal attacks shocks Kyrgyz journalists". BBC. 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
* (Russian) Human rights in Kyrgyzstan Archived 2010-04-03 at the Wayback Machine \- Jan. 30, 2010 (Human Rights in Central Asia)
* US State Dept 2022 report
* Reports on Kyrgyzstan for 2008, 2009 and 2010 \- U.S. State Department
* Censorship in Kyrgyzstan \- IFEX
* IPHR. The website of International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) contains a number of publications on current human rights issues in Kyrgyzstan.
* Addressing Ethnic Tension in Kyrgyzstan: Hearing before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, June 22, 2011
* Human Rights Watch website, 2019 report World Report 2019: Kyrgyzstan events of 2018, viewed 25 March 2020,

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