On July 16, 2020, Kyrgyzstan reported on the achievement of the sustainable development goals during a High-Level Political Forum.  After the presentation of the government's report, civil society had the opportunity to comment on the report and on the situation in the country.

What kind of sustainable development?

In 2015, UN member states adopted the Development Agenda 2030 and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at the development of countries and the well-being of people.  There are economic, social and environmental blocks among the goals.  The main principle of the Development Agenda: Leave no one behind.

What kind of report has Kyrgyzstan prepared?

The National Voluntary Report is a document that covers progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.  Unlike mandatory periodic country reporting to UN Committees, reporting on the SDGs is voluntary.  Kyrgyzstan reported for the first time in 5 years and on all 17 goals, which was positively noted by the UN and many other countries.

What is the High Level Political Forum?

The High-Level Political Forum, a UN event held annually in New York (online this year), is becoming a space for dialogue, exchange of experiences and lessons learned among UN member states.  A number of countries report annually on their success in achieving the goals.

What kind of comments from the Civil Society?

After the government's report, other countries or stakeholders can come up with comments and their own questions.  Civil society is usually given only two minutes.  Civil society issued a statement based on the comments made during the discussion of the national voluntary report and prepared by the “Association for the Development of Education in Kyrgyzstan”,  Women's Organization “Alga”, “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan”, “Kyrgyz Indigo”.  The latter two organizations are part of the Coalition for Equality, which has produced an alternative report on the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

The statement said that the environmental situation in Kyrgyzstan is deteriorating, with poor prevention of risks and disasters, which led to the death of citizens during the pandemic and there was no equal access for patients to quality medical care, a systemic gap was noted, gender violence was increasing and civic space was shrinking.  The main conclusion is that there is practically no consistent strategic work to remove structural barriers, and strategies for education, gender equality and health care do not have sufficient funding for implementation.  The statement contained recommendations on the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation, the withdrawal of discriminatory laws: "On manipulation of information," amendments to the laws "On NGOs", "On Trade Unions", as well as recommendations on transparent budget allocation to combat COVID-19, citizens' access to  information and decision making.

The key problem is non-compliance with international obligations and systematic disregard for the implementation of the UN Human Rights Committee's considerations in relation to victims of torture and discrimination.

More details on the statement, recommendations and questions from Civil Society can be found in the appendix:

Statement

 We support Kyrgyzstan's aspirations to achieve sustainable development goals.  Kyrgyzstan, as a member of the UN, must fulfill its international obligations.

 Solving environmental, social and economic problems is the foundation of sustainable development.

 Climate change, air pollution, cross-border conflicts continue to lead to the emergence of new and consolidation of basic inequalities in Kyrgyzstan.  The authorities do not solve these problems systematically; more than 92 uranium tailings from storage facilities threaten not only Kyrgyzstan, but the whole of Central Asia.

 Remittances account for 33% of Kyrgyzstan's GDP.  Migrant remittances are expected to decrease by 15-50% due to COVID-19.  This will increase unemployment and poverty rates.

 There are limitations in the adequate implementation and financing of social development plans that include national plans for education, health and gender equality.  The growth of violence against women and children during the pandemic, attacks on democratic values and civic activists, growing religious fundamentalism, anti-gender and homophobic rhetoric on the part of the authorities, the promotion of discriminatory laws - all require urgent action from the government.

For sustainable development of Kyrgyzstan, it is necessary:

 · Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, following the principle of "leaving no one behind";

 · Develop inclusive lifelong learning plans using flexible learning platforms, creating a safe environment, with tailored learning materials suitable for the local context;

 · Transparently allocate the budget for the fight against COVID-19, prioritizing investments in healthcare, education, combating gender-based violence and providing targeted assistance to the most marginalized groups;

 · Ensure equal access of all citizens to information and participation in decision-making at all levels;

 · To withdraw the proposed laws: “On manipulation of information,” amendments to the laws “On NGOs”, “On Trade Unions”;

 · Adopt the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

We want to ask the Kyrgyz government what steps will be taken to:

 · Support for people who have lost their jobs, including migrants and those involved in the informal sector?

 · Reducing domestic violence?

  Reducing environmental damage?

 · Ensuring access to education and health care for all during a pandemic?