13^th October 2025

Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025, Poland

 Plenary Session 6: Tolerance and non-Discrimination

Official Statement of the human rights organization “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan”

Bir Duino reaffirms that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental cornerstones of a democratic society, highlighted in the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and guaranteed by international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Despite these constitutional and international guarantees, BDK observes a persistent and alarming trend of judicial restrictions, arbitrary actions and a shrinking civic space in the Kyrgyz Republic, severely undermining the exercise of these essential human rights. The state's actions often contravene the principle of presumption in favor of holding peaceful assemblies and the duty to protect participants.

I. Barriers and Challenges to the freedom of Peaceful Assembly

The legal framework and, critically, law enforcement and judicial practice increasingly restrict the right to peaceful assembly.

• Judicial Prohibitions and Restrictions: Local administrative bodies and courts frequently impose blanket bans or geographically restrict peaceful assemblies, particularly in central areas of Bishkek. These restrictions are often made in absentia, without proper notification to organizers, and lack the necessary legal basis of strict necessity and proportionality required under international law.
• Arbitrary Detentions and Arrests: Bir Duino has documented and actively responded to cases of peaceful assemblies being limited with disproportionate force and participants, including human rights defenders and journalists, being arbitrarily detained. The use of masked provocateurs to disrupt assemblies, while police fail to protect participants, highlights the state's failure to uphold its positive obligation to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators.
• Legislative Initiatives: Attempts to introduce legislation that limits funding for assemblies (e.g., prohibiting foreign financial support) and imposes excessive administrative requirements are indicative of a legislative trend to restrict this fundamental right.

II. Repression of Freedom of Media

The freedom of expression, including for the press and other media, is under increasing pressure, leading to an environment of self-censorship and fear. "Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan" is consistently implementing strategic advocacy, court litigation and legal defense to challenge violations and protect victims' rights, highlighting systemic issues within the judicial system.

• Discriminative Legislation on peaceful assemblies: New or amended laws contain worded provisions, particularly concerning content deemed to incite "interracial, ethnic, religious, interregional hostility" or promoting a "cult of violence." These ambiguities leave significant room for arbitrary interpretation and are used by authorities to suppress legitimate journalistic work, critical reporting, and public discourse.
• Targeting of Journalists and Activists: Independent journalists, investigative media agencies, such as those exposing high-level corruption, hate speech, systemic impunity and human rights activists face politically motivated detentions, criminal prosecutions like the arrest of human rights defender Kamil Ruziev and physical threats, significantly affecting the flow of independent information.
• Censorship and State Control: Legislative attempts, such as previous drafts of the Media Law or regulations on media registration, have introduced problematic provisions that grant authorities wide powers to obstruct the work of media outlets and encourage state censorship, in direct violation of the Constitution.

III. Socio-Economic Gaps and Violations of Housing Rights

The increasing economic gaps and poverty rates in Kyrgyzstan are not merely financial issues; they are fundamental barriers to human rights and often intersect with civil and political rights violations. BDK notes that the concentration of wealth exacerbates the vulnerability of marginalized groups and often leads to violations of economic, social and cultural rights (ESCRs). Specifically, the rights of citizens, particularly the poor and those in informal settlements, are frequently violated through illegal forced evictions and the destruction of homes by local authorities or private construction companies. Such actions are carried out without due process, adequate compensation, or the provision of suitable alternative housing, directly violating the right to adequate housing guaranteed by the Constitution and international standards, and constituting a form of systemic state-sanctioned violence against the most vulnerable groups.

"Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan" is calling out OSCE ODIHR members and diplomatic missions for the following recommendations and actions:

1. Immediately Cease Arbitrary Restrictions: Ensure that any restrictions on the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression strictly adhere to the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality as defined by international human rights law.
2. Ensure Judicial Independence: Take concrete steps to address and eliminate the systemic weaknesses in the judiciary that allow for arbitrary decisions, the dismissal of torture allegations, and the use of the court system for political persecution.
3. Investigate and Hold Accountability: Conduct prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into all documented cases of police violence, arbitrary detention, and abuse of power against participants in peaceful assemblies, journalists, and human rights defenders.
4. Localization of OSCE Principles Helsinki +50 and adaptation of the national Legislation to International Standards on human rights: Revise all national laws, including those pertaining to media, peaceful assemblies, and NGOs, to ensure full compliance with the Kyrgyz Republic's international human rights obligations.

Regarding all questions, please address to Bir Duino Team and Executive director of “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan” Murat Karypov via Email: birduinokyyrgyzstan@gmail.com, +996555 422222.