From April 9 to 11, 2026, a joint expert seminar organized by the “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan” initiative was held at the “Chaika Resort” in the Issyk-Kul Region, focusing on issues of social sustainability in the context of contemporary political, social, and legal challenges. Holding this event was an important and timely step in the context of growing risks associated with the shrinking of civic space, ensuring the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and the need to strengthen democratic institutions and mechanisms of parliamentary oversight.

Amid growing legal uncertainty, including in the sphere of countering extremism, striking a balance between ensuring national security and respecting fundamental human rights takes on particular significance. The seminar served as an inclusive expert platform, bringing together representatives of government agencies, the Ombudsman’s Office, international and national experts, female members of local councils, and lawyers from the Issyk-Kul region to develop practical recommendations aimed at preventing risks and strengthening the rule of law in the Kyrgyz Republic, as a member of the UN, the OSCE, and the EU, to return to the Helsinki values of “Helsinki+50.”

Ruslan Berdibaev, a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered a welcoming address, noting the importance of systematic work to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens at the regional level. The Ombudsman emphasized that in the face of growing challenges, including emergencies, social tensions, and legal risks, the Ombudsman’s Office plays a vital role as a mediator between citizens and government agencies, ensuring access to mechanisms for the protection of rights. Particular attention was paid to the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight, increase the transparency of government agencies’ activities, and develop effective interagency cooperation as key factors for societal resilience in times of crisis.

Tolekan Ismailova, Director of “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan,” highlighted the strategic importance of human rights protection as the foundation of state security and sustainable development. She emphasized that, under current conditions, there is a shrinking space for civil society and a rise in repressive tendencies in legislation, which requires an active stance on the part of human rights defenders, the expert community, and citizens themselves. Tolekan Ismailova emphasized the need to promote international principles of the rule of law, accountability, and transparency of state institutions, as well as the importance of developing mechanisms for public oversight, independent data journalism, and data verification as tools for conflict prevention, crises, and systemic human rights violations, and for effectively combating impunity.

During the first expert session, Alexander Verkhovsky, representing the Sova Center, presented a detailed analysis of international legal standards in the field of countering extremism and restrictions on freedom of expression. In his presentation, the expert elaborated on the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasizing that freedom of expression is one of the cornerstone rights ensuring the functioning of a democratic society. At the same time, the expert noted that international law permits certain restrictions on this right; however, such restrictions must strictly comply with established criteria, including the presence of a legitimate aim, clarity of legal regulation, and the necessity of the restriction in a democratic society. The expert paid particular attention to provisions regarding the prohibition of incitement to hatred, noting that states’ international obligations require criminal prosecution only of those forms of expression that directly lead to discrimination, hostility, or violence.

Natalya Yudina, an expert at the Sova Research Center, noted that in recent years there has been a trend toward tightening legislation and expanding the list of offenses related to public statements. In particular, she pointed to the introduction in Russia of new regulations governing the so-called “discrediting” of state institutions, the dissemination of “fake news,” as well as liability for expressing opinions during wartime. According to her, these changes are accompanied by active law enforcement practices, leading to an increase in the number of administrative and criminal cases related to the expression of opinions.

The expert also discussed in detail the challenges of law enforcement, emphasizing that one of the key difficulties lies in assessing the degree of public danger posed by statements. She noted that the lack of clear criteria leads to significant variability in judicial practice, which, in turn, poses risks to the principle of legal certainty. She also pointed to the growing number of cases involving participation in so-called “extremist organizations,” as well as the increasing practice of prosecuting individuals for disseminating materials deemed extremist. In concluding her remarks, the expert emphasized that an analysis of Russian law enforcement practices is of great importance for other countries in the region, including the Kyrgyz Republic, as it allows for the identification of potential risks of excessive restrictions on human rights and freedoms and enables timely measures to be taken to prevent them in other countries.

The head of the “Center for Investigative Journalism,” Cornelia Cozonac (Chisinau, Moldova) delivered a comprehensive presentation in which she detailed the complex set of interrelated crises and threats facing the Republic of Moldova in recent years, placing particular emphasis on their impact on democratic institutions and respect for human rights. During her speech, she emphasized that against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the country has come under pressure from both direct and hybrid threats, including missile and drone flights through its airspace, energy instability, and a large-scale refugee crisis, in the context of which Moldova has taken in hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens, providing them with access to education, the labor market, and social support. Special attention was paid to the phenomenon of hybrid warfare, in particular systematic disinformation, propaganda, and coordinated campaigns to manipulate public opinion carried out through social media, media platforms, and so-called “influence networks,” including the use of fake accounts, troll farms, deepfakes, and financial incentives for protest activity. Cornelia Cozonac elaborated on the issue of interference in electoral processes, noting documented cases of voter bribery, illegal financing of political parties, and the use of transnational financial schemes, including the use of cryptocurrencies and bank transfers via third countries. She emphasized that such practices primarily target socially vulnerable groups, which poses serious risks of violating the principles of equality, justice, and the free expression of citizens’ will. The presentation also addressed the issue of pressure on the information space, including the closure of television channels spreading disinformation and their subsequent “rebranding” under new names, which demonstrates the high adaptability of propaganda mechanisms and the need for systematic regulation of the media environment.

A special focus of Cornelia Cozonac’s presentation was the analysis of the role of organized networks of political influence, including mechanisms for mobilizing supporters, financing protests, and spreading narratives aimed at undermining trust in the country’s European course and state institutions. At the same time, she noted that, despite the scale and complexity of these threats, Moldovan society has managed to demonstrate a high level of resilience, as evidenced by the active stance of citizens, the mobilization of the diaspora, and the significant contribution of investigative journalists and civil society in exposing hidden influence schemes.

In closing her remarks, the speaker emphasized the important role of state institutions, particularly parliament, in strengthening the country’s resilience through the adoption of a new legislative framework in the areas of crisis management and national security, the implementation of risk analysis tools, and the development of mechanisms for interagency cooperation. She also noted the importance of initiatives to expand citizen participation in decision-making, including the holding of citizens’ assemblies and the development of recommendations to counter disinformation, as well as the need to further strengthen transparency, government accountability, and the protection of human rights as fundamental conditions for preserving the country’s democratic development.

Religious studies expert Indira Aslanova delivered a presentation analyzing the sweeping legislative reforms implemented in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2024–2025 regarding freedom of religion, the activities of religious organizations, and the regulation of civil society. In her speech, she emphasized that the adopted changes form a new model of state regulation, characterized by increased control over the religious sphere and expanded powers for state bodies. In particular, the speaker elaborated on the new law “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations,” which replaced the previous version and introduced stricter requirements for the registration of religious organizations and preachers, strengthened control over interactions with foreign entities, and enshrined the priority of so-called “traditional” values and customs. A separate focus in the speech was placed on related legislative acts, including amendments to the legislation on countering extremist activity, which expand the grounds for prosecution, including for the possession of materials without the intent to distribute them.

Part of Indira Aslanova’s speech was devoted to the level of public participation in the decision-making process. The speaker emphasized that, despite the scale and sensitivity of the reforms affecting fundamental human rights, such as freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, the discussion process took place on a tight schedule and was accompanied by limited involvement of citizens, religious communities, and civil society organizations.

Monitoring data presented by the Center for Religious Studies showed a low level of public response to most initiatives, which, according to the speaker, may indicate insufficient transparency, limited access to information, and self-restraint on the part of the affected groups. In conclusion, Indira Aslanova emphasized the need to strengthen public consultation mechanisms and expand dialogue between the state, religious organizations, and civil society.

Jamal Frontbek kyzy, Chair of the progressive women’s public association “Mutakallim,” presented in her speech the experience of strengthening state-religious cooperation in the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasizing the importance of developing dialogue between state structures and religious communities. She noted that a key focus of the work has been the creation of a sustainable educational environment for religious leaders and members of the Interfaith Council, including the development of educational materials and the conduct of training sessions under the “Kyrgyz Jarany” concept, aimed at promoting civic responsibility, patriotism, and social cohesion. During the presentation, it was noted that representatives of various faiths, including Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic, and Baha’i communities, were involved in the initiatives, which contributed to the development of interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. The speaker also emphasized the practical focus of the implemented activities, including training of trainers, the launch of local initiatives in the regions, open classes, lectures, youth forums, and public campaigns aimed at engaging the population, especially young people, in the processes of strengthening civic identity. In conclusion, Jamal Frontbek noted that the implemented projects have contributed to strengthening trust between the state and religious organizations, expanding citizen participation in public life, and developing sustainable mechanisms for cooperation aimed at maintaining social stability and interfaith harmony.

Alexander Verkhovsky, Director of the Sova Research Center, in his presentation on the topic “Russian Authorities’ Policy on Labor Migration in the 2020s,” presented an analysis of Russian authorities’ policy on labor migration in the 2020s, highlighting a trend toward tighter regulation and an increase in repressive measures against migrants. He noted an intensification of negative rhetoric surrounding the topic of migration in the media and on social media, including the spread of narratives about “migrant crime,” which contributes to the rise of xenophobic sentiments in society. The presentation cited data on the decline in the number of residence permits and citizenship grants issued, the increase in fines for migration violations, and the rise in the number of foreign nationals placed on watchlists. The speaker also drew attention to the state’s changing approach to migration management, including the introduction of centralized labor recruitment mechanisms and increased administrative pressure, which, in his assessment, reflects a general trend toward restricting migrants’ rights and subjecting them to stricter institutional regulation.

Natalia Yudina, an expert at the Sova Research Center, focused in her presentation “Nationalist Vigilantes in Contemporary Russia” on the growing phenomenon in modern Russia of informal groups that assume the functions of law enforcement agencies and carry out “punishment” of alleged offenders outside the legal framework. She traced the evolution of this phenomenon from the radical street movements of the 1990s to its contemporary forms, including organized raids against migrants and other vulnerable groups. Particular attention was paid to the link between the rise of vigilantism and the intensification of anti-migrant rhetoric in public discourse, including from state and parastatal actors. The speaker emphasized that such practices create risks of legitimizing violence, undermining the rule of law, and fostering uncontrolled structures capable of operating outside the law, which poses a serious threat to human rights and public safety.

Analyst and leader of the “#BishkekSmog” movement, Bermet Borubaeva, focused in her presentation on an analysis of climate finance and the implementation of infrastructure projects in Kyrgyzstan, presenting the case of public transport modernization as an example of systemic problems in managing such initiatives. She noted that the project, implemented with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, provided for funding of approximately $23.5 million in two tranches, aimed at purchasing trolleybuses, upgrading the overhead contact system, and developing a public transport development strategy.

At the same time, the speaker emphasized that, despite the significant amount of funds raised and the stated environmental goals, the project did not yield the expected results: the purchased equipment is not being fully utilized, infrastructure changes have been implemented only partially, and strategic documents have been removed from official websites and are now unavailable. Moreover, she pointed to negative social consequences, including uncertainty regarding the status of public transport workers, as well as an increase in the carbon footprint contrary to the project’s original goals.

Bermet Borubaeva emphasized that this case demonstrates the need to strengthen public oversight of projects funded by international institutions, as well as the importance of adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation at all stages, from planning to implementation. She also linked these issues to the broader context of human rights, including the right to a healthy environment and the right to participate in decision-making, noting that without taking these aspects into account, even large-scale climate initiatives may prove ineffective and fail to serve the public interest.

Chinara Aitbaeva, Director of the “Our Century” Public Association, presented a critical analysis of the increasing regulation of the nonprofit sector through the lens of financial security standards, including the mechanisms of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), emphasizing that the approaches being applied are increasingly leading to a narrowing of civic space and undermining the sustainability of NGOs. She noted that within the framework of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) policies, a persistent narrative is emerging in which non-profit organizations are a priori perceived as a source of risk, leading to excessive and disproportionate regulation. During her presentation, the speaker elaborated on systemic issues stemming from the lack of a risk-based approach, where most NGOs—which are, in fact, low-risk entities—are regulated as strictly as potentially high-risk entities. To illustrate this, she cited a number of practical cases, including the freezing of organizations’ bank accounts after receiving grants due to formal suspicions of “suspicious transactions,” which led to the collapse of projects, as well as multiple duplicate audits by various agencies, creating a significant administrative burden.

Special attention was given to the phenomenon of self-censorship, where organizations refrain from implementing initiatives out of fear of sanctions, financial restrictions, or reputational risks. Chinara Aitbaeva also pointed out how exactly the “donor–NGO–bank–beneficiary” chain of interaction is disrupted, emphasizing that key barriers arise at the level of banks and regulators that apply the practice of so-called de-risking—refusing to work with “risky” clients without an individual assessment. According to her, this creates a paradoxical situation: increased oversight does not lead to a reduction in risks but, on the contrary, to the weakening of the civil society sector, a decline in trust, and, as a result, an increase in vulnerabilities within the system. In conclusion, she presented a series of recommendations, including the need to implement a fully risk-based approach in government regulation, reduce excessive inspections, abandon stigmatizing regulations, and raise the banking sector’s awareness of the specific nature of NGOs’ work. She also emphasized the importance of increasing the transparency of the organizations themselves and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders, noting that only a balanced and trust-based approach can ensure both financial security and the protection of civil society’s rights and freedoms.

In her speech, Bermet Baryktabasova, Chair of the Kyrgyz Republic’s Healthcare Workers’ Union, presented an analysis of current challenges in the Kyrgyz Republic’s healthcare system through the lens of human rights and the sustainability of state institutions. She emphasized that access to quality medical care remains uneven, especially for vulnerable population groups, including residents of remote regions, socially disadvantaged groups, and patients with chronic diseases. The speaker emphasized that existing structural problems, such as insufficient funding, staff shortages, and limited resources, directly impact the realization of the right to health. During the presentation, the expert also addressed issues of transparency and accountability in the healthcare system, pointing to the need to strengthen public oversight and involve civil society in decision-making processes. Particular attention was paid to the lessons learned from the crises of recent years, including the pandemic, which demonstrated the system’s vulnerability and the importance of timely response, interagency coordination, and public trust. Bermet Baryktabasova emphasized that enhancing the resilience of the healthcare system requires a comprehensive approach, including reforming financing mechanisms, developing primary healthcare, implementing digital solutions, and improving the qualifications of healthcare workers. In conclusion, she noted that strengthening the healthcare system should be viewed not only as a social task but also as a key element in ensuring human rights, national security, and the country’s sustainable development.

Following the expert seminar, the experts formulated a series of key recommendations for the government agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ombudsman’s Office, and international organizations: 

1. Repeal discriminatory legal provisions restricting freedom of association that impede the realization of citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association, the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and Kyrgyzstan’s compliance with its obligations under international treaties and UN agreements, as well as the fundamental principles of the OSCE “Helsinki +50” ;

2. Strengthen parliamentary and civil society oversight of the drafting and adoption of legislation affecting the right to peaceful assembly, ensuring its compliance with the principles of legal certainty, proportionality, and non-discrimination;

3. Initiate a comprehensive and independent impact assessment of the current package of anti-extremism legislation and its updates, including the risks and threats of arbitrary restrictions on freedom of expression;

4. Ensure the establishment of a new format for inclusive dialogue between the authorities and civil society and experts, aimed at preventing legal risks, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting human rights in the context of contemporary challenges, risks, and disasters; 

5. Strengthen the role of the Ombudsman’s Office of the Kyrgyz Republic by including a special section on religious freedom and the risks of anti-extremism expert assessments in the annual report, as well as by enhancing the professional skills of local council members and the Bar Council through leadership capacity-building in collaboration with the international organizations “Women Learning Partnership” and “Equality Now”; 

6. Support initiatives to review criminal cases against human rights defenders, journalists, representatives of independent media, and civil society with the aim of restoring their constitutional rights and eliminating systemic impunity;

7. Ensure a review of approaches to regulating the NGO sector with the aim of eliminating excessive and disproportionate restrictions, including practices of financial pressure and unjustified inspections, as well as the implementation of a risk-based approach that promotes the sustainability and development of civil society;

8. Recommend that the state authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic study and adapt the positive experience of the Republic of Moldova regarding enhancing resilience to hybrid threats, including countering disinformation, ensuring transparency in the financing of political processes, and expanding citizen participation in decision-making (citizens’ assemblies);

9. Recommend the establishment, under the Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Mr. Marlen Abdyrahmanovich Mamataliyev, of an expert group on civil and political freedoms and the prevention of violations of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic and international obligations; 

10. Ensure guarantees of freedom of association in trade unions and their independent operation, including the prevention of interference in their internal processes, the creation of favorable conditions for collective bargaining, and the protection of workers’ rights, including those of migrant workers, in accordance with the international standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Kyrgyz Republic’s obligations in the field of labor rights;

11. Recommend including representatives of civil society and gender experts in the National Human Rights Council as an advisory and coordinating body under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, in accordance with Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, who promote the inclusive rights of vulnerable groups of citizens, including women with disabilities, children, migrant workers, and representatives of minorities, based on the principle of “local to global.”

For any questions, please contact the “Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan” team: Executive Director Murat Karypov and Gender Expert Lira Asylbek via email at birduinokyrgyzstan@gmail.com and m.karypov@gmail.com, or by phone at +996555422222 and +996 551 089 099