The U.S. Department of State has expressed concern over the adoption of the law on non-commercial organizations (NCOs/NPOs) in Kyrgyzstan.
A corresponding statement by U.S. Department of State representative Matthew Miller was released by the press service of the American Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
"We are deeply concerned about Kyrgyzstan's adoption of the so-called 'Foreign Agents' law, which threatens the work of NPOs necessary for a more democratic and inclusive Kyrgyz Republic. This is the latest in a series of actions by the Kyrgyz government that undermine democratic governance and civil society," Miller's statement reads.
According to him, NPOs "play a crucial role in uniting government and society to improve the welfare of all Kyrgyzstanis." Miller stated that the law will "place an undue burden on NPOs" and potentially restrict or terminate the activities of organizations providing "vital assistance to the people of Kyrgyzstan," including aid from the United States, implemented by local and international NPOs.
"Restricting the work of these organizations and allowing unrestricted government interference in their activities could hinder the provision of American assistance aimed at improving healthcare and education, strengthening the rule of law, improving the delivery of public services, and expanding economic opportunities for the people of Kyrgyzstan. This work is an integral part of achieving our common goal - a prosperous and successful Kyrgyz Republic," the statement from the U.S. Department of State said.
Miller noted that the U.S. will "continue to cooperate with the government of Kyrgyzstan on issues related to the protection of civil society and fundamental freedoms."
On April 2, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov stated that NPOs and their foreign partners had asked him not to sign this law.
"NPOs working in our country for 30 years have never been registered anywhere, never reported to anyone. They opened bank accounts, took money from foreign donors, and used them at their discretion, including for personal purposes. From now on, they, like everyone else, will register with the Ministry of Justice, open bank accounts. Now they will start working openly. There will be no mess, as before," Japarov wrote.
President Japarov guaranteed that there would be no persecution. According to the president, Kyrgyz NPOs deceived foreign donors.
"They spread false information, saying 'we will be persecuted, detained as agents of a foreign state.' And the donors believed it. That's why they ask me not to sign this law. For 30 years, you have been working with foreign donors, and no one has persecuted you for taking money. Are we going to start doing that now?" he wrote on social media.
Japarov stated that Kyrgyz NPOs deceived foreign donors by saying they organized round tables, spent money on training and project implementation, although they used them for personal purposes.
"If you say this is not true, I can prove it. Why do NPOs in developed Western countries register with the Ministry of Justice, the tax authorities, open bank accounts, and do not do the same when they come to us? Or are we a second-rate country? No, it is not. We will no longer allow such questionable actions," Japarov said.
In March, the Kyrgyzstan parliament finally adopted a bill on non-commercial organizations (NCOs/NPOs). According to the document, the concept of an "NCO performing the functions of a foreign agent" is introduced.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to the President of Kyrgyzstan expressing "concern" about amendments to the law on NCOs. In response, President Japarov indicated that the content of the letter has signs of interference in the country's internal affairs.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 3, 2024