Lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan have given their final approval to a bill that is expected to severely restrict the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for human rights and independent media, in a move widely anticipated by critics.
During a session at the Jogorku Kenesh on March 14, 66 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the legislation, while five opposed it, and nine abstained. The vote, which lasted merely seven minutes, took place without any debate.
The bill now awaits President Sadyr Japarov’s signature to become law, a step expected to occur imminently, leaving affected NGOs with only a brief period to adapt.
Advocated as a blow against “Western ideology,” the legislation closely mirrors similar laws enacted by Russia in 2012, targeting activities perceived as advocating for political freedoms and LGBT rights.
The rushed parliamentary vote occurred without prior announcement, amidst sustained international criticism from Kyrgyzstan’s partners and global organizations.
Matteo Mecacci, head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s democracy- and rights-promotion arm, voiced concerns over the potential impact of what is commonly referred to as the “foreign agents law,” warning of its detrimental effects on civil society, human rights defenders, and the media in Kyrgyzstan.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed reservations about the bill, cautioning that it could hinder access to essential services provided by NGOs with support from the U.S. government and international partners.
Although lawmakers modified one punitive aspect of the bill by removing criminal liability provisions, NGOs receiving foreign funding will still be classified as “foreign representatives,” subject to stringent reporting requirements and audits.
Critics argue that the bureaucratic burden imposed by the new rules will force many NGOs to cease operations, particularly affecting media outlets and independent journalism.
Approval of the NGO legislation follows the withdrawal of a contentious draft bill aimed at restricting freedom of speech. Japarov’s decision to seek revision of the media legislation came after meeting with media representatives.
The rushed adoption of the foreign agents law underscores the urgency for NGOs to ensure compliance, with the law expected to come into force swiftly, leaving minimal time for adaptation or public consultation on implementing procedures.