OSCE Centre supports independent monitoring of freedom of peaceful assembly in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 19 December 2011 – Better implementation of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in Kyrgyzstan was the focus of an OSCE-supported public discussion that took place in Bishkek today among national authorities, international and national experts, as well as civil society and international organizations representatives.

The event is the concluding activity of a six-month OSCE-supported project on promoting freedom of peaceful assembly in the country. The aim of the event, held jointly by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Freedom House Kyrgyzstan and the non-governmental organization “Independent Human Rights Group”, was to facilitate reaching a common understanding about both policy and practice concerning the freedom of peaceful assembly. The recommendations of a report on country-wide monitoring of how the right to freedom of assembly was exercised in June-November 2011 were discussed.

“The report notes a considerable decrease of police interference in peaceful and lawful gatherings in Kyrgyzstan in the reporting period, while underlining the need to bolster law enforcement acumen in enabling this fundamental freedom to be a natural part of life in the country,” said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “This report and its recommendations can serve as a solid reference for authorities and legislators for strengthening the rights and responsibilities associated with peaceful assembly.” 

Tursunbek Akun, the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic, stressed that “the elaboration of the law on freedom of peaceful assembly has gone a long way; it is a result of joint efforts of the civil society, governmental structures and international organizations. The next important stage in promoting civil rights and freedoms will be the adoption of this law”.

Almaz Esengeldiev, the Deputy Director of Freedom House Kyrgyzstan, said: “The adoption of the law on peaceful assembly should not be seen as an end in itself; the provisions of the new Constitution are fairly sufficient today. What is essential is that the state learns how to regulate peaceful assemblies in line with international human rights standards.”

The six-month project also helped to build the monitoring capacity of 25 human rights activists and to establish a network of non-partisan freedom of assembly monitors.