OSCE/ODIHR supports drafting of regulations for state-wide population register in Kyrgyzstan

A roundtable discussion on developing a regulatory framework for a state population register was held by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and its partners in Bishkek on 6 December 2012.

During the meeting some 50 participants from the Presidential Administration, the government, national institutions and civil society discussed the proposed draft law on the State Population Register, which was developed with OSCE support and presented by the Government’s State Registration Service. 

“The establishment and functioning of a unified state population register should be based on a sound regulatory framework that spells out the responsibilities of both citizens and administrative bodies in the registration process,” said Zoran Dokovic, ODIHR’s Migration and Freedom of Movement Adviser.

In addition to highlighting the benefits of a population register in facilitating access to state-provided services and enabling citizens to exercise their civil and political rights, participants also noted the importance of developing mechanisms for the protection of computerized personal data.

The meeting was held with the support of the Government’s State Registration Service, the ADILET Legal Clinic and the non-governmental organization Civil Initiative for Internet Policy.

ODIHR is supporting the establishment of a state-wide population register in Kyrgyzstan following a request from the State Registration Service. It is part of ODIHR’s continuing activities to assist OSCE participating States in following up on recommendations made  by the Office’s election observation missions, as well as in providing citizens with access to state-guaranteed rights and services.