Report on Kyrgyzstan’s Legislative Changes Impacting Human Rights and Media Freedom

Introduction

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on June 27, 2025, that Kyrgyzstan’s parliament passed two significant bills which pose threats to media freedom and the protection against torture. These legislative changes undermine judicial oversight and consolidate anti-torture mechanisms, raising concerns about violations of human rights and the country’s commitments under international law, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Legislative Changes and Their Implications

1. Law on Mass Media

1. Classification and Registration: The new law classifies all websites as mass media outlets, requiring mandatory registration before legal information dissemination.
2. Authority and Control: The Cabinet of Ministers holds exclusive authority over registration, re-registration, and closure of media organizations.
3. Foreign Ownership Restrictions: Foreign ownership in media companies is limited to 35%, affecting both individuals and organizations.

These provisions increase the risk of independent media being denied registration or shut down without judicial review, enabling suppression of critical voices.

2. Merger of Anti-Torture Institution

• The independent National Centre for the Prevention of Torture, established in 2012 following Kyrgyzstan’s ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture, is to be merged with the ombudsman’s office.
• This merger is expected to reduce the effectiveness of torture prevention efforts and jeopardize fundamental human rights protections.
• The National Centre has been praised by UN human rights experts for compliance with international standards.
• The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns in 2022, urging Kyrgyzstan to abandon plans to dissolve the Centre.

Concerns Raised by Human Rights Watch and Other Stakeholders

• Violation of International Obligations: HRW emphasized that the laws contravene Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights commitments.
• Threat to Fundamental Freedoms: Syinat Sultanalieva, HRW’s Central Asia researcher, urged President Sadyr Japarov to veto the laws to protect fundamental freedoms and public safety.
• Increased State Control: Amendments during parliamentary readings increased state control over media, reversing earlier compromises and raising pressure on independent editorial offices.
• Broader Decline in Media Freedom: Recent years have seen legislation enabling content removal, burdensome NGO regulations, and persecution of government critics and independent journalists.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The weakening of judicial oversight and human rights institutions undermines efforts to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Restricting media freedom and civil society participation exacerbates inequalities by limiting voices of marginalized groups and critical actors.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The restrictions on foreign ownership and NGO activities hinder international cooperation and partnerships essential for sustainable development.
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Effective torture prevention mechanisms contribute to the protection of physical and mental health, which is compromised by the institutional merger.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Human Rights Watch calls on Kyrgyzstan’s president to veto the two bills to uphold the country’s international human rights obligations and safeguard media freedom and protection from torture. Ensuring proper consultation on legislation affecting fundamental freedoms is critical to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and maintaining public safety and human dignity in Kyrgyzstan.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article discusses issues related to media freedom, protection from torture, and human rights institutions, which are central to SDG 16.
   • Concerns about weakening protections against torture and restricting media activities relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The limitation on foreign ownership in media and suppression of independent voices may contribute to inequalities in access to information and representation.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality (Implied)

   • While not explicitly mentioned, media freedom and human rights protections often impact gender equality, especially in ensuring equal representation and protection from abuses.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. Targets under SDG 16

   • 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. The article highlights restrictions on media freedom and access to information.
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The weakening of judicial oversight over media restrictions and merging of anti-torture bodies threaten this target.
   • 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children and adults. The article discusses the merging of the anti-torture center with the ombudsman’s office, potentially reducing protection against torture.

2. Targets under SDG 10

   • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. Restrictions on media ownership and suppression of independent voices may undermine this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 16 Targets

   • 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months. The article implies increased risks to journalists and media personnel.
   • 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population. The article mentions detention of journalists without formal charges, relevant to this indicator.
   • 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1–17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month. While the article focuses on torture broadly, this indicator is related to protection from abuse.

2. Indicators Related to SDG 10 Targets

   • No specific indicator is directly mentioned, but indicators measuring inclusiveness in media ownership and access to information could be implied.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: jurist.org