Bill requiring additional reports for non-profit organizations may lead to persecution and violence – human rights defender

AKIPRESS.COM - The bill requiring additional reporting from non-profit organizations in Kyrgyzstan does not meet requirements of the Constitution concerning the reasons and limits of restriction of human rights to freedom of association, human rights defender Cholpon Jakupova said. She said the bill will duplicate the reporting requirement for non-profit organizations and discriminates three kinds of non-profit organizations by requiring more reports.
The proposed bill suggests that certain types of non-profit organizations will be required to submit reports on sources of financing and main areas of expenditures, that is report on their program activities. The reports will be published on the website of the Ministry of Justice, Jakupova said.
"This is a very dangerous initiative that may lead to witch hunting, persecution and violence. Unfortunately, our society has many various marginal groups that very aggressive towards certain social groups or international organizations. For instance, if the report on the website indicates that a certain organization protect rights of intravenous drug users or representatives of LGBT community, it can be used as an open call for unlawful actions and even violence," Jakupova said.
The bill was authored by MP Baktybek Raimkulov, who suggested that non-profit organizations using grants, budget funds and donations should submit reports on sources of financing and expenditures yearly.