US urges Kyrgyzstan to reconsider law on reporting requirements for NGOs

AKIPRESS.COM - "The United States expresses its deep concern with the Kyrgyz Republic's recent approval of a law imposing onerous financial and programmatic reporting requirements on non-governmental organizations (NGOs)," Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.
The new requirements threaten the ability of NGOs to improve the lives of citizens and impede the vital efforts of NGOs to assist the government in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar laws have been misused in other countries to target organizations critical of the government and political figures, infringing upon freedom of expression.
"We urge the nation's leadership to reconsider the law and its impact on civil society, which has been a cornerstone of Kyrgyz democracy. The Kyrgyz Republic's strong tradition of pluralism and freedom of association, which it has established since its independence nearly 30 years ago, should be protected and encouraged," the statement said.