UN expert to visit Kyrgyzstan to assess rights of minorities

Bishkek, Dec. 5, 2019. / Kabar /. The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes, will visit Kyrgyzstan from 6 to 17 December 2019 to gather first-hand information on the situation of minorities, and to identify good practices as well as key areas that require improvement, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) reported. He will look at laws, policies and practices that affect persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, with issues including equality and non-discrimination, effective participation and representation, access to quality education and the status of minority languages, including sign language. He will also explore the situation of religious minorities, and measures to address hate speech and incitement to inter-ethnic and religious hatred. “I look forward to engaging with the authorities, civil society and others to assess the legislative, institutional and policy framework for promoting and protecting the human rights of minorities,” said de Varennes. “This constructive dialogue will identify good practices as well as areas for improvement in the country’s efforts to ensure full implementation of its international human rights commitments.” During his 12-day mission, the Special Rapporteur will travel to the capital Bishkek and to other regions where minorities live, Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken. He will meet senior government and regional officials, representatives of civil society and members of minorities, including of the deaf community. At the end of his visit, on Tuesday 17 December 2019, de Varennes will share his preliminary findings and recommendations at a news conference at the UN House. The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report of his visit to a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.