Press Statement by the United Nations System in the Kyrgyz Republic

We join the women and men of Kyrgyzstan in celebrating the progress made on women’s rights issues through the extra-ordinary acts of courage and determination shown by women across the country in the development of the country and in your communities. We stand with you in working together to address the challenges that still remain.

The global theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights. The theme is aligned with a new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.This important day therefore calls on all of us, everyone, everywhere to uphold gender equality as a necessity in upholding human rights across all generations. Gender equality is a fundamental condition for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Kyrgyz Republic has made commendable steps on gender equality and women’s empowerment by enacting into law important legislation on prohibiting and punishing ala-kachuu, criminalization of domestic violence and securing gender quota for women in local councils. These important steps send a strong message to citizens and to the global community about the commitments of the State to promote and protect the rights of women and girls.

On this day, the United Nations in the Kyrgyz Republic welcomes the joining of hands to confront domestic violence against women and girls, to denounce rhetoric of intolerance, physical and verbal abuse against women activists and rights defenders.

The United Nations will continue to support the Kyrgyz Republic to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law and its national laws to prevent and prohibit all forms of discrimination and violence and to strengthen conditions for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. 

“On this day, the United Nations in the Kyrgyz Republic celebrates the diversity of women and all forms of women’s free expression in all official, professional and private spheres” said Ozonnia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic.

In line with this commitment, the United Nations in the Kyrgyz Republic calls on the Government and all stakeholders to celebrate and strengthen the protection of the rights of all women in public and private spheres. 

The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting the Kyrgyz Republic’s efforts to protect and promote equal participation for all members in society, ensuring that no one is left behind.