Opening remarks of the UN Resident Coordinator, Antje Grawe for the "Human Rights Protection Day in the Kyrgyz Republic"

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great honor that I am here with you today to mark a momentous occasion—the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was commemorated yesterday, on 10 December- Human Rights Day.

Today’s event concludes for Kyrgyzstan a year-long campaign of activism under the slogan of “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” that was supported by the UN worldwide.  Later today, in Geneva, under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Office, UN Member States are announcing their pledges that will build the “Tree of Pledges” that will reinvigorate the promise of the Universal Declaration.  Kyrgyzstan is also part of this process.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a remarkable document that was agreed in the aftermath of the Second World War.  It stands as a testament to the recognition of the critical importance dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of ethnicity, gender, language, political views, social status or any other characteristic for peace and justice.

Let me quote the preamble of the Universal Declaration: “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”  

As we reflect on the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is more important than ever as the world is faced with a record number of conflicts, it is essential to underscore its particular relevance to Kyrgyzstan. The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights resonate deeply within the heart of this nation, echoing values that have shaped its identity, notably the strive for the freedoms enshrined in it.

The Universal Declaration has provided a universal language that transcends borders, fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms that are the birthright of every individual.  In its 30 articles it proclaimed equality, dignity, freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, religion or belief, freedom from torture, the right to liberty, fair trial and the right to participate in public affairs and decision making – these are just some of the articles of the Universal Declaration that appear very pertinent to today’s Kyrgyzstan.

The mentioned fundamental freedoms are the cornerstone of any free and democratic society. They are necessary conditions for the realization of the principles of transparency and accountability and essential to the enjoyment of other human rights - some of the reasons why this year, I spoke a lot about freedom of expression and freedom of association. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Human rights are universal, interconnected, interdependent and indivisible – they are not granted by governments, but it is the government’s duty to ensure full respect, protection and fulfillment of all civil and political, economic, social and cultural rights. 

The rights contained in the UDHR were further “unpacked” in UN Human Rights Treaties, Resolutions and Guidelines.  I congratulate Kyrgyzstan on its accession to the majority of these human rights treaties and thereby to its commitment to uphold provisions of these treaties in its laws and practices.  I would also like to commend Kyrgyzstan for its regular engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms. Since 2021, Kyrgyzstan held constructive dialogues with FIVE UN Treaty Bodies including the Committee against Torture, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Human Rights Committee, Committee on the Rights of the Child, and at the end of November 2023 – with the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. 

All these Committees provided recommendations on how to ensure compliance with human rights obligations. Their implementation can be achieved only through dialogue and cooperation of national authorities with national human rights institutions and civil society.

Recommendations of several of the UN Committees highlighted a need for Kyrgyzstan to take robust measures in laws, practices, and through allocation of sufficient funding for the prevention and protection of women and girls against gender-based violence.  I am glad that this topic is high on the national agenda and on the agenda of today’s event, as Human Rights Day also ends the 16 Days Campaign against Violence against Women.

Why are these international human rights commitments important and why is the UN committed to support national efforts in upholding Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights commitments and obligations?

The full range of rights and freedoms are the key that can unlock sustainable development and ensure that no one is left behind, the core principle of the Sustainable Development Goals, which is also enshrined in Kyrgyzstan’s national development strategies: Through human rights, UN Member States can build societies that are more peaceful because they can resolve disputes; more sustainably developed, because they are fair and inclusive; more resilient to shocks, because there is a coherent sense of community, based on trust.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are gathered today under the auspices of the Ombudswoman of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mrs. Jamanbaeva, whose Office of Akyikatchy, as a National Human Rights Institution, is vested with the pivotal role to foster constructive dialogue on the country’s adherence to its human rights commitments.

The journey towards upholding human rights is not a solitary one — it is a shared commitment that necessitates the active involvement of State authorities, national human rights institutions, civil society, and the media.

Using this opportunity, I would like to salute the courage and determination of all human rights defenders in the Kyrgyz Republic, during a year that also celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.   

In conclusion, I would like to call on us all to use this occasion to contribute to the “Tree of pledges” and make a promise to a future where Kyrgyzstan will preserve the civic space needed for people to use their Constitutionally protected rights; a future where all rights, political and civil, economic, social and cultural will be equally protected and promoted; a future where Kyrgyzstan will continue its engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms and will conduct meaningful consultations with interested stakeholders when preparing for the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review due in May 2025.  A future, where Kyrgyzstan will draft and implement a new National Human Rights Action Plan with input from civil society as a roadmap for the state’s efforts to ensure human rights, after the current Plan expires at the end of 2024.  And a future where the Law regulating the Ombudsman’s Institute complies with the Paris Principles.

As UN Resident Coordinator, I look forward to working hand-in-hand with all of you, while implementing the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the UN family and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2023-2027, which is anchored in human rights and principles of equality and non-discrimination, including in the commitment to “leave no one behind’ and ‘reach those furthest behind first’, and requires effective public participation during its implementation.

Together, we can create a future where the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not just words on paper but a living reality for every citizen of Kyrgyzstan.

Thank you.