New Bill Further Restricts Nonprofit Groups

A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading "Restricted Access" over it.
 

Human rights organizations are cautious as a new bill works its way through the Kyrgyz parliament, passing its first reading on October 25th. If implemented, the legislation would require a nonprofit organization or human rights group receiving international funding to register with the Justice Ministry as a "foreign representative." This act would target any organization engaged in "political activity," which the proposed legislation defines as "action aimed at changing state policy and shaping public opinion for these purposes."

If approved, the law would allow government involvement in all internal activities of an organization to ensure they are consistent with their designated purpose. If the organization is found to be "inciting citizens to refuse to perform civic duties or to commit other unlawful deeds," those responsible could face up to ten years in prison.

The vague wording of the legislation, along with the risk of misuse, has raised concerns from human rights organizations and the United Nations. A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called this proposed law "ill-defined, broad and open to subjective interpretation," adding that it could be used for "selective prosecution of legitimate human rights advocacy."

While Kyrgyzstan's laws promise to uphold religious freedom, in reality, numerous restrictions have been placed on churches and the practice of religion. For further information about the challenges being encountered by Christians in this country, and/or to review previously posted reports, go to our country report.

Pray for God's intervention in the minds and hearts of Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary leaders as they deliberate this new legislation, giving them wisdom throughout the process. Ask the Lord to also work in and through the lives of Christians who are seeking to reach out in their communities with the message of the Gospel, despite the opposition they may encounter or the restrictions that could potentially be placed upon them if the new bill is implemented.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer an English camp as an opportunity for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants are invited to embrace the Good News of the Gospel through the platform of the English Camps.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    6,122,781 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Kyrgyz (73.8), Uzbek (14.8), Russian (5.1), Dungan (1.1), Other (5.2)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (90), Christian (7), other (3)

    Leader
    President Sadyr Japarov (2021)

    Government type
    Parliamentary Republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Kyrgyzstan

    Ask the Lord to empower these church leaders and their congregation members so they can lovingly and boldly proclaim the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan (Ephesians 6:18-20). Also intercede on behalf of the country's political leaders, who not only need wisdom to justly govern the nation but also eternal salvation through a personal and meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ. May it represent the beginning of spiritual revival throughout this land.

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Kyrgyzstan News

  • New Religion Law Passes First Reading
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Parliament building in Kyrgyzstan.
    Photo: Flickr / Katie Putz (cc)

    While the Kyrgyzstan constitution guarantees freedom of religion, various laws imposing significant restrictions on religious gatherings have been passed over the years, as well those forbidding proselytism and the distribution of religious literature. Since the 2008 Religion Law came into effect, churches were required to register with the government and, in order to do so, they had to consist of more than 200 adult members. In the years following, further modifications have frequently been proposed. One such bill was introduced in October 2023, but the parliament rejected it on June 6th, 2024. (Read more.)

    Read more...

  • Proposed Religion Law Amendments Rejected
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading "Restricted Access" over it.
     

    In October 2023, a bill that would put significant restrictions on religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan passed its first reading. Of particular concern to human rights experts were the legislation's vague wording (which could potentially be subjected to abuse) and the strict new requirements for financial reporting. Previously published details on the proposed restrictions are available here.

    Read more...

  • New Bill Further Restricts Nonprofit Groups
    A map of Kyrgyzstan has a stamp reading
     

    Human rights organizations are cautious as a new bill works its way through the Kyrgyz parliament, passing its first reading on October 25th. If implemented, the legislation would require a nonprofit organization or human rights group receiving international funding to register with the Justice Ministry as a "foreign representative." This act would target any organization engaged in "political activity," which the proposed legislation defines as "action aimed at changing state policy and shaping public opinion for these purposes."

    Read more...

  • Fines for ''Missionary Activities''
    Outline map of Kyrgyzstan, the country's flag, and a faded view of scales.
      

    In multiple incidents that took place during late March, Christians from registered churches in Kyrgyzstan were issued fines for conducting "illegal missionary activities." News of the raids had not been released until recently due to fear of reprisals.

    Read more...

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