National characteristics of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding the priority of human rights and freedoms

Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice

UDC 341                                           

Today, the topic of national characteristics of the priority of political rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic remains significant. As a sovereign state, Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the protection and guarantee of the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This report will examine the key aspects and achievements of Kyrgyzstan in the field of political rights and freedoms, as well as some unique features that distinguish this country. The people of Kyrgyzstan are the bearers of sovereignty and the sole source of state power in the Kyrgyz Republic . The Kyrgyz Republic occupies a special position in Central Asia when it comes to the priority given to the political rights and freedoms of its citizens. The goal of this report is to study the national characteristics that determine the emphasis placed on these fundamental aspects of human and civil rights in Kyrgyzstan. Ensuring national security is a crucial process for protecting Kyrgyz statehood, preserving the national identity of the people, further sustainable comprehensive and progressive development of Kyrgyzstan, and maintaining security and stability in the region .

By studying the country's history, legal framework, and social context, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics that define the priority of political rights and freedoms in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Constitutional Guarantees

The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic serves as the fundamental legislative document defining the basic rights and freedoms of citizens. It enshrines principles such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association, freedom of religion, and many others. The Constitution also guarantees the equality of all citizens before the law and the state .

Freedom of Expression. Kyrgyzstan is one of the most open countries in Central Asia regarding freedom of expression. Citizens have the right to freely express their opinions and ideas, and numerous independent media outlets operate actively in the country .

Multi-party System. Kyrgyzstan has a diverse political landscape with numerous party organizations, allowing citizens to choose and support parties that align with their political beliefs. The country boasts a multi-party-political system that encourages political pluralism and diverse representation. Numerous political parties are recognized in the country, participating in elections and contributing to the democratic process. This diversity of parties allows citizens to unite with organizations that reflect their values and interests, promoting political engagement and expanding opportunities for individuals to exercise their rights through peaceful political participation.

Minority Rights. Kyrgyzstan recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of minority groups within its diverse society. The Constitution and other legislative acts prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or other grounds. The government actively supports cultural preservation and promotes inclusive policies that respect the rights and identities of minority communities. Kyrgyzstan places great importance on protecting minority rights. The country's legislation guarantees equal opportunities for all ethnic groups and protects their cultural and religious characteristics.

Civil Liberties. Kyrgyzstan acknowledges and protects civil liberties, including the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of torture and cruel treatment. The Kyrgyz Republic demonstrates strong traditions of civic engagement and civil society involvement. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play an active role in human rights protection, election monitoring, and promoting democratic values. These organizations act as a vital link between citizens and the government, fostering dialogue and policy development centered on citizens.

Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. The Kyrgyz Republic has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women's participation in politics [1]. Women have held prominent positions in government and actively participated in policy-making processes. Efforts continue to address gender inequality and ensure equal representation and opportunities for women in all areas of political life. Measures have been taken to expand women's political representation, such as gender quotas providing women with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. Additionally, efforts have been made to expand women's participation and representation in political life, including the introduction of gender quotas in legislative bodies. Emphasis on gender equality strengthens the broader commitment to political rights and freedoms for all citizens, regardless of gender.

The Kyrgyz Republic is actively working to protect the political rights and freedoms of its citizens. Constitutional guarantees, freedom of expression, a multiparty system, protection of minority rights, and civil liberties are all priority aspects of political life in Kyrgyzstan. However, despite the achievements made, much remains to be done to strengthen democracy, human rights, and civil liberties. Kyrgyzstan strives to develop and improve to ensure a fairer and freer society for its citizens.

The Kyrgyz Republic, located in Central Asia, pays significant attention to the priority of political rights and freedoms for its citizens. The country has made notable achievements in ensuring the protection and promotion of these rights, recognizing its unique national characteristics. Let's delve into the various aspects that highlight the national characteristics of the priority of political rights and freedoms in the Kyrgyz Republic:

The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic serves as the cornerstone for the protection and guarantee of political rights and freedoms. It establishes a democratic system of governance, enshrines fundamental human rights, and sets the framework for the rule of law. The Constitution emphasizes the principles of equality, justice, and the protection of individual rights.

Kyrgyzstan has created a dynamic and diverse media landscape that fosters freedom of expression. The country recognizes the vital role of independent media in ensuring transparency and accountability. Citizens have the right to express their opinions, and numerous independent media outlets operate freely, contributing to active public discourse.

Kyrgyzstan encourages active civic participation and the development of a strong civil society. Citizens have the right to form associations, express their views, and assemble peacefully. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in promoting human rights, advocating for social interests, and facilitating the country's democratic development.

The Kyrgyz Republic recognizes the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment. Efforts have been made to increase women's participation in politics and decisionmaking processes. Special attention is given to combating gender discrimination and violence, and promoting women's rights in all spheres of life.

The Kyrgyz Republic acknowledges the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Measures have been taken to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, expand access to justice, and ensure fair and transparent judicial processes.

The Kyrgyz Republic prioritizes education and awareness in the field of human rights as essential components of building a society that respects human rights. Educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of human rights values aim to foster a culture of respect for individual freedoms and dignity.

Kyrgyzstan actively participates in regional and international human rights structures and cooperates with international organizations to promote and protect human rights. The country's commitment to human rights protection extends beyond its borders, contributing to the broader global human rights agenda ).

The national characteristics of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding the prioritization of political rights and freedoms demonstrate a commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. With a robust legal framework, active civil society participation, protection of minority rights, and a dynamic media landscape, Kyrgyzstan strives to create an inclusive society that respects and guarantees the rights and freedoms of every citizen.

Looking back at history, Kyrgyzstan has a rich history of nomadic traditions and a longstanding heritage of community-level decision-making. The democratic culture of the country can be traced back to its ancient tribal systems, where collective decision-making and communal discussions were prevalent [2].

This historical context has influenced the value placed on the participation of the Kyrgyz people in political life and their emphasis on individual freedoms.

Kyrgyzstan prides itself on its relatively open and dynamic media landscape. Freedom of expression is recognized and protected, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and participate in public discussions. Independent media, including newspapers, television, and online platforms, actively contribute to the diversity of viewpoints and the dissemination of information. This commitment to freedom of expression helps form a vibrant and engaged civil society. Moving forward, Kyrgyzstan continues to develop, striving for greater democratization and ensuring the full realization of political rights and freedoms for all its citizens.

The commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic to prioritize the political rights and freedoms of its citizens stems from its historical context, legal framework, and active civil society. The constitution provides a solid foundation guaranteeing the protection of these rights, while the country's multiparty system, freedom of expression, and active civil society further contribute to a dynamic political environment. Kyrgyzstan's recognition of minority rights and efforts to promote gender equality underscore its commitment to inclusivity and social progress.

Thus, the national characteristics of the Kyrgyz Republic, including its democratic transition, constitutional framework, culture of political activism, freedom of expression, citizen engagement, open political environment, emphasis on human rights, and commitment to minority rights and inclusivity, collectively contribute to the priority of political rights and freedoms for individuals and citizens in the country. Recent years have seen a flourishing and sharp increase in the number of regional organizations worldwide, with the most classic examples being major organizations such as ASEAN and the EU. However, the shift in focus of states from global to regional security mechanisms is increasingly based not on the principle of delegation and complementarily, but rather on the inefficiency of global institutions.

Another proof of the positive impact of OSCE membership on the democratization of the Kyrgyz state can be found in the Kyrgyz Republic's policy regarding universally recognized principles and norms concerning human rights and freedoms. As is well known, international organizations adhere to the principled position of strict compliance and respect by member countries for all recognized and enshrined human rights and freedoms in international legal order. In line with this position, reflected in all documents and consistently defended in the policy of international organizations, as well as in accordance with the resulting obligations for the Kyrgyz Republic, human rights are given special status in the country's constitution. The universal and comprehensive nature of this status is evidenced by the second section of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic dated May 5, 2021, which states that the enumeration of rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic is not exhaustive and should not be interpreted as a denial or diminution of other universally recognized human rights and freedoms. Thus, human rights are subject not to consideration and interpretation within national law, but to proper and automatic application according to the procedures of authoritative international bodies, such as the Human Rights Committee, the European Court of Human Rights, which theoretically brings the Kyrgyz Republic to the global level in terms of democratic standards.

On the other hand, as some experts rightly point out, this issue has not only a purely legal dimension but also a socio-political one, reflected in the readiness of Kyrgyz society to accept international law norms as binding for application. It is worth noting that it is in this direction that the main deviations and departures by social actors from the priority of international legal norms have been recorded. A long and painstaking effort lies ahead to further democratize public consciousness, increase the social responsibility of all parties involved in democratic reforms, and enhance civic and political activity. Only under such conditions can the observance and fulfillment of the rules, obligations, and agreements binding all agents of democratization together be guaranteed.

Thus, the example of political processes in the Kyrgyz Republic has vividly demonstrated the positive effect of participating in the largest regional organization, based on the values of openness and cooperation, for the stability and viability of the country's democratic system. It is precisely thanks to high-level political interaction that Kyrgyzstan can be called one of the most favorable countries in the region for cooperation with the organization in terms of the prospects for democratic consolidation. The highest susceptibility, compared to other Central Asian countries, of the state and civil sectors to the principles and practices of the international organization, readiness for changes according to the recommendations and opinions of the international organization, becomes one of the key conditions for consolidating the results of democratic changes.

The Kyrgyz Republic possesses a number of national characteristics that contribute to prioritizing the political rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens [3]. These features include:

Democratic Transition: Kyrgyzstan experienced a peaceful transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic system in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This transition laid the foundation for prioritizing political rights and freedoms as the country sought to create a democratic governance structure that respects the rights of its citizens. Constitution and Legal Framework: The Constitution of Kyrgyzstan, adopted in 2010, guarantees a wide range of political rights and freedoms. It enshrines principles such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association; the right to participate in political life; and the right to access information. The Constitution establishes the framework for protecting and promoting these rights, emphasizing their significance within Kyrgyzstan's legal system. Political Activity and Engagement: The Kyrgyz people have a long history of political activity and engagement. The population actively participates in protests, public demonstrations, and civil society initiatives to express their opinions and defend their rights. This culture of political activity has played a vital role in shaping national consciousness regarding the importance of political rights and freedoms. Kyrgyzstan enjoys a relatively high level of freedom of expression compared to some of its regional counterparts. Independent media, including newspapers, TV channels, and online platforms, operate with a significant degree of autonomy. This freedom of expression fosters open dialogue, diversity of viewpoints, and public debates on political issues, contributing to the prioritization of political rights and freedoms.

The Kyrgyz government places significant value on citizen involvement in political processes. The government encourages public participation through mechanisms such as public consultations, town hall meetings, and citizen-led initiatives. This emphasis on civic engagement reinforces the priority given to political rights and freedoms, recognizing the importance of involving citizens in decision-making processes. Kyrgyzstan maintains a relatively open political environment with a multi-party system. Various political parties representing different ideologies and interests operate. The presence of multiple parties fosters political competition and provides citizens with choices, allowing them to exercise their political rights through active participation in elections and decision-making processes. The Kyrgyz Republic demonstrates a commitment to human rights principles, including political rights and freedoms. The government has taken steps to protect and promote these rights, including establishing human rights institutions and implementing measures to combat corruption and ensure transparency. This focus on human rights enhances the prioritization of political rights and freedoms in the national context.