Bishkek, March 20, 2025. /Kabar /. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov met on Wednesday with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
The presidential press service reported that issues of protecting and promoting human rights, ensuring freedom of speech, strengthening democratic institutions, as well as cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights were discussed.
Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is consistently implementing processes to strengthen the democratic form of government, build a state based on the rule of law, bring national legislation in line with international standards, and reform the judicial and law enforcement systems.
"Since 2021, work has been underway to inventory the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. These activities are aimed at optimizing and improving the country's legislative framework, including protecting the rights and interests of citizens and legal entities. In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers is consistently working to humanize criminal law," the president said.
Sadyr Zhaparov noted that Kyrgyzstan was elected three times as a member of the Human Rights Council in 2009-2012, 2016-2018 and 2023-2025 and, as an active participant in the international community and a member of the UN Human Rights Council, continues to fulfill its international obligations by consistently working to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The head of state emphasized that in Kyrgyzstan, the adoption of laws regulating the activities of the media, as well as non-governmental organizations, is carried out with the participation of the general public and all interested parties.
He recalled that Kyrgyzstan was recently visited by a delegation of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, headed by Mounir Satouri, who was given a full opportunity to get acquainted with the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan.
Sadyr Zhaparov highly appreciated Kyrgyzstan's cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and stressed that the country's leadership is always ready for an open and constructive dialogue with all international partners.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk noted that news continues to come from Kyrgyzstan about positive reforms and achievements in the field of socio-economic development, ensuring peace and stability in the Central Asian region.
In this context, he congratulated Kyrgyzstan on the completion of the process of settling border issues with Tajikistan.
The UN High Commissioner emphasized the importance of civil society participation in discussing the problems and challenges that arise in modern society.
"We are ready to provide all necessary assistance and support to Kyrgyzstan on all issues aimed at ensuring the rule of law, stability, protection and observance of human rights," assured Volker Turk.