The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC or Council) serves as an important platform for nations to engage in the promotion and protection of human rights globally. Between 2020 and 2024, certain Central Asian countries, in particular Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, have interacted with this body in various capacities, reflecting their commitments and challenges in upholding human rights standards. It is worth making a comparative overview of their engagements during the period concerned.
Kazakhstan’s membership in the UNHRC (2022-2024)
Kazakhstan was elected to the UNHRC for the term 2022–2024 during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on October 14, 2021. Notably, this state already sat on the Council back in 2013-2015. The country’s priorities included promoting gender equality, advocating for the universal abolition of the death penalty, combating all forms of intolerance, and upholding human rights in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout its tenure, Kazakhstan actively participated in the UNHRC activities, leading to the adoption of significant resolutions focused on children’s rights in education and the elimination of domestic violence. However, the country faced scrutiny over human rights issues, particularly following the January 2022 unrest, which resulted in significant human rights violations, including the deaths of civilians and law enforcement officers. Reports indicated the use of indiscriminate and unlawful force against peaceful protesters and bystanders. Additionally, concerns were raised about freedom of expression, with instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions of activists and journalists. Despite measures to combat domestic violence, impunity for such crimes persisted.
Kazakhstan’s engagement with the UPR process
Kazakhstan participated in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, with the latest examination of its human rights record taking place on January 23, 2025. During this review, the country received 294 recommendations from 103 state delegations, covering a range of human rights concerns, including freedom of association and peaceful assembly, media freedom, accountability for abuses during the January 2022 protests, gender-based violence, and the rights of LGBT individuals and people with disabilities. Human Rights Watch called on Kazakhstan to promptly support and implement these recommendations.
Kyrgyzstan’s membership in the UNHRC (2023-2025)
Kyrgyzstan began its three-year term as a member of the UNHRC in February 2023. During this period, the country faced significant human rights challenges, including restrictions on civil society, freedom of expression, and media freedom.
In May 2023, according to official sources, the Kyrgyz Parliament proposed the ‘Foreign Representatives’ draft law, which would require NGOs receiving foreign funding and engaging in political activities to register with the Justice Ministry as ‘foreign representatives’. Non-compliance could result in the suspension of activities, including banking operations, for up to six months. Additionally, a draft mass media law was introduced, potentially restricting the ability of civil society organizations and media to operate independently. These developments raised concerns about the country’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards during its UNHRC membership.
Kyrgyzstan’s engagement with the UPR process
Kyrgyzstan’s human rights record was reviewed during the 35th session of the UPR Working Group on January 20, 2020. Despite supporting 193 out of the 232 recommendations received during its third UPR review, between 2020 and 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s human rights record showed a consistent pattern of deterioration. This period was marked by increasing restrictions on civil society and media freedom, including the misuse of extremism laws, harassment of NGOs, and the adoption of restrictive legislation such as laws on ‘false’ information and ‘foreign representatives’. Press freedom was subject to mounting pressure through persistent criminal cases against journalists and media outlets. Additionally, domestic violence remained a serious and persistent issue, with perpetrators often benefiting from impunity.
Uzbekistan’s membership in the UNHRC (2021-2023)
Uzbekistan was elected to the UNHRC for the term 2021–2023. This marked the first time in its history that Uzbekistan held a seat on the Council, providing new impetus to human rights initiatives within the country. During its tenure, Uzbekistan focused on implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, respecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development. The New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022–2026 was adopted, aimed at actively involving citizens in public affairs, improving living conditions, and simplifying access to public services.
Uzbekistan’s engagement with the UPR process
Uzbekistan’s human rights record was reviewed during the 44th session of the UPR Working Group. In its national report submitted for the review, Uzbekistan highlighted its commitment to the UPR process and the implementation of recommendations from previous cycles. The report detailed legislative, judicial, and administrative measures taken to improve the human rights situation and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). Notably, on April 30, 2023, Uzbekistan adopted a new national Constitution by referendum, aimed at reaffirming human rights guarantees and ensuring the continuity of democratic reforms.
Looking ahead
The engagement of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan with the UN Human Rights Council between 2020 and 2024 reflects a complex landscape of commitments and challenges in upholding human rights standards. While these states have demonstrated a willingness to participate in international human rights mechanisms, their domestic records reveal ongoing issues that require sustained attention and reform. As members of the global community, it is crucial to continue monitoring and supporting these countries in their respective efforts to fulfill their international human rights obligations.
To ensure more meaningful progress, it appears critical to me that national governments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan strengthen collaboration with local civil society organizations, particularly those working at the grassroots level to defend and promote human rights. In Kazakhstan, organizations such as the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR) play a vital role in documenting rights violations and supporting victims. In Kyrgyzstan, Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan actively engages in legal advocacy, civic education, and the protection of human rights defenders. In Uzbekistan, Ezgulik, one of the few officially registered human rights NGOs, has been involved in monitoring prison conditions and promoting transparency. Legal protections for NGOs and independent media need to be reinforced rather than restricted, and mechanisms for accountability and redress ought to be improved.
At the regional level, fostering intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation on human rights best practices, for example through platforms like the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program or within OSCE frameworks, could offer shared strategies and peer learning. Moreover, international actors and UN agencies should continue providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, with an emphasis on the implementation of UPR recommendations. Sustained engagement with these countries is essential not only to monitor obligations but also – as I see it – to encourage a culture of rights-based governance grounded in local realities.
