Originally from Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, Kazy joined the MAHRS programme at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek after several years of grassroots activism. They currently work as Officer on Institutional Development at the youth feminist organisation NoviyRitm, where they develop projects promoting democracy and human rights while creating opportunities for young people in southern Kyrgyzstan to engage in leadership, HIV awareness, feminism, the arts, debate and other community initiatives.
Their path to the MAHRS programme was not straightforward.
“For several years in a row, I tried to apply for the master’s programme, but I couldn’t muster the courage, wasn’t confident in my abilities, and never finished filling out the application. In early 2025, I decided to apply specifically to the MAHRS Programme as the words ‘human rights’ inspired me so much […]. So, on my very first try, I had the opportunity to get this scholarship, for which I am very grateful.”
Kazy describes the programme as providing an essential understanding of local, regional and international human rights protection mechanisms, knowledge they hope to use to advance the rights of queer communities in the region. Their commitment to human rights also extends into creative activism. Kazy produces one of the first Kyrgyz-language podcasts on sexual education and has contributed to photo essays and storytelling projects addressing issues affecting marginalised communities.
“During the MAHRS Programme, I realised that it’s also important to understand how advocacy works at the international level and how international and government authorities interact with one another. I consider this useful for my future activism. And now, thanks to the Academy, I am completing a four-month internship at the OSCE/ODIHR and gaining insight into how the OSCE supports participating States.”
The knowledge gained during the MAHRS programme has already translated into practice. This year, Kazy represented civil society from Kyrgyzstan during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, with the support of TGEU – Trans Europe and Central Asia.
Kazy also reflects candidly on the emotional challenges of human rights work.
“I catch myself thinking it’s impossible to change anything for the better, especially when the rights and voices of vulnerable groups aren’t heard by the government, nor society, or they simply don’t want to listen to us. But at the same time, I realise that I can’t just watch what’s happening and become a victim of the system, so I choose to take action, even if slowly, I’m contributing to change something.”
Despite democratic backsliding in many parts of the world, Kazy believes that promoting democracy and human rights requires increasingly creative forms of activism while never losing sight of the importance of emotional and physical well-being and personal safety.
The ARTE documentary provides a broader perspective on the realities faced by civil society organisations and human rights defenders in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the environment in which many Global Campus students and alumni continue to work in support of democracy and human rights.