News

Kyrgyzstan's NGOs express cautious optimism

Representatives from more than 100 NGOs discussed Kyrgyzstan's future. Photo: Vlad Ushakov

The main aim of the Forum was to discuss the most pressing issues concerning the current situation and initiate dialogue between the interim government and civil society.

Among the many issues discussed were:

• the urgent need for the people of Kyrgyzstan and the international community to legitimize the interim government

• the urgent need to stop the administrative chaos caused by the massive turnover of officials

• the need for civil society to establish strong monitoring mechanisms in order to ensure transparency and accountability on the part of the interim government.

NGOs enjoy the people’s trust

The government's Deputy Chairman, Omurbek Tekebajev, answered questions. Photo: Vlad Ushakov

After many years of work in Kyrgyzstan, NGOs have gained significant knowledge, experience and not least people’s trust.

NGOs play an important role in the country and have more than once proven their ability to influence political decisions.

That is why Kyrgyzstan’s interim government were represented by three high-ranking delegates at the meeting.

”The interim government acknowledges the authority and expertise of NGOs. The NGOs in turn are conscious of their role and responsibility - and willing to do their best to help Kyrgyzstan overcome the plethora of problems it is facing”, says DanChurchAid’s Tatiana Kotova, who took part in the meeting along with ACT partner ICCO and all of the local partners.

Expectations put into writing

Right after the Forum, 15 delegates appointed by NGO-participants were received by the new Leader of Kyrgyzstan, Roza Otumbaeva. The delegates shared their concerns and handed her the Forum resolution.