Kyrgyzstan – Information for Consideration by the Committee Against Torture at its 81st Session, June 2024

Equality Now, together with the partners – The  Human Rights Movement Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan and Positive Dialogue, submitted the information on the List of Issues Prior to Reporting for Kyrgyzstan for Consideration by the Committee Against Torture at its 81st Session with concerns about addressing sexual violence against women and girls, in particular against women and girls with disabilities, including those in psychiatric and psychoneurological institutions, social care homes, and other places of deprivation of liberty.

What’s included in the submission?

• The legislation in Kyrgyzstan lacks a consent-based definition of rape contrary to international human rights standards.
•  Women and girls in Kyrgyzstan’s psychiatric and psychoneurological institutions, social care homes and other residential facilities are at heightened risk of sexual violence, with significant barriers to reporting abuse due to institutional power imbalances and a lack of supportive procedures. 
• The National Preventive Mechanism’s reports reveal poor living conditions and inadequate documentation of abuse, which hampers accountability. 
• There is an urgent need for specialized training for staff, the establishment of confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms, and comprehensive guidelines to identify and address sexual violence, particularly for those with disabilities.

Who’s it for?

• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Committee against Torture
• Law and policymakers 
• Legal professionals
• Government institutions