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Workers Go Hungry As Central Asia's Largest Bazaar Stands Empty

Central Asia's largest bazaar has been closed for a month now, causing hunger and poverty for some 50,000 people in Bishkek who worked there before COVID-19 struck. Some of these people live on-site in shipping containers, while others live at an informal shantytown on a garbage dump near the giant marketplace in the Kyrgyz capital.

ODIHR Director very concerned about decision to uphold life sentence for Azimjan Askarov WARSAW 13 May 2020

“I call on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to implement the UN Human Rights Committee decision and free Mr Askarov, in line with the country’s international human rights obligations.”  

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC EXAMINED THE CASSATION APPEAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AZIMZHAN ASKAROV

Prior to the trial, the defense side was subjected to pressure and threats of aggressive groups both outside the building of the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic and in the courtroom. They insulted and threatened the lawyers, the wife of Askarov, Khadicha Askarova, and employees of Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, using hate speech and discrimination.

Urgent Aid to Rural Hospitals in Tajikistan

Tajikistan's doctors and nurses are in urgent need of your help. This week, Tajikistan was hit by the novel Coronavirus. On April 29, there were only 15 registered cases. Today, a week later, there are 461 people infected, with 12 fatalities. These are the official statistics. Tajikistan is a country of 9 million people, with an average wage of $40/month. A single kit of medical protective gear (suit, gloves, goggles) costs $30-50.  Many doctors are quarantined inside the hospitals. They urgently need protective suits, antiseptics and medical equipment like ventilators, as cases increase 25% daily.

SARDOBA DAM COLLAPSE – ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF UZBEKISTAN’S ‘OLD WAYS’?

Approximately 70,000 people have been evacuated leaving flooded homes and fields behind, with many livelihoods now in ruins. The reservoir, which was built from 2010 to 2017, contained 922 million cubic meters of water intended for irrigation in the Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions. There are now serious questions to be asked as to why a dam that was completed a mere three years ago could have been so seriously defective.

Tajikistan admits to pneumonia crisis, but not coronavirus

Asia-Plus newspaper on April 27 cited the Health Ministry to report that 319 people had been diagnosed with pneumonia at one hospital alone, Dushanbe’s City Medical Center No. 1. Out of that overall number, 136 are health workers. Officials said at least 11 people had died, but they provided no timeframe.

Central Asian Labor Migrants Amid Lockdown in Russia

As the world is now discussing the possible impact of the novel Coronavirus crisis on economies, societies, and lifestyles of people in a post-pandemic world, many Central Asian labor migrants in Russia are trying to figure out if they can make it through the lockdown.

Uzbekistan Calls For End Of Cotton Boycott Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Uzbekistan has called on a global human rights coalition, the Cotton Campaign, to lift an international boycott of Uzbek cotton and textiles, citing progress in eliminating forced labor and the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Kyrgyz Doctor Begs For Forgiveness After Criticizing Poor Equipment

A doctor in Kyrgyzstan was apparently forced to make a video retracting his earlier criticism of the protective equipment he was given. His about-face has sparked a wave of outrage.

Brands Need Assurances on Forced Labor and Civil Society in Uzbekistan

The Cotton Campaign is taking the initiative to develop a framework to encourage responsible sourcing, while providing brands with assurances that forced labor is addressed and civil society is empowered.