Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia

Welcome to the section dedicated to the activities of the Civil Society Organizations Working Group on Sustainable Development in Central Asia. This project is implemented by the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR) with the goal of strengthening the capacity of civil society and promoting the protection of human rights in the region.

For more detailed information, please select the relevant section.

Project Information Brief

Brief information on the project «Civic Taskforce on Sustainable Development in Central Asia» launched by the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights

According to the «Freedom Index» of the well-known human rights organization «Freedom House», all five Central Asian states fall into the category of non-free countries with consolidated authoritarian regimes.

The states of the former Soviet region (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) have traveled different paths since independence in 1991, but all have experienced systematic human rights violations and harassment of human rights defenders. Political rights and civil liberties, including the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, are suppressed to varying degrees in all countries of the region. Corruption, arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment in detention are widespread in all five states. It is extremely difficult for human rights defenders and independent civil society organizations to operate in Central Asia. No independent human rights organizations exist in Turkmenistan, a small number in Uzbekistan, and in Tajikistan such organizations are under increasing pressure. While independent human rights defenders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are in principle allowed to operate without restrictions in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, they remain vulnerable to arbitrary interference and politically motivated accusations, as well as stigmatization as so-called “foreign agents”, “foreign representatives” or organizations and individuals receiving foreign funding.

In this difficult environment for civil society, including human rights and other organizations and civil activists, the ineffectiveness of traditional international human rights mechanisms are evident. For many years, UN human rights bodies and agencies have sent critical concluding observations and reports of UN Special Procedures on missions to Central Asian states on violations of their international obligations under ratified international human rights treaties, but their recommendations have not been implemented, especially with regard to respect for political rights and civil liberties.

UN treaty bodies have issued more than 150 decisions (considerations, opinions) on individual complaints against Central Asian states (more than 70 for Kazakhstan), but they are practically not implemented, both in terms of restoration of violated rights and payment of compensation, not to mention systemic changes. The OSCE constantly sends election observation missions to Central Asian countries that do not recognize them as meeting the standards for free and fair elections, but nothing much changes. The space for civil society in the countries of the region is constantly shrinking, and the pressure on independent human rights civil society organizations and civic activists, human rights defenders and journalists is constantly growing.

This has necessitated the search for other means of protection and influence not through traditional international human rights mechanisms, but through organizations and institutions that are not directly related to the protection of human rights, but in recent years have increasingly turned their attention to the space of civil society and human rights in the sphere of economic development and security cooperation. These include primarily development banks (World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other international financial institutions (IFIs)), organizations focusing on combating security threats, countering terrorism and violent extremism (FATF, UN Counter-Terrorism Office and Counter-Terrorism Centre, UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee), development and cooperation organizations (OECD) or transparency and anti-corruption organizations (EITI), etc. Countries in the region either actively use these organizations or institutions to support their economic development or wish to join them, including for security cooperation.

In recent years, the standards and procedures of these organizations have begun to include more and more requirements related to respecting human rights and protecting space for civil society. This is also realized through assessment missions and consultations with civil society, creating opportunities for effective advocacy.

In this regard, from December 2024 to March 2025, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights (KIBHR) will implement the project «Civic Taskforce on Sustainable Development in Central Asia».

The project aims to build the capacity of regional CSO activists and human rights defenders to advocate for socio-economic, environmental and basic human rights in the context of economic transformation (infrastructure projects, mining, oil and gas extraction, etc.) by establishing a Civil Society Organizations Working Group on Sustainable Development in Central Asia to advocate with international financial institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations dealing with economic development and cooperation in the areas of economic development and human rights.

The implementation of the project consists of several parts:

Part 1: Research

Conducting research to prepare an analytical document, recommendations for effective advocacy. For this purpose, a small start meeting is planned with Central Asian experts to discuss priorities and areas of work in a broader sense (10 experts from the region and other countries, online).

The study will include an analysis of existing standards and rules adopted in the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations dealing with economic development and security cooperation, as well as those related to human rights and civil society.

Part 2: Main modules of the project

– Establishing a Working Group of Civil Society Organizations for Sustainable Development in Central Asia on Advocacy in International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations dealing with economic development and security cooperation;
– conducting an analysis of the standards, rules and procedures of international financial institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations engaged in economic development and security cooperation related to human rights and civil society;
– analyzing the legal frameworks of the region’s relations with international financial institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations engaged in economic development and security cooperation;
– developing an advocacy strategy for human rights and civil society development in the countries of the Central Asian region with international financial institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations involved in economic development and security cooperation.

Project Plan

1. Formation of a list of experts (10-15 people) and identification of human rights and other CSOs that could become members/participants of the Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia.

2. Holding an online meeting of experts in the third decade of December 2024 to discuss the list of international financial institutions and other organizations that could become the object of the Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia to discuss the goals and objectives of the project.

3. Conducting analysis in January-February 2025 (1-3 experts per country – 2-4 countries): – documents, standards, internal rules, regulations and procedures of IFIs and other international organizations engaged in economic development and security cooperation related to human rights and civil society to be identified by the experts of the Civil Society Organizations Working Group on Sustainable Development in Central Asia;
– legal and political relations of the countries/governments of the region with IFIs and other international organizations dealing with economic development and security cooperation, to be determined by the experts of the Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia;
– existing instruments, tools, procedures and “best practices” for advocacy on human rights compliance and civil society development.

4. Compilation of an overview analytical note on the results of the analysis, expert discussion in the second half of February – early March 2025 of the research results (online, at least 20-30 organizations and experts from 4 countries) and development of a strategy for the Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia. Based on the results of the discussion it is planned to develop a strategy for the Working Group of Civil Society Organizations on Sustainable Development in Central Asia, as well as an information guide on advocacy in International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other international organizations dealing with economic development and security cooperation with its translation into the state languages of the Central Asian countries.

WORKING GROUP MEMBERS

ANALYTICAL NOTES

RECOMMENDATIONS

Regarding International Financial Institutions (IFIs)

IFI policies and accountability mechanisms provide civil society actors with powerful tools for promoting human rights and environmental protection. However, their effective use requires a deep understanding of relevant standards, active participation in consultations, and continuous monitoring. Civil society should play a key role in ensuring transparency and accountability in IFI-financed projects to guarantee compliance with international norms and to safeguard the interests of local communities.

Study and apply IFI standards and policies: familiarize yourself with key institutional documents, refer to specific policies and commitments when engaging with authorities, contractors, or IFI representatives.
Participate actively in consultations and public hearings: ensure that IFI-funded projects include mandatory stakeholder engagement; prepare constructive, evidence-based input grounded in international standards and good practices; record cases where consultations were not conducted properly to support future advocacy.
Monitor project implementation: establish coalitions with other NGOs and activists to conduct independent oversight at all project stages; utilize IFI tools such as environmental and social risk management plans; document violations and use this evidence in formal complaints.
Use independent accountability mechanisms: in cases of violations, file complaints with bodies such as the World Bank Inspection Panel, the ADB Accountability Mechanism, or the EBRD Project Complaint Mechanism. Provide supporting documentation, photos, videos, and community testimonies to ensure thorough investigations.
Raise awareness and build capacity: conduct public information campaigns and community trainings on rights and protection mechanisms under IFI projects; disseminate knowledge through social media and traditional media; collaborate with international watchdogs like Bankwatch to strengthen advocacy and demand suspension of financing where activists face reprisals.
Coordinate with other NGOs and activists: establish networks for joint monitoring and advocacy, participate in global campaigns that promote IFI transparency and accountability.
Use negative cases for advocacy: analyze failed projects where IFI standards were not met and use them as case studies to advocate for stronger oversight and reforms.
Engage with national authorities: remind governments of their human rights and environmental obligations under IFI agreements and advocate for civil society participation in national development programs financed by IFIs.
Ensure community participation: promote the involvement of local and vulnerable groups in IFI project processes to prevent harm and ensure inclusive development outcomes.

Regarding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

FATF standards can be used by civil society to challenge excessive regulation and restrictive state measures. Although FATF’s framework aims to combat terrorism financing and money laundering, it should not be misused to limit the activities of non-profit organizations. Civil society organizations in Central Asia can rely on several mechanisms to safeguard their rights and promote alignment of national laws with international standards.

Monitoring National Legislation and Using FATF Mechanisms

The first step in countering repressive measures is proactive monitoring of anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) laws and assessing their compliance with FATF recommendations. FATF Recommendation 8 requires proportionality in regulation, discouraging blanket restrictions on all NGOs. When FATF standards are applied improperly, civil society can report abuses to the FATF Secretariat, providing evidence-based documentation. NGOs can also use the Global NPO Coalition on FATF to submit collective reports, highlighting the impact of restrictive national regulations on the non-profit sector.

Shadow Reports and Participation in FATF Evaluations

FATF and regional-style bodies regularly conduct mutual evaluations. Civil society engagement in these reviews is an effective tool to resist repressive practices. NGOs can:

Submit alternative reports documenting the real situation of NGOs and the consequences of overregulation.
Record cases of stigmatization, unjustified audits, fines, or bank account closures targeting NGOs.
Collaborate with international partners such as the OSCE, UN, and Global NPO Coalition on FATF to present joint submissions and reports.

Advocacy for Revising FATF Standards

Civil society can participate in revising FATF standards to strengthen protection for NGOs. This includes submitting comments to the FATF Secretariat, engaging in expert discussions, and using international forums like the UN and OSCE to bring visibility to the issue.

International Advocacy and Human Rights Mechanisms

NGOs may also leverage international human rights instruments to challenge repressive measures. This includes submitting complaints to the UN and OSCE mechanisms, particularly to:

The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association;
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism;
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

NGOs should also work with international media and diplomatic missions (EU, US, UK, Canada) to raise concerns about misuse of FATF standards and to advocate for fair regulation.

Regarding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

The EITI framework promotes transparency, civic participation, and accountability in extractive industries. However, its mechanisms depend on the quality of engagement by civil society actors. The EITI Standard explicitly guarantees active and independent participation of civil society in multi-stakeholder groups, which provides a strategic platform for protecting civic space in Central Asia.

Key Actions for Civil Society:

Build capacity on EITI standards: train civil society representatives, particularly in mining regions, to understand EITI participation rules and use them effectively in dialogue with governments and companies.
Participate in multi-stakeholder groups (MSGs): advocate for the inclusion of civic space issues in MSG agendas and work plans, ensuring equal participation and transparency.
Document and report violations: record and communicate cases of pressure, restrictions, or reprisals to national and international EITI structures, including the International Secretariat and Board.
Use the validation process for advocacy: produce shadow reports, engage in consultations, and promote findings that strengthen civic participation within the EITI framework.
Collaborate with partners: build networks with national and regional NGOs, join the Publish What You Pay coalition, and leverage EITI Global Conferences to publicize civic space restrictions and mobilize support.

Regarding the OECD

The OECD’s standards and country partnerships with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have gradually introduced principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance into Central Asian policy frameworks. Although none of these states are OECD members, participation in regional initiatives and peer reviews has encouraged voluntary alignment with OECD good practices.

Recommendations

For Governments in the Region:

Strengthen institutional cooperation with the OECD (e.g., Country Programme, SIGMA, peer reviews).
Advance implementation of open government, RIA, and digital participation mechanisms.
Establish regular dialogue platforms with civil society during policy reviews and follow-ups.
Integrate human rights and equality principles into national strategies, emphasizing access to justice and transparency.

For the OECD and Regional Partners:

Support thematic initiatives that promote inclusion, civic participation, and human rights.
Enhance civil society engagement in monitoring and evaluation processes.
Increase access to OECD data and reports in local languages.
Promote cross-country dialogue and regional exchange platforms in Central Asia.

Project Information Brief

Part 1: Research

Part 2: Main modules of the project

Project Plan

List of Working Group Members

Potential Observers

Experts