EU-funded project
The European Union supports the involvement of citizens in the work of local self-government

The head of Aiyl okmotu, Ishmambetov Ruslan Tologonovich with the representatives of the EU

A press tour for the representatives of national and local media was held on November 22-23rd in Issyk-Kul region. The implementation of the EU-funded project "Civil Society and Media: Guarantor for the Integrity of Local Self-government in Kyrgyzstan" at three pilot local self-government (LSG) in Barskoon, Kyzyl-Suu and Svetlaya Polyana village districts was demonstrated to journalists.

In his opening speech, Martin Karlsson, Attaché at the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that EU development cooperation in Kyrgyzstan is mainly carried out in three focal sectors: education, rule of law and integrated rural development. The above-mentioned project is implemented within the rule of law focal sector.

Welcome speech from the team of Barskoon Aiyl-Okmot

Ruslan Eshmanbetov and Baatyr Kasymov, heads of Barskoon and Svetlaya Polyana village districts told reporters and employees of the EU Delegation about the outcome of the project. They pointed out that thanks to the trainings conducted under the project skills of LSG employees and awareness of local people were improved. In particular, villagers learned about their rights, and have begun to participate actively in decision-making, local budget planning and attend the sessions of local councils.

In each of these villages “single windows” were created, gathering different governmental services in one place. Their goal is to provide citizens with information on different issues and issue all necessary documents. LSG representatives noted that this project helped reduce tensions between citizens and local authorities. Moreover, community members and LSGs have started implementing a number of initiatives jointly.

Presentation of the project "Civil Society and Media: Guarantor for the integrity of local self-government in Kyrgyzstan’’ and the deputy akim, Kiyishev A.B.

The participants were also informed that Kyrgyzstan received GSP + status, which allows exporting more than 6000 types of goods to Europe duty-free.

For reference:

The project "Civil Society and Media: Guarantor for the Integrity of Local Self-government in Kyrgyzstan " is funded by the EU. Its goal is to enhance the capacity of civil society, media institutions and local self-government through public awareness on the rule of law, access to information in rural areas and the development of local networks in 39 aiyl okmotu in 13 regions of Kyrgyzstan.

The project is implemented by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Central Asia and the Law and Business Development Fund (LBD Consulting). As part of the project, representatives of local self-government, civil society and mass media have the opportunity to participate in various workshops. 

A group of journalists, representatives of Barskoon Aiyl Okmotu and representatives of the European Union

For additional information please contact:

Bakytbek Tokubek uulu, Project Manager, e-mail: tokubek(at)hss.de

Mahabbat Tashmatova, Project Assistant, e-mail: tashmatova(at)hss.de