A/HRC/15/2
the aim of reforming major institutions that provide services to children in crisis. Standards
for foster family services were set out in the Children’s Code. The best interests of the
child would always be at the centre of the measures undertaken.
54.
With regard to the right to peaceful assembly, it was noted that all citizens had that
right as long as they did not carry firearms. However, a law adopted on that right in 2008
was considered not to be in accordance with international standards. Accordingly, efforts
were under way to formulate a new law. A working group had been established for this
purpose; it worked in conjunction with the Ombudsman and independent experts. A new
draft law had already been reviewed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions. In
that context, it was noted that the Office of the Ombudsman required additional
administrative support from the international community in order to strengthen its capacity
to review draft legislation.
55.
The delegation further stated that the provisional Government had embarked on
measures to address past violations of rights for political reasons. A number of individual
cases had been reviewed, including in connection with the suppression of civil unrest in
2008, which had involved arbitrary detention and the violation of due-process rights, in
addition to the reported use of torture. Past investigations carried out by the Ministry of
Interior had been characterized by irregularities, including political pressure on
investigators. Political opponents who had been arrested, often as a reprisal measure, had
now been acquitted.
56.
Malaysia regretted the casualties resulting from the recent unrest. It acknowledged
Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to fulfilling its human rights obligations, noting the adoption of
the National Human Rights Programme for 2002-2010 and the Agenda for National
Renewal in 2009. Malaysia encouraged Kyrgyzstan to, inter alia, increase efforts to bring
its national legislation into line with relevant international human rights instruments.
Malaysia made recommendations.
57.
Austria expressed concern about the loss of life and the continuing instability. The
re-establishment of public order, respect for the rule of law and human rights were of the
utmost importance. Austria welcomed the commitment of the provisional Government to
ensuring respect for international human rights obligations. Austria welcomed the
announcement regarding the pursuit of constitutional reform and the preparations for
democratic elections. Austria made recommendations.
58.
Armenia acknowledged the planned steps to establish the rule of law and promote
human rights. Armenia expressed its readiness to support Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to build a
future-oriented society whose members would fully enjoy the human rights enshrined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It inquired about the plans to establish juvenile
justice. Armenia made recommendations.
59.
Netherlands regretted the loss of life and welcomed the fact that elections were
planned to be held soon. It called upon the provisional Government to continue to cooperate
with international actors. It was concerned about reports concerning torture following the
event in Nookat in October 2008, attacks on journalists and the restrictive law on religion
adopted in 2007. The Netherlands made recommendations.
60.
The Czech Republic acknowledged that, in 2008, Kyrgyzstan had become a State
party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). It made recommendations.
61.
Argentina noted the legal reforms aimed at achieving equality between men and
women and at guaranteeing a minimum of 30 per cent representation of women in local and
national bodies. Argentina made recommendations.
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