this NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) appealed to the European Union. Press and call for greater transparency and accountability at the next meeting with the diplomats of Central Asian countries After multiple violent raids in the region during 2022.
In this context, the organization made a call to the European Union Foreign Policy High Representative Josep Borrell, who will meet with their counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. to demand an independent investigation into human rights violations at various demonstrations.
According to the NGO, in separate incidents of violence in 2022, Dozens of protesters, mostly peaceful, were killed as a result of the excessive use of force by the security forces. in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
In addition, dozens of civilians were killed in armed clashes on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in September, although no investigation has been carried out so far.
“The EU rightly independent investigations “When authorities in Central Asian countries kill, torture or detain civilians, they suppress dissent, but should not remain silent when such calls are ignored,” said HRW EU director, Phlippe Dam.
“If the Union wants stable partners in Central Asia, it needs governments. Avoid extreme violence and ensure accountability for serious violations“, added.
Between January 4 and 6 in Kazakhstan, hundreds of people died when security forces responded to a wave of demonstrations. According to HRW, according to official figures, 238 people died in violent clashes, including 19 security personnel.
In Tajikistan, authorities responded with fierce crackdown to protests in the Upper Badakhshan autonomous region in May and a special “anti-terrorist operation” that killed at least 40 peopleresulted in the arrest of at least 200 people, including prominent local figures.
Separately, security forces in Uzbekistan used “excessive and deadly force”, including small arms and various grenades, to disperse mostly peaceful protesters in the Karakalpakstan autonomous region in early July. At least 21 people, including 4 security guards, lost their lives in the violence.
The organization reminded 37 civilians lost their lives in the clashes that started again on the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border.Including 4 children. Likewise, hundreds of homes, numerous markets and at least three schools were burned, damaged and looted.
In Kyrgyzstan, authorities increased their control and censorship over the media during a recent campaign against freedom of expression and civil society. In this context, the government blocked Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Kyrgyz service, Azattyk Media, for two months using the ‘false information’ law.
However, the NGO recalled that on 27 October, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, attended the first high-level regional meeting of the Central Asian Heads of State in Astana. In a final statement, the six leaders stressed the importance of dialogue on the rule of law and human rights, but did not commit to ending serious violations in the region.
“The escalation of severe repression in Central Asian countries, and the Executive’s refusal to actually investigate serious violations and hold those responsible accountable, should be a warning signal for the EU,” Dam said.
“The Union can only contribute to greater stability in the region if it genuinely promotes respect for rights and fights impunity for violations.”added.
Source: Informacion
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