May 18, 2023 / Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Today the human rights civil society organization - Legal Clinic “Adilet” presented the outcomes of the first National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights (B+HR), which considers the compliance of the   legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the practice of local and transnational businesses with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). This activity was initiated to support the development and implementation of National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in the country.

“With this initiative, UNDP and the Government of Japan join hands to advocate with governments of 17 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, for better policies and legislation to protect human rights and stimulate business conduct in a way that respects people and the planet. Through the development of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights, we can contribute towards achieving several objectives, including fulfilment of human rights, Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthening the business environment of the Kyrgyz Republic in the global value chains”, said in her opening remarks, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Monica Rijal. 

The round table was conducted with the participation of members of the Inter-Agency Working  Group (IWG) on the development of the NAP B+HR in the Kyrgyz Republic, which included representatives of the ministries and state agencies of the government, representatives of business community and human rights CSOs. Ms. Ainura Usenbekova, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the KR, and the leader of IWG welcomed participants of the event and highlighted the importance of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights for sustainable future: “In today’s globalized market, companies that can prove to care about the wellbeing of society are better able to manage their legal, operational, financial and reputational risks while ensuring steady levels of long-term competitiveness.”

The assessment results provide more than 40 key recommendations for the implementation of the UNGPs in legislation and business practice, addressed to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the relevant government agencies and businesses. Based on the findings of the assessment, the first draft of the National Action Plan on B+HR was proposed to the members of the working group for discussion. 

Follow the link to read Executive summary of the National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights in the Kyrgyz Republic 

Additional information:

The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are in partnership to promote the global Business and Human Rights agenda in 13 countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic. The activities are focused on promoting a national narrative on business and human rights and strengthening responsible business practices of Japanese companies and their suppliers in the target countries through improving the ability and understanding of national authorities, Japanese businesses, suppliers and partners to carry out Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD). 

To learn more about the Global Project please follow the link: Business and Human Rights

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Media Contacts: Nurzhan Alymkanova, UNDP communication specialist, nurzhan.alymkanova@undp.org