Central Asia: Feb /Mar ‘10
Kyrgyz advisory body on safety of journalists considering findings of IWPR reports on demise of investigative reporting. By Dina Tokbaeva in Bishkek
30 Mar 10
Central Asia
Free Speech Fears for Kazakstan Internet
New watchdog designed to monitor “destructive” website content, but could that include political debate as well as extremist literature?
29 Mar 10
Kazak Authorities Probe Flood Tragedy
Prosecutors investigating possible case of negligence after dam burst swamps village, killing 40. By Yana Bachevskaya in Taldykorgan, Daulet Kanagatuly and Nikolai Tsoy in Almaty
26 Mar 10
Child Labour Still Seen as “Tradition” in Uzbekistan
Tougher penalties for using children as cheap labour do not seem to be having much effect, as officials fail to act and families are glad of the extra income.
25 Mar 10
Kyrgyz Government Backs Microcredits for Farmers
Attempts to boost agriculture funding are welcome, but not enough, say experts. By Asyl Osmonalieva in Bishkek
25 Mar 10
Kazakstan' Africans Fight for Residence Rights
Long-term residents say they face arbitrary obstructions and barely concealed message that they aren't wanted.
22 Mar 10
Entry Bans Suggest Kyrgyzstan Closing Itself Off
Four leading activists denied access in the last year and a half.
22 Mar 10
Turkmen Media Shake-up Draws Scepticism
Local journalists say the president’s call for reform is meaningless unless he is prepared to allow genuine freedom of speech.
20 Mar 10
Turkmenistan: What Chance of a Thaw?
Cautious optimism that Saparmurat Niazov’s heirs will slowly begin moving forward towards reforms.
19 Mar 10
Should EU End Sanctions Against Uzbekistan?
Reports from Uzbekistan suggest there is little evidence of human rights improvements that would warrant the removal of sanctions.
19 Mar 10
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