Central Asia

Tajikistan's Temporary Orphans

Many of the inmates of children’s homes in Tajikistan have been left there by desperate parents hoping to collect them again once their economic circumstances improve.

Urban Squatters Face Eviction

Houses in and around the capital Bishkek that were put up by migrants from other parts of the country may soon be demolished.

Migrant Orphans Falling Behind at School

Children whose parents leave them behind with relatives to go abroad and join the army of migrant workers from Kyrgyzstan are performing poorly at school, teachers say.

Returning Migrants Swell Unemployment Figures in South

The city government in Osh, in southern Kyrgyzstan, reports that the number of employed has jumped to over 17,500 from 10,000 last year.

Turkmen-Russian Pipeline Still Likely

No Privatisation for Strategic Energy, Metals Plants

The Tajik government has decided that the giant TADAZ aluminium plant and two major hydroelectric power stations will be excluded from future privatisation programmes.

New Law Encourages Blood Donation

Tajikistan has introduced legislation banning the export of blood and offering incentives to donors.

Kazakstan's Disunited Journalists

No space for trade unions in a profession where staff are deterred from any kind of collective action.

Bride Theft Custom Fuels Divorce Rate

Eight out of ten divorces in Kyrgyzstan involve brides who were “stolen” by their husbands, women’s rights groups say.

Common Energy Plan for Central Asia Still Far Off