Central Asia

No Safety Checks on Chinese Foodstuffs

Fresh food smuggled in from China and sold at local markets poses serious potential health risks, says reporter Janar Akaev.

School Accused of Converting Pupils

The Kyrgyz prosecution service is looking into a school that has been accused of converting children to the Muslim faith against the will of their relatives.

US May Revive Security Ties With Uzbeks

Lines Blurred on Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Reporter Sabir Abdumomunov travelled to the Batken region of southern Kyrgyzstan, where it is not always clear what country you are in.

Tajiks Battle Child Labour Tradition

Although it is the autumn cotton harvest in Central Asian states that attracts international attention, child labour on farms is in fact common all year round in Tajikistan.

Villagers Farm Perilously Close to Uranium Dump

Reporter Kamari Ahrorzoza has been visiting Gazion, a village in northern Tajikistan, where residents live and work in close proximity to an old uranium mine.

Tajik Officials Forced to Answer Criticism

New rules requiring Tajik officials to be more responsive have largely been welcomed, although some of them may continue reacting badly to constructive criticism.

Central Asia: Jan '09

New project aims to improve ties between journalists and rights activists across the region.

Kyrgyzstan: Talk of US Base Closure Fizzles Out

Moscow may be unhappy with the American military presence but does not seem to have pressured Bishkek to end it.

Farmers Accuse Government of Reneging on Guaranteed Purchase Pledge

Farmers in Kyrgyzstan say the authorities have failed to honour a promise to buy up all their grain at a prearranged price.