Central Asia

Fears of GM Crop Invasion in Kyrgyzstan

Unregulated imports of genetically modified seeds and foods raise concerns about public health and biodiversity.

7 Mar 08

Kazak Hospitals Suffer Winter Drugs Shortage

Government legislation leads to January gap in pharmaceuticals supply.

29 Feb 08

Kyrgyz Teachers Win Court Case on Unpaid Wages

Schoolteachers are refusing to accept a government offer of bonds to settle unpaid bonuses.

22 Feb 08

Uzbek Amnesty Designed to Please West

While rights groups welcome the amnesty offered to several activists, they do not believe it marks a real change in policy.

22 Feb 08

Halting Progress on Turkmen Reforms

In a series of wide-ranging interviews, IWPR has learned that people remain sceptical about their new president’s real intentions, although they are grateful pensions are being paid and schooling improved.

21 Feb 08

Central Asia's Poorest States in Crisis

After a freezing winter marked by severe energy shortages, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan fear spring could bring food shortages as well.

18 Feb 08

Kazakstan: Lavish Weddings Ruin Uzbek Families

As a extravagant ceremonies impoverish the community, campaigners are urging changes in the law.

13 Feb 08

Uzbek Police Keep Eagle Eye on Banks

Despite claims that money now flows freely through the banks, the secret police still routinely inspect transfers from abroad.

12 Feb 08

Tajik Reshuffle Spares Unpopular Energy Chiefs

Many people are furious that no heads have rolled in the state power company after some of the most severe electricity shortages in years.

8 Feb 08

Turkmenistan: Twilight Existence for Uzbek Illegals

Sixteen years after independence, thousands of Uzbeks from the border districts of Turkmenistan remain without passports.