A study commissioned by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide has mapped out the key themes, patterns and root causes of hate speech in Kyrgyzstan. The report aims to help combat the proliferation of hate speech in the country, which has experienced significant political upheavals throughout its history. The study was conducted through a combination of desk reviews and primary data collection, including in-depth interviews, focus groups and a review of online media and social networks. The study identified five categories of hate speech that are most prevalent in Kyrgyzstan: religion, ethnicity and language, gender and sexuality, regionalism, and political hate speech. The report highlights that intersectional hatred is common when victims are attacked on more than one characteristic. It also found a robust…
This study investigates the crucial connection between family dynamics and private business operations in Kyrgyzstan, with a particular focus on small businesses. The research involved a combination of in-depth interviews and a large-scale survey of 1,000 small business owners across Bishkek and Osh. The research began with 20 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs from various industries, as well as experts and business association leaders. These interviews provided valuable insights into the role of family in small business operations, revealing different forms of family involvement in decision-making and day-to-day management. A survey, utilizing random sampling methods, further confirmed the significant influence of family in small businesses. Family members often play key roles in decision-making and management, with many businesses being passed down through generations. These findings highlight the central role family plays…
In an attempt to unravel the complex interplay between housing conditions, labor migration, and economic development in Kyrgyzstan, this research embarked on an extensive data collection journey that sought to explore these critical dimensions in a comprehensive and inclusive manner. Due to multifaceted nature of these issues, the study was meticulously designed to capture a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives from across the country, ensuring that the voices of those directly affected by these phenomena were heard and represented. Central to this initiative was a comprehensive national survey, which covered 2,400 households across both urban and rural areas of Kyrgyzstan. This extensive survey aimed to provide a detailed and nuanced view of the living conditions, economic challenges, and aspirations of families, particularly those impacted by labor migration. By examining…