Published on: 2026-07-18
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 17, 2026 Human Rights
United Nations experts have expressed deep concern about the advancement in Kyrgyzstan of a bill which, in their view, could lead to state discrimination against transgender and gender-diverse people, as well as significantly restrict their fundamental rights and freedoms.
The reason for the statement was the adoption by the Kyrgyzstan parliament in the first reading of the draft law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic.” According to UN experts, the draft law defines sex as immutable and based solely on biological characteristics acquired at birth. It also prohibits changing gender markers in civil status records and other documents, introduces a ban on medical interventions for sex change, and obliges parents to raise their children strictly according to the sex assigned to them at birth.
“We deeply regret the adoption of the bill in the first reading,” stated UN experts. They emphasized that the proposed amendments contradict both the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan and the country’s international human rights obligations.
According to experts, the changes may violate the principle of gender equality and affect a range of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, health, education, freedom of expression, as well as the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
UN experts criticized the arguments of the bill’s authors linking the recognition of gender diversity to threats to demographic policy, national security, and sustainable development. They urged the Kyrgyz parliament to withdraw the bill and ensure that any future legislation complies with the country’s international and national human rights obligations.
Independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work. Experts act in a personal capacity and do not represent any government or organization.
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