Bishkek, 8 July 2024 - UNDP is supporting the Kyrgyz Republic in promoting access to information. To promote access to information, UNDP is providing expert and methodological assistance to the Ministry of Justice to conduct a series of trainings for government agencies on "On the Right of Access to Information - New Version of the Law". The training is aimed at informing the staff of ministries and agencies, the Supreme Court, the Ombudsman Institute, the Presidential Administration and the Jogorku Kenesh about the main innovations of the law and the procedure for its application. 

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic signed the Law on the Right of Access to Information on December 29, 2023, which will enter into force on July 12, 2024. This law was developed as part of a large-scale inventory of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic to ensure the realization and protection of the right of every citizen to access information held by the holders of information defined by the Law. The main objectives of the Law are to achieve maximum information openness, publicity and transparency in the activities of state bodies. 

The main conceptual innovations of the Law include: 

• The enshrinement of an exhaustive list of information, access to which may not be restricted; 
• Introduction of an alternative procedure for appealing against a refusal to provide information; 
• Guaranteeing the right of access to information by establishing liability for violation of the Law. 
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Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic noted the importance of the Ministry of Justice initiative: "Access to information is key to democratic governance and sustainable development. This initiative contributes to building effective and inclusive public institutions, strengthening trust between citizens and the state through transparency and accountability, and plays an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals". 

The events are supported by the UNDP project "Strengthening anti-corruption and people-centered accountability efforts in the Kyrgyz Republic". 

About UNDP:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. UNDP's mission is to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress. 

Media Contacts: Nurzhan Alymkanova, Communications Specialist UNDP Kyrgyzstan, nurzhan.alymkanova@undp.org