Putting Rights at the Core: A Call for Central Asia-US Talks Focused on Human Rights

Put Rights At Heart of Talks: Leaders Expected to Meet During UN General Assembly

On September 19, United States President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting holds great significance, as it will be the first time a US president engages directly with the leaders of these nations. While the focus may be on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the region’s strategic importance, Human Rights Watch (HRW) is calling on President Biden to prioritize human rights concerns during these talks.

Human Rights Concerns Must Not Be Overlooked

As Russia seeks to use trade routes through Central Asia to evade sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine conflict, it is crucial for the US and the European Union (EU) to address the rule of law and human rights issues in the region. Iskra Kirova, the Europe and Central Asia advocacy director at HRW, emphasizes the need to seek guarantees on fundamental standards of the rule of law and human rights in the context of strengthening ties with Central Asia. Specifically, President Biden should address politically motivated prosecutions, suppression of free speech, and impunity for torture and police brutality.

Kazakhstan’s Unresolved Human Rights Violations

In Kazakhstan, the government has not effectively investigated the numerous human rights violations that occurred during the January 2022 protests. These violations included excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detention, and ill-treatment and torture of detainees. At least 238 people were killed, and many others alleged ill-treatment and torture in detention. It is imperative that the US insists on an independent investigation into these abuses and holds those responsible accountable.

Kyrgyzstan’s Repressive Measures

In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has moved away from being a vibrant space for civil society and media. Repressive laws restricting the operations of media and civil society have been introduced, including laws on “false information” and “LGBT propaganda” that grant authorities wide discretion to interfere with media content and operations. Draft laws on nongovernmental organizations and mass media could further limit civil society’s ability to secure funding and lead to the closure of independent media outlets. Recent cases, such as the deportation of a journalist to Russia and the potential closure of an independent online outlet, have sent a chilling message to dissenting voices in the country.

Tajikistan’s Crackdown on Human Rights

Tajikistan has intensified its crackdown on human rights and fundamental freedoms. The government has violently repressed peaceful gatherings, trumped-up charges against human rights defenders and journalists, and disbanded civil society organizations. The US must address this dire human rights situation and prioritize concrete progress before deepening bilateral relations.

The Repressive Regime of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan remains one of the most closed and repressive countries globally. Despite a change in leadership in 2022, there has been no improvement in the dire human rights situation. Many people imprisoned on politically motivated charges remain behind bars. The government’s refusal to renew expiring passports for Turkmen citizens living abroad, in violation of international law, further demonstrates its disregard for human rights.

Uzbekistan’s Broken Promises

Despite President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s claims, Uzbekistan is no longer pursuing a political reform agenda. Mirziyoyev’s reelection without any competition and constitutional amendments that allow him to extend his stay in power for 14 years are evidence of this stagnation. Legislative reforms have stalled, while restrictions on media and politically motivated prosecutions of bloggers and journalists have increased. The lack of accountability for the authorities’ heavy-handed response to protests in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan in July 2022 adds to the concerning human rights situation in the country.

Editorial: Prioritize Human Rights for Long-Term Stability

The upcoming talks between President Biden and the Central Asian leaders provide a crucial opportunity to emphasize the importance of human rights and establish genuine partnerships based on fundamental human rights standards. Central Asia’s long-term stability hinges on guaranteeing the legitimate rights and aspirations of its citizens. A failure to address human rights concerns would not only erode the region’s stability but also undermine the moral authority of the United States in promoting human rights globally.

Central Asian governments should be held accountable for their human rights violations, including politically motivated prosecutions, suppression of free speech, and torture and police brutality. The US and the EU must leverage their relationships with these countries to push for real change and respect for human rights. This requires concrete steps such as independent investigations into past abuses, ending repressive laws and measures, and promoting freedom of expression and association.

Advice: A Pragmatic Approach to Human Rights Diplomacy

When engaging with countries that have problematic human rights records, there is often a delicate balance between promoting change and maintaining diplomatic relations. To navigate this balance effectively, President Biden and his administration must employ a pragmatic approach to human rights diplomacy:

1. Consistency

The US must consistently prioritize human rights as a core value in its foreign policy. By maintaining a principled stance on human rights in all its diplomatic engagements, the US can demonstrate its commitment to promoting universal human rights standards.

2. Dialogue and Engagement

Open dialogue and engagement can be powerful tools for promoting human rights. The US should seek opportunities to engage with Central Asian leaders and civil society to address human rights concerns. This dialogue should not be limited to official meetings but also include interactions with grassroots activists, human rights defenders, and the media.

3. Incentives and Consequences

The US should utilize a combination of incentives and consequences to encourage positive changes in human rights practices. Incentives such as increased trade and investment can be offered to countries that demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving human rights. At the same time, consequences like targeted sanctions can be imposed on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses.

4. Collaboration with Partners

The US should work closely with like-minded countries and international organizations to address human rights concerns in Central Asia. By coordinating efforts and collectively advocating for change, the impact can be greater and the message more powerful.

5. Long-Term Engagement

Addressing human rights challenges requires a long-term commitment. The US should not view human rights concerns as short-term issues but rather as ongoing processes that require sustained attention. This requires regular monitoring of the human rights situation, continued engagement with civil society, and the integration of human rights considerations into all areas of cooperation.

Conclusion

The upcoming talks between President Biden and the Central Asian leaders provide a significant opportunity to elevate human rights concerns in the region. President Biden must ensure that human rights are at the forefront of these discussions, despite the focus on geopolitical considerations. By prioritizing human rights, the US can demonstrate its commitment to universal values, promote long-term stability in Central Asia, and set a positive example for the rest of the world.

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