FVLWB Drives Legislative Reforms to Safeguard Against Statelessness in Kyrgyzstan

The project is implemented by UNDP, UNODC and IOM in Kyrgyzstan and aims to strengthen trust, promote sustainable cooperation, and create a favorable environment on the Kyrgyz side of the border areas with Uzbekistan.

The pilot areas of the project include Kara-Suu and Aravan districts of Osh region, Kadamjay district of Batken region, as well as Kerben city, Aksy and Ala-Buka districts of Jalal-Abad region.

Within the framework of the project, the Association of Lawyers is responsible for increasing legal awareness among residents of border areas and expanding access to qualified legal aid, particularly in the context of growing cross-border mobility.

The project primarily focuses on supporting residents of border communities and migrants, strengthening the capacity of local organizations providing legal services, reducing legal risks related to border crossing, establishing effective coordination mechanisms between state institutions and civil society, and collecting and systematizing successful legal aid cases demonstrating its contribution to social cohesion and sustainable cooperation.

To enhance coordination and partnership, Memoranda of Cooperation have been signed with key governmental and partner institutions, including the Interregional Department of the Legal Aid Service under the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic for the southern regions and the Migrant Resource Center under the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration.

As part of this cooperation, a referral mechanism is being established to redirect beneficiaries and coordinate the provision of legal and informational services.

In addition, negotiations are ongoing to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Plenipotentiary Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic in the southern regions, particularly on visa issues and rules governing the stay of foreign nationals.

Between December 2025 and January 2026, five coordination meetings were held in the pilot districts. Representatives of district state administrations, local self-government bodies, the Legal Aid Service, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders participated in these meetings.

As a result of the meetings, the most pressing legal issues in border areas were discussed, mechanisms for cooperation in providing legal assistance were agreed upon, and working communication groups were established.

Currently, five WhatsApp working groups (one per district) are functioning, bringing together participants from all border communities of the pilot areas. These platforms serve as tools for оперативe information exchange, consultations, and mentoring.

Within the project framework, the Association of Lawyers has begun providing legal assistance to residents of border districts. The legal support covers issues related to migration legislation, cross-border movement, access to public services, and other legal matters arising in the context of increased mobility.

The implementation of the project contributes to strengthening trust between state institutions and communities, improving legal literacy, reducing conflict risks, and creating sustainable conditions for cross-border interaction.

Legal support is becoming an important instrument of peacebuilding and sustainable development in border areas, opening new opportunities for safer and more constructive cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

This publication was developed by Public Association “Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders” within the framework of the project “Promoting Sustainable Cooperation between Border Institutions and Communities of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan,” with technical support from UNDP, UNODC and IOM and funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Kyrgyz Republic or the United Nations agencies.