In 1989, Ekaterina made the journey from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan with hopes of a new beginning. Little did she know, this move would set off a 34-year struggle against statelessness for herself, her daughters, and her granddaughter.

Ekaterina settled in the city of Osh, but due to frequent relocations, she lost her passport early on. This seemingly minor setback snowballed into a significant challenge, as she found herself unable to obtain the documents needed to prove her identity. Without official identification, her daughters and granddaughter were also unable to secure essential documents, such as birth certificates and passports, crucial for their education and future opportunities.

Despite numerous attempts over the years to rectify their status, Ekaterina and her family faced bureaucratic hurdles and dead ends. It wasn’t until 2023 that a glimmer of hope appeared when Ekaterina reached out to Fergana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB).

The FVLWB lawyers meticulously gathered the necessary evidence and documents. They navigated the complexities of citizenship laws and tirelessly advocated on Ekaterina’s behalf. Finally, after decades of uncertainty and countless setbacks, their efforts bore fruit. The commission responsible for determining citizenship in Osh recognized Ekaterina as a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic.

December 2023 marked a monumental moment for Ekaterina and her family. After so many years of living in limbo, they finally held their long-awaited passports in their hands. For Ekaterina’s daughters, it meant the opportunity to pursue formal education and for her granddaughter, a chance to have the security of legal identity from an early age.

Reflecting on their journey, Ekaterina expressed her gratitude:

“Thanks to Lawyers Without Borders, I learned about my rights and how to protect them. They didn’t just restore our legal status; they restored our hope and dignity.”

As Ekaterina holds her granddaughter close, passport in hand, she knows that their future is now filled with possibilities that once seemed out of reach.