Between tradition and law: Challenges of enforcing international standards for women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan

The study analysed the protection of women’s rights from violence in Central Asian countries in the example of Kyrgyzstan. Despite internationally accepted standards, gender discrimination, domestic violence, early marriage, bride kidnapping and other violations of women’s rights are widespread in the region. In addition to the moral and ethical side and legal obligations of Kyrgyzstan as a party to international agreements, the problem of systematic violence against women is relevant from the demographic and socio-economic sides due to the loss of able-bodied resources, the financial burden on the health and social systems. The study identified the main contradictions between international standards of women’s protection and national legislation; and analysed the role of law enforcement agencies, and formal and informal judiciary in ensuring the protection of women’s rights against violence in Kyrgyzstan. Particular attention is devoted to the problem of inconsistency between international standards and traditions and customs, cultural, religious and other historical features of Central Asia. The study systematised, summarised and analysed data from the United Nations (UN) bodies responsible for ensuring women’s rights in Kyrgyzstan; analysed the dynamics and identified intra-regional patterns of violations; and identified the reasons for the low practical effectiveness of international standards for the protection of women from violence at the regional level. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were made to ensure international standards of protection of women from violence in Kyrgyzstan, considering the country’s socio-economic, cultural and historical characteristics. The findings can also be applied to the development of legal strategies and policies for the protection of women’s rights in other post-Soviet countries of Central Asia