Preventive Diplomacy in Kyrgyzstan
UN Special Representative for Central Asia (right)
In April 2010, popular protests in Kyrgyzstan culminated in the violent ouster of the President. The overthrow of the country’s leadership was followed by the outbreak of inter-ethnic violence, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and 375,000 displaced persons, both within Kyrgyzstan and across the border to Uzbekistan. There was serious danger of violence spreading to neighbouring countries.
To contain the conflict, the UN Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) worked closely in support of key governments and regional organizations such as the OSCE to encourage an end to the inter-ethnic violence and a return to constitutional order. Overall, the UN facilitated inter-ethnic dialogue, deployed electoral advisers and provided expertise on national minorities for the drafting of a new constitution.
Six months after the outbreak of the crisis, Kyrgyzstan had a new constitution, an electoral process considered as highly competitive, and a coalition Government. However, there remain many serious challenges, including continued inter-ethnic tensions and the need to strengthen the rule of law, as well as the question of the presidential elections scheduled for late 2011. It is expected that the continued, active engagement by UNRCCA would be important to support conflict prevention and peace-building in Kyrgyzstan and the sub-region.
Related Links
- Learn more about the UN's work in Central Asia
- Visit the website of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA)
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