On the official platforms of the Russian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, a legal review has been published addressing the significance of the Russian language in the country.
The document notes that recent publications in Kyrgyz media have drawn attention, discussing provocative comments from some public figures regarding the status of the Russian language, as well as the activation of so-called "language patrols" in Bishkek in the spring.
Considering that these topics continue to be actively discussed in society and take on a conflict-generating character, the embassy finds it appropriate, without entering into polemics, to highlight several key points.
According to the Constitution, the Kyrgyz Republic is an independent, sovereign, democratic, unitary, legal, secular, and social state (Art. 1, para. 1). Citizens of all ethnic groups make up the people of Kyrgyzstan (Art. 1, para. 5). The President and the Jogorku Kenesh represent the interests of the people of the Kyrgyz Republic (Art. 1, para. 6).
According to the Constitution, the Kyrgyz language is the state language of the country (Art. 13, para. 1), while the Russian language is used as an official language (Art. 13, para. 2). The right of all ethnic groups to create conditions for the preservation and development of their native language is guaranteed (Art. 13, para. 3). The state ensures the education of citizens in the state, official, and one of the foreign languages starting from preschool institutions and up to secondary general education (Art. 46, para. 4).
The state also cares for the development of the culture of the people of Kyrgyzstan, protecting customs and traditions that do not violate human rights and freedoms (Art. 21, para. 1), safeguarding historical and cultural heritage (Art. 21, para. 3), and ensuring harmony among various ethnic and religious groups (Art. 21, para. 4).
No one may be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, language, disability, ethnicity, or other characteristics. Responsibility for actions related to discrimination is provided for by law (Art. 24, para. 1).
Thus, considering the above points of the Constitution, the statements and actions of certain individuals disseminated on social networks, especially during the holy month of Orozo, undermine the authority of the Basic Law of Kyrgyzstan and contribute to interethnic tension.
Furthermore, such actions contradict the course of the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic, which maintains a respectful attitude towards the Russian language, as well as the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance between Russia and Kyrgyzstan, united by a common history and cultural values, as emphasized in the embassy's statement.
