On the official pages of the Russian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, a legal review concerning the role of the Russian language in the country was presented.
The Embassy's statement notes that they have paid attention to materials from Kyrgyz media regarding provocative statements by certain public figures about the status of the Russian language, as well as the activation of so-called "language patrols" in Bishkek that occurred in the spring.
In light of the ongoing debate and confrontational sentiments surrounding these issues, the Embassy finds it appropriate to once again emphasize important points.
According to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, it 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 the country (Art. 1, para. 5), and it can be represented by the President and the Jogorku Kenesh (Art. 1, para. 6).
In accordance with the Constitution, the Kyrgyz language is the state language of the Kyrgyz Republic (Art. 13, para. 1), while the Russian language is used as an official language (Art. 13, para. 2). All ethnic groups that make up the people of the Kyrgyz Republic have the right to create conditions for the study, preservation, and development of their native language (Art. 13, para. 3). The state must ensure the education of every citizen in both the state and official languages, as well as one foreign language, starting from preschool institutions and up to secondary education (Art. 46, para. 4).
According to the Constitution, the state is obliged to support the development of the culture of the people of Kyrgyzstan, protecting their customs and traditions without violating human rights and freedoms (Art. 21, para. 1). It also protects the historical, material, and spiritual heritage of the people (Art. 21, para. 3) and ensures harmony between ethnic and confessional groups (Art. 21, para. 4).
Furthermore, the Constitution prohibits discrimination on various grounds, including gender, race, language, disability, ethnicity, religion, and other factors. Individuals who engage in discrimination are held accountable under the law (Art. 24, para. 1).
Thus, considering the above provisions of the Constitution, provocative actions and statements that spread on social media, especially during the holy month of Orozo, undermine the foundations of the Basic Law of Kyrgyzstan, threaten the stability of the state, and contribute to interethnic tension.
Moreover, such actions contradict the policy of the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic, which shows respect for the Russian language and seeks to maintain the spirit of strategic partnership and deepened cooperation between our peoples and states — Russia and Kyrgyzstan, united by a common history and cultural values," the embassy's statement reads.
