During the discussions, Jamilya Jamangbaeva reminded about the position of the Ombudsman institution regarding the possible return of the death penalty. This statement was prompted by an initiative from a group of deputies who appealed to the Constitutional Court to reconsider the ban on the highest measure of punishment established in the country.
She emphasized that the return of the death penalty contradicts Kyrgyzstan's international obligations, particularly the provisions of the Second Optional Protocol, which was ratified by the country in 2010 and aimed at abolishing this measure.According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the rate of crimes against women and children increases by approximately 30% each year. Additionally, in 2024, 64.1% of appeals to the Ombudsman institution were related to the work of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
“We understand how society reacts to tragic cases of violence, but we are confident that the return of the death penalty will not solve the root problems. We need to improve the quality of investigations, ensure the inevitability of punishment, and strengthen preventive measures,” added Jamilya Jamangbaeva.
The UN system representatives supported the Ombudsman's position, noting that the restoration of the death penalty not only contradicts the country's international obligations but could also negatively impact its international image as a state that protects human rights.
Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized: “If this change is implemented, it will seriously distance the country from its international obligations. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Second Optional Protocol do not contain provisions for their denunciation, and the abolition of the death penalty will be legally irreversible for countries that have adopted these agreements.”
As a result of the meeting, the parties decided to continue their cooperation.
