Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP) expresses grave concern over the detention of leading human rights defender and WLP partner Tolekan Ismailova in Kyrgyzstan. On March 13, 2026, Ismailova, alongside fellow defenders Bermet Borubaieva and Bulat Satarkulov, was detained and questioned for six hours by authorities in Bishkek while en route to a peaceful rally promoting freedom of assembly.
This incident reflects a broader and escalating crackdown on human rights defenders, particularly women human rights defenders, working to uphold civil and political rights in Kyrgyzstan. Since the imposition of restrictions on public assembly in 2022, civic space has continued to shrink, with increasing barriers to peaceful protest and public participation.
WLP’s partner organization, Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, led by Ismailova, has been at the forefront of defending constitutional rights and challenging authoritarian measures. Since 2024, Bir Duino has pursued legal action against the so-called “foreign agents law,” which imposes restrictive registration requirements and heightened surveillance on civil society organizations. Despite its longstanding collaboration with government institutions on advancing women’s rights and political participation, Bir Duino has been directly targeted under this law.
The detention of Ismailova and her colleagues is part of a sustained pattern of intimidation. In September 2025, Bir Duino’s offices were destroyed, with no meaningful investigation despite formal complaints. Authorities have also interfered with Bir Duino’s International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, including the deportation of international experts in December 2025.
These developments are not isolated. They reflect a systematic strategy to restrict civic space through legal, administrative, and extralegal means. These actions are in direct contradiction to Kyrgyzstan’s commitments to international human rights standards, including the protection of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
WLP stands in solidarity with Tolekan Ismailova, Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan, and all human rights defenders facing repression. As a global network advancing women’s leadership and democratic practice, WLP underscores that the protection of women human rights defenders is essential to sustaining inclusive, accountable, and resilient societies.
We call on:
- Kyrgyz authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations, immediately cease harassment of human rights defenders, and ensure safe and enabling conditions for civil society;
- International and regional bodies to monitor the situation closely and take concrete steps to protect defenders at risk;
- Donors and partners to invest in sustained, flexible support for networks and initiatives that protect and strengthen human rights defenders, particularly women human rights defenders operating in restrictive environments.
Protecting human rights defenders is not only a matter of individual safety, it is fundamental to the health of democratic societies. The international community must act with urgency to ensure that those who defend rights are not punished for doing so.
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Please direct any queries to:
Shannon Kuehn, Senior Program Associate for Advocacy and Communications
Phone: +1 301-654-2774
Email: skuehn[at]learningpartnership.org