Kyrgyz protesters seek protection for migrants in Kazakhstan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 February 2010 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kyrgyz protesters seek protection for migrants in Kazakhstan, 1 February 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4b718975c.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 01, 2010
BISHKEK – About 100 protesters in downtown Bishkek today demanded that the government do more to protect Kyrgyz migrant workers' rights in neighboring Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
The protesters, who gathered in the Kyrgyz capital's Ala-Too Square, said that Kazakh city officials, migration officers, and police in the main Kazakh cities treat Kyrgyz labor migrants poorly and that they often work in "slave-like" conditions.
Protesters told RFE/RL that Kyrgyz labor migrants are under constant pressure in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh and Kyrgyz governments have signed several agreements in the past to regulate labor migration.
According to Kyrgyz human rights organizations there are about 100,000 Kyrgyz labor migrants working in Kazakhstan, where wages are much higher and there are more jobs available.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
