Every day, users in Kyrgyzstan encounter hate speech, disinformation, and online harassment, content that divides communities, silences voices, and erodes public trust. In times of social and political tension, digital space can become a powerful tool for manipulating public opinion to deepen polarization. Yet, Kyrgyzstan lacks a clear legal definition of hate speech, and the mechanisms for addressing it remain fragmented.
On 17 June 2026, on the eve of the United Nations International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), a coalition of organizations and experts officially responded to this challenge with the launch of “Aikyn Sanarip” Kyrgyzstan’s multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to addressing online harmful content while protecting freedom of expression and promoting online safety.
The forum featured the first-ever national study on freedom of expression and content moderation in Kyrgyzstan. This research examines how hate speech spreads across digital platforms, how content is moderated — or not — in the Kyrgyz-language digital space; as well as the gaps in the country’s legal and institutional framework to effectively address this issue. The findings point to a growing vulnerability of online spaces that are increasingly used to spread fear, intolerance, and coordinated narratives targeting individuals and groups, with particular risks during periods of heightened public activity such as crisis and electoral cycles.
We can no longer treat online hate speech as background noise. The research shows it has real consequences — for individuals, for communities, and for the quality of public debate in our country. The Aikyn Sanarip Coalition exists to bring the right people to the same table and find solutions that work for Kyrgyzstan
Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, Chair of the Aikyn Sanarip Coalition
UNESCO supports multistakeholder cooperation and civil society’s efforts to counter hate speech through the global Social Media for Peace initiative. Kyrgyzstan demonstrates that there is an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together and jointly address online harms, like disinformation and hate speech, while ensuring that every voice is heard
Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty
The coalition was launched at a forum at Novotel Bishkek, bringing together representatives of civil society, media, government, academia, international organizations, and bloggers. The event was supported by the European Union under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace project (Phase II, 2025–2027).
About the Aikyn Sanarip Coalition
“Aikyn Sanarip” is an independent, multi-stakeholder coalition of organizations and experts committed to promoting a secure, open, and sustainable digital space in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as a platform for dialogue on freedom of expression, digital rights, online safety, and advocates for greater accountability from digital platforms.
read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/hate-speech-online-no-longer-just-problem-its-threat-social-cohesion?hub=701
