24, May 2024 - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, 2,022 sexual offenses-related cases were filed between 2019 - 2023, with 58% of these cases involving rapes of girls and women. Sadly, many of these crimes go unreported due to various factors, including unfriendly behavior from law enforcement officers, negative societal attitudes towards victims, and victim-blaming narratives that deter survivors from seeking help and justice. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for increased attention and concerted efforts to address these cases effectively. It requires not only the active involvement of law enforcement agencies but also comprehensive support from medical services, thorough forensic examination, and crucial psychosocial support.
Recognizing the severity of this issue, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with support from the US State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is proud to announce the opening of the "One Stop Service Center for Victims of Violence." This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support for survivors of violence by integrating medical, counseling, legal, and police investigation services within a single location, thereby streamlining access to essential resources for survivors.
"The establishment of the One Window Center reflects our commitment to providing holistic support to victims of gender-based violence and creating a more responsive and inclusive system for survivor care," stated Ms Gulnara Baatyrova, the Minister of labor, social development and migration of KR. "By consolidating essential services under one roof, we aim to empower survivors, enhance access to justice, and foster a culture of safety and support."
The establishment of the One Stop Service Center aligns with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic "On the National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality until 2030." Its development began in 2022 and completed in May 2024. The Centre, valued at over 13 million soms, is equipped with specialized facilities, including victim-friendly investigation rooms, medical examination facilities, psychological support areas and forensic expertise rooms. UNODC and INL have played crucial roles not only in providing infrastructural support but also in assisting with the development of the normative framework for the center's operation and conducting induction training for center personnel.
During the opening ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Lesslie Viguerie said: “A thriving democratic and civil society is like a vibrant tapestry, woven together by the threads of strong relationships and communities. Gender-based violence, however, threatens to unravel this tapestry, weakening the bonds that hold our society together.”
The One Stop Service Center will serve as a vital hub for victims of violence, offering immediate assistance and further referral to crisis centers for ongoing support. The center's inauguration ceremony will mark a significant milestone in Kyrgyzstan's efforts to combat gender-based violence and uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Vasilina Brazhko
