Civil society

A woman holds the sign "Women are Dying, Ratify the Convention" during a demonstration in front of Moldova's Parliament in the capital Chisinau, ahead of the vote to endorse the Istanbul Convention. © Tatiana Kebak

Moldova Ratifies Istanbul Convention Amid Disinformation and Opposition

Conservative parties obstructed its adoption for supposedly eroding “traditional family values”.

14 Dec 21

In September Kazakhstan's parliament pushed a draft bill that would require foreign tech companies to register local branches or risk being blocked. Rights groups say that, if approved, it will hinder social media activities and further limit free speech in the country. © CABAR

Kazak State Tightens Grip on Social Media

Rights groups fear that a bill framed to safeguard children could limit free speech and intensify government control.

19 Nov 21

The Kamaz lorries were given to Sokhumi through a Russian-financed programme. Sokhumi is 80 km away from Gali. © Lana Kokaia

Georgia: Landfill Overwhelms Gali Village

Ethnic Georgians say that the de facto Abkhazia government is using their land as a dumping ground.

8 Oct 21

Activists in Azerbaijan warn that violence against women is rising. © Freepic

Azerbaijan: “Half-Hearted” State Policy Blamed for Gender Violence

Officials accuse campaigners of politicising the issue to suit their own agenda.

2 Sep 21

Spyware is loosely defined as malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you, and forward it to a third-party without your consent. © Freepic

Azerbaijan: Pegasus Spyware Perfect Fit for Regime Intimidation

Illicitly obtained data has long been used to intimidate and blackmail independent voices.

31 Aug 21

Kyrgyzstan: Controversial NGO Law Passes

Government accused of shrinking space for civil society with onerous legislation.

19 Jul 21

An angry mob injured more than 50 journalists during the planned Tbilisi Pride march. © Davit Mdzinarishvili/IWPR

Tblisi Pride Organisers Accuse Government of Incitement

Rally cancelled after scenes of mob violence by counter-protestors.

8 Jul 21

Narmin Shahmarzadeh, a psychologist and activist, at a women's rights rally in Azerbaijan.

Fighting for Women’s Rights in Azerbaijan

Equality legislation is not matched by social attitudes – or state support.

19 May 21

Protestors gather in Kutaisi for another rally against the Namakhvani hydropower plant.

Georgia: Protests Against New Power Plant Continue

Tbilisi hopes that 800 million US dollar investment will boost energy security and provide jobs, but activists say the risks are enormous.

18 Mar 21

Household chores and childcare are still very much considered to be women’s duties in Kazakstan and many have found it impossible to balance work and childcare responsibilities during the pandemic. © Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

Kazakstan: The Invisible Burden of Lockdown

From household tasks to labour rights, the pandemic has aggravated endemic gender inequality.

8 Mar 21

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