Kyrgyzstan is the only country in Central Asia to have experienced not one, but two, revolutions, as well as a peaceful transfer of power through elections. In 2005, a “Tulip” Revolution ousted former President Askar Akaev, and another revolution ousted Akayev’s successor President Kurmanbek Bakiev in 2010. A constitutional referendum in 2010 gave more power to parliament, and peaceful elections took place in 2010, 2011, and 2015. Current President Atambayev has said he will not run for a second term in 2017. Nevertheless, Kyrgyzstan faces significant human rights issues. Massive ethnic violence in the southern part of the country in 2010 largely targeted ethnic Uzbeks, and inter-ethnic tensions continue today. Kyrgyzstan also has adopted problematic legislation that could restrict NGOs as well as non-traditional religious groups. The OSCE established the Centre in Bishkek in 1998, and has observed national elections in Kyrgyzstan since 2000.

The Helsinki Commission has closely followed developments in Kyrgyzstan since its independence in 1991. Numerous hearings have looked at both revolutions, the human rights situation in the country, and inter-ethnic violence.