For more than two decades, the Kumtor Gold Mine has been at the centre of Kyrgyzstan’s ambition to mineral wealth and economic growth.

This has long caused friction between proponents of prioritising the economy on the one hand, and the generations bearing the brunt of the ecological impacts of the mine on the other.

Justice in waiting: Kumtor and a community’s struggle for their rights examines those tensions by exploring how the Kumtor Gold Mine affects the rights of neighbouring communities and the environment of the Issyk-Kul region in general. More specifically, it highlights the experiences and testimonies of the people most affected, while focusing on their socioeconomic, cultural, civil, political and environmental rights.

It offers concrete recommendations to key stakeholders for adhering to a more human rights-based framework for economic growth in order to protect the people’s right to a clean, safe and healthy environment.

“The stories and testimonies of a community in crisis, in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, are a clear call for current and future generations’ well-being to be finally prioritised over business interests,” said FORUM-ASIA.

“It is a clear call to action to protect the communities in Issyk-Kul who have borne the brunt of mining for decades. The report amplifies their call for accountability, transparency, and fundamental freedoms,” said Tolekan Ismailova of Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan.

This report is a synthesis of formal interviews, focus group discussions and desk research by FORUM-ASIA and its member Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan. Bir Duino-Kyrgyzstan provided guidance, expertise and vital support, without which, this support woulod not have been possible.

Download the report in English here.

Download the report in Kyrgyz here.