U.S. Assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic – Fiscal Year 2006

Programs promoting democratic and economic reform along with anti-corruption efforts continue to be the focus of U.S. assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic in Fiscal Year 2006. These programs are specifically designed to solidify reforms that came about in early 2005 when the people of the Kyrgyz Republic chose a new government.

In Fiscal Year 2006 the estimated $38.02 million budgeted by all U.S. Government agencies for assistance programs in the Kyrgyz Republic was allocated roughly as follows based on information available as of the date of this fact sheet: 

Democracy programs in the Kyrgyz Republic focus on improving the political process, increasing the accountability of government institutions, strengthening civil society and public advocacy, and supporting independent media. Democracy assistance programs train judges and lawyers, encourage citizen participation in local government decision-making, support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights advocates, advance efforts to end trafficking-in-persons, and facilitate the process of government decentralization. Training and exchange programs seek to create a cadre of reform-minded, action-oriented citizens by reaching out to the next generation of leaders and giving them first-hand experience with the day-to-day functioning of a market-based, democratic system. Last year, the U.S. Government sent 181 Kyrgyz citizens to the United States on a wide array of academic and professional exchange programs, adding to the total of 3081 Kyrgyz exchange participants since 1993.

Programs to strengthen social services and alleviate poverty target education, community development, and health-care. The education reform program seeks to improve teachers' skills, increase parent and community involvement in schools, strengthen the capacity of school administration, enhance academic honesty, and pilot a new model for school finance that will help schools use limited resources more efficiently. U.S. Government funding also supported the creation of the first independent national scholarship test that awards state-funded university scholarships on merit. Additionally, conflict mitigation programs mobilize local communities to decrease tensions and improve social conditions through a participatory process. Small-scale infrastructure improvements include the rehabilitation of schools and irrigation canals. Health care assistance programs work with the World Bank and other donors, and with the Ministry of Health, to improve access to quality primary health care, and establish public guidelines for health financing systems. Infectious diseases programs are improving diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, while building capacity for better infectious disease surveillance in Kyrgyzstan . Other programs aim to improve mother and child health care, work to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, and support Government ability to respond to a possible outbreak of avian influenza.

Economic reform programs aim to improve the business environment and reduce constraints on investment. Toward those goals specific programs aim to increase access to credit for small, medium, and micro-enterprises, support enterprise development through advisory services, and promote better business education. The U.S. Government supports projects on both macro and micro levels to promote private sector-led growth. Other market reform programs work in the areas of trade facilitation, accounting, commercial law, and fiscal, banking, and land reforms, as well development of Kyrgyzstan 's agro-input markets. A water users' association project focuses on promoting efficient water use by the community and also funds infrastructure repair and maintenance programs. T he U.S. Government also supports demonstration models of energy efficiency and pilot programs to help the utility sector increase revenues through improved energy metering and collection. A program that began in 2006 is designed to assist in the development of a regional electricity market for Central Asia and support reform of the country's electricity sector.

The U.S. Government is providing technical assistance, training, and equipment to reform law enforcement agencies and address narco-trafficking and terrorism. One program in this area supported the creation of a Kyrgyz Drug Control Agency by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This assistance is creating mobile enforcement teams composed of agents from several Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies. Another U.S.-funded project, through the International Organization for Migration, is helping the Kyrgyz government replace its passports and ID cards with official documents that are less susceptible to counterfeiting and use by criminals and terrorists. Law enforcement reform projects provide training and equipment for support of the Police Academy , reform of the Traffic Police, and money laundering prevention. The American Bar Association's U.S. Government-funded CEELI program works with law enforcement organizations and the defense bar to raise awareness of corruption issues and ethics. A Resident Legal Advisor from the U.S. Department of Justice is working in Bishkek to assist in reform of the criminal justice system.

Security programs seek to enhance the Kyrgyz Republic 's role in the Global War on Terrorism, improve Kyrgyz Military interoperability with international forces, and increase indigenous capability to patrol and secure borders. The Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program helps Kyrgyz officials better detect, interdict, and prevent shipments of weapons and WMD components and other illicit items. To that end specific programs works to train and equip personnel at border crossing points, and provide training for customs and border police on the use of export control lists and licensing systems for the control of military and dual use items. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs help to properly equip rapid reaction forces in the border regions near Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. FMF also supports command, control and communications nodes for tactical and state-level capabilities. International Military Education and Training funds help provide English language training and facilitate greater professionalism and reform in the armed forces. In addition to military programs, the U.S. Government provides nonproliferation assistance, including programs for joint research activities and support for the Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). The U.S. Government also funds science centers, bio-chem redirect, and bio-industry initiative programs, and is working through the multilateral International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) in Moscow to engage scientists from the former Soviet Union in transparent, sustainable, and cooperative civilian research projects.

U.S. funded humanitarian programs in the Kyrgyz Republic seek to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable in Kyrgyz society. In FY 2006, the U.S funded humanitarian commodity distribution program provided over $15.6 million in medicines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, school supplies, emergency shelter items, food, and clothing to remote and forgotten individuals, families, and institutions in need. Specific emphasis has been put on the provision of oncological medications for needy child cancer patients. The Department of State also undertakes small scale reconstruction projects to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable institutionalized persons.

In addition, 100 Peace Corps Volunteers work throughout the Kyrgyz Republic teaching English and assisting with programs designed to build sustainable economic and organizational development.