Transparency International is concerned about the Kazakh government’s recent publication of a list of individuals and organizations receiving international funding. The list includes over 200 entities, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and journalists. Transparency International argues that the list is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress dissent and stifle independent media.

Transparency International is calling on Kazakhstan to reconsider the list and create a more enabling environment for civil society and independent media.

The Kazakh government claims that the list is necessary to promote transparency and accountability. However, Transparency International argues that the list is actually being used to stigmatize and silence government critics. The list is reminiscent of the “foreign agents” legislation used in Russia to suppress civil society and independent media.

Transparency International is particularly concerned about the impact of the list on CSOs. CSOs play a vital role in holding governments accountable and exposing corruption. However, the list could deter international donors from funding CSOs in Kazakhstan, and it could also discourage CSOs from speaking out against the government.

Transparency International calls on the Kazakh government to reconsider its publication of the “foreign agents” list.