UN calls to end kidnapping of women for forced marriage

Bishkek, April 9, 2021. / Kabar /. UN released a statement in connection with the abduction and murder of 27-year-old Aizada Kanatbekova. “The news reporting the death of Aizada Kanatbekova as the most recent victim of “Ala Kachuu” is a tragic reminder of the need to end this brutal practice. Women and girls of Kyrgyzstan and in all countries everywhere have the right to walk safely in their homeland without being exposed to kidnapping and violence. The United Nations System in Kyrgyzstan calls on all governmental stakeholders, including law enforcement and security forces to take timely and coordinated actions to respond and address the cases registered under article 175 of the Criminal Code, Abduction of a person for the purpose of marriage, and to ensure effective and prompt investigation when such cases are brought to their attention. Reaffirming its strong commitment to support the elimination of child, early and forced marriage, the United Nations System in Kyrgyzstan welcomes the official statements of President Sadyr Japarov and Prime Minister Ulukbek Maripov that identify the violent death of Aizada as an unacceptable and preventable national tragedy. The UN supports the people of Kyrgyzstan expressing its intolerance on any form of violence against women and girls, including any behavior associated with “Ala Kachuu”. In this regard, the UN particularly welcomes deepened collaboration between Government and Civil Society to end harmful practices. The UN further encourages the sustained enactment and enforcement of laws and legal provisions aimed at preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls, while ensuring that survivors are safe and protected, have access to just judicial remedies, and that perpetrators are brought to justice in line with due process of law,” the statement said.