Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report, 2008: Krgyz Republic

摘要

Pursuant to the Advancing Democratic Values Act of 2007, the Department of State has prepared this report on U.S. efforts to promote democracy and human rights in nondemocratic countries and countries undergoing democratic transitions worldwide. The Act further specifies that we continue our cooperation with nongovernmental groups and individuals to advance human rights and democratic principles. Indeed, partnerships with NGOs--indigenous and international--are essential to the development and success of free societies and play a vital role in ensuring accountable government and democratic change. Upon consultation with NGOs, and in keeping with the Act's definition of nondemocratic and democratic transition countries, we have reported on our priority efforts in 106 countries. The specific activities we highlighted in this report--bilateral programs, public diplomacy, multilateral initiatives, cooperation with international and indigenous organizations, and assistance programs--are meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive, of the full range of U.S. undertakings in the human rights and democracy fields. As the report shows, we have concentrated our efforts on practical ways to strengthen the core elements that must be present in countries around the globe if human rights and democratic principles are to be exercised and protected effectively: (1) free and fair electoral processes, with a level playing field to ensure genuine competition; (2) good governance, with representative, transparent, and accountable institutions operating under the rule of law, including independent legislatures and judiciaries; and (3) robust civil societies, including human rights and democracy defenders, independent media, and labor unions.