Youth Civic Engagement in Kyrgyzstan: Adapting to a Shrinking Civic Space

New research explores how young people continue to participate in civic life despite shrinking civic space, growing uncertainty, and changing forms of activism. For many years, young people have been recognized as one of the driving forces behind social and civic change in Kyrgyzstan. They have led volunteer initiatives, organized community projects, advocated for human rights, promoted gender equality, and responded to local challenges through collective action. However, the environment for civic participation has changed significantly in recent years. Legislative developments, growing restrictions on civic space, increasing public polarization, and concerns about safety have reshaped how young people engage...