MP Zhanbyrshin Calls for Stricter Oversight of Foreign-Funded NGOs

Parliament is once again discussing foreign funding, Orda.kz reports.

MP Yedil Zhanbyrshin expressed concern over the influence of NGOs supported by foreign sources, specifically highlighting feminist groups, LGBT organizations, and youth subcultures like emo.

They bring nationalism, religious division, localism and tribalism into our political agenda.

Zhanbyrshin also criticized USAID, claiming that some foreign-funded NGOs portray Kazakhstan negatively on the global stage.

They tell their foreign sponsors that human rights are allegedly being violated, freedom of speech is being restricted, and that the country is on the brink of disaster. The development of Kazakhstan is not beneficial to them, since it prevents them from making personal profits from their so-called 'humanitarian business.'

The deputy argued it is time to establish more substantial oversight:

It is necessary to conduct an analysis of the effectiveness of the current legislation regulating the activities of organizations financed from abroad. It is also necessary to improve the mechanisms for monitoring and regulating the activities of projects and organizations financed by foreign grants.

If foreign organizations fund projects that go against national values or aim to destabilize the country, Zhanbyrshin believes they should be shut down.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova