Caravanserai

2021-10-22

Termez becomes strategic hub for Afghan aid amid worsening crisis

The cargo centre in Uzbekistan is the only such terminal in Central Asia built next to the Afghan border, and has become a focal point for international aid as the humanitarian crisis escalates.

Human Rights

2021-10-12

Migrants in Russia lose outspoken defender amid increasing lawlessness

Russian authorities last month banned Valentina Chupik from the country in apparent retaliation for her criticism of Russia's mistreatment of Central Asian migrants.

Human Rights

2021-10-01

China's 'sinicisation' plan does away with mosque domes, Islamic theology

Beijing's sinicisation policy includes removing mosques' minarets and domes, and replacing the adhan with the national anthem. Imams and worshippers say they are powerless to resist.

Human Rights

2021-09-23

Russian lawmaker's tirade against 'immigrant scum' violates hate speech law

Aleksei Zhuravlev, a State Duma deputy, wants to confine Central Asian migrants to labour camps before being 'shipped out'. His comments appear to have violated Russia's own criminal code.

Human Rights

2021-09-20

OSCE report details terrorists' recruiting, trafficking of Central Asians

Women, children and labour migrants are prime targets for the 'Islamic State' and other terrorist groups seeking to recruit and exploit vulnerable people, the report says.

Human Rights

2021-09-09

Russian obstructionism torpedoes major international human rights meeting

A look at Russian regime behaviour under President Vladimir Putin makes clear why Moscow would prefer to prevent the OSCE human rights conference from taking place.

Human Rights

2021-09-03

Pressure on China builds as Kazakhstan recognises Xinjiang refugees

Nur-Sultan has been granting refugee status to those fleeing China, in a sign it officially recognises Beijing's flagrant repression of Muslim minorities.

Human Rights

2021-07-19

In eastern Afghanistan, Taliban advances meet Beijing's Xinjiang oppression

Alarm is growing in Beijing over the prospect of having an Islamist group like the Taliban share a border with Xinjiang, where China is engaged in systematic oppression of Muslims.

Human Rights

2021-07-16

Sputnik Light seen as profit-making scheme exploiting 'guinea pig' migrants

Central Asian migrants in Russia are being forced to be vaccinated with Sputnik Light, an unproven vaccine known to be less effective than Sputnik V, and have to pay triple the suggested cost for it.

Human Rights

2021-07-14

Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan see major gains in fight against human trafficking

Despite difficult conditions amid the pandemic, the Kyrgyz and Uzbek governments were recognised for their efforts in countering the human rights issue.