Conflict transformation Context Central Asia Solidarity Groups has been working with this thematic area in a wider sense since 2010; dealing with issues from interpersonal conflicts to structural oppression. Our efforts in this line of our work has been primarily focused on southern Kyrgyzstan, a region which has been marked by several conflicts. In June of 2010, the city of Osh was the epicenter for a large-scale political and ethnic conflict between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks which left hundreds dead. These events are still fresh in the memories of the locals, as many lost family members, friends, and their homes. Osh has become a more segregated city in which groups often avoid one another. In these conditions, stereotypes and hate flourish. Border disputes with neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also a recurring feature in southern Kyrgyzstan. Other examples
of conflicts are the marginalization of other minority groups based on ethnicity, religion and sexuality. These problems are expressed through structural discrimination in the labor market, religious extremism, nationalist hate groups, and segregated media spreading xenophobic propaganda. Central Asia Solidarity Groups has chosen to work in close proximity to local organizations in southern Kyrgyzstan. This has included providing financial support to their outreach-oriented work aimed at preventing such issues, but also providing training in non-violence and supporting projects and organizational development aimed at creating more inclusive and democratic organizations while reducing conflict and fragmentation.
What we did during the year 20
