Social protection - The Times Of Central Asia

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Society

Uzbekistan Continues to Lead Central Asian Fertility Rates

Four out of the five Central Asian countries are experiencing fertility declines, with the exception being Uzbekistan, where the total fertility rate (TFR) - the average number of children born to one woman in her lifetime - continues to rise. According to analytical data from Finprom.kz, in 2023, Uzbekistan's TFR was 3.4, the highest in the region. Tajikistan followed with a ratio of 3.1, Kazakhstan at 3.0, and Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan at 2.7 each. In a global context, Central Asia's fertility rates are still higher than average. According to OurWorldinData, the world TFR in 2023 was 2.3. By comparison, countries like the U.S., India, and China had rates between 1.2 and 2.2, while in some African countries such as Somalia or Niger, TFR exceeded 6. In absolute numbers, Uzbekistan led the region in births with 962,000 newborns in 2023 - a 14.3% increase from 2020. Kazakhstan ranked second with 388,400 births, although its birth rate continued to decline after a pandemic-era baby boom. The highest TFR per 1,000 people was also recorded in Uzbekistan (26.4), followed by Tajikistan (24.6) and Kazakhstan (19.5), where births have fallen for the second consecutive year. Despite declining fertility rates, Central Asia's population is growing steadily. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) projects the region's population to reach 80 million in 2025, marking a 2.2 million increase since 2020. Uzbekistan remains the most populous nation, accounting for 45.2% of the region's total population at 36.9 million, followed by Kazakhstan (20.3 million), Turkmenistan (8.1 million), and Kyrgyzstan (8.9 million). Population growth in the region is driven by natural increases, with annual rates of 2.5% in Uzbekistan, 1.9% in Tajikistan, 1.5% in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and 1.4% in Kyrgyzstan. These figures reflect stable demographic dynamics across Central Asia.

Society

Global Ranking: Kazakhstan Has the Third-Highest Unemployment Rate in Eurasia

In the global ranking of unemployment rates for 2024, prepared by ILOSTAT, Kazakhstan placed 104th out of 187 countries with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. According to analysts from Energyprom.kz, the worst unemployment rates were recorded in Eswatini (34.4%), South Africa (33.2%), and Djibouti (25.9%), while Qatar boasted the lowest rate globally at 0.1%. In the Eurasia region Kazakhstan ranked third highest for unemployment, ahead of only Tajikistan (11.6%) and Azerbaijan (5.6%). The best performers in the region are Moldova (1.4%), Russia (2.5%), and Kyrgyzstan (3.3%). For context, the global average unemployment rate stood at 5%, with the Europe and Central Asia region slightly higher at 5.5%. The Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan (BNS) reported that by the end of Q3 2024, the country had 448,600 unemployed individuals - 0.6% fewer than during the same period in 2023. The official unemployment rate was 4.6%, with parity between urban and rural areas. Family circumstances (100,200 cases), voluntary resignations (95,600 cases), and difficulties in finding employment (92,200 cases) were identified as the primary causes of unemployment. In terms of job-seeking durations: 127,500 individuals searched for less than a month. 113,300 sought work for one to three months. 124,600 for three to six months. 36,800 for six months to a year. 46,000 were unemployed for over a year. A small fraction of the unemployed (332 individuals) had already initiated entrepreneurial ventures or secured employment arrangements.

Syria

Central Asia Leads in Repatriating Citizens from Syrian Camps

Central Asian governments are at the forefront of efforts to repatriate their citizens from camps in northeastern Syria, according to Khalid Koser, head of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). In an interview with RIA Novosti, Koser highlighted that, unlike European nations, Central Asian states have taken responsibility for their nationals. GCERF is an international organization supporting local initiatives to prevent extremism and violence by fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector. Koser noted that approximately 2,200 Central Asian citizens have been repatriated from these camps. Kazakhstan has brought back 754 individuals, Kyrgyzstan 533, Tajikistan 381, and Uzbekistan 531. By contrast, Koser criticized European nations for neglecting their citizens in the camps. “Tajikistan says, ‘These are our citizens, and we are responsible for them,’” Koser stated. “Meanwhile, Western Europe hopes the problem will disappear, leaving people to die in camps.” The head of GCERF also pointed out the challenges of repatriating men, many of whom were combatants. “The question now is how to handle those who fought, were involved in terrorism, and face difficulties reintegrating. Most will end up in prison, which could lead to further radicalization within the prison system,” Koser warned. The camps in northeastern Syria, managed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the United States, house 65,000 to 70,000 people. Most of the residents are women and children from families of ISIS militants. While the camps are not officially prisons, movement is restricted, and Kurdish forces prevent residents from leaving. The Times of Central Asia has previously reviewed the repatriation operations undertaken by Central Asian countries, which continue to set a global example in addressing this humanitarian and security challenge.

Legislation

Uzbekistan Proposes 5-Day Paid Paternity Leave

Uzbekistan is taking steps to introduce new labor standards that support fathers and advance gender equality. A draft law submitted to parliament proposes granting men five days of paid leave within a month after the birth of their child. Deputy Nodir Tilavoldiyev stated that the proposal aligns with the country’s ongoing gender reforms. Currently, Uzbekistan’s labor laws do not include provisions for paternity leave, leaving many men to balance work and family responsibilities or rely on unpaid leave during this period. The draft law also seeks to enhance workplace protections by addressing discrimination, harassment, and violence. Employers would be empowered to transfer or dismiss employees found guilty of violence or abuse against colleagues. Additionally, the legislation focuses on supporting victims of domestic violence. It proposes including them in the list of socially vulnerable groups eligible for state-guaranteed employment assistance. These measures aim to foster a safer and more inclusive working environment for all. In neighboring Kazakhstan, fathers can already request unpaid leave upon the birth of a child, with some financial support provided through social payments.

Society

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia with Region’s Highest Pensions

Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in pension payments, with the highest average pension in the region, according to Kaktus.media. Kazakh citizens receive an average of approximately 89,275 KZT ($175.30) per month, as reported by the region's statistical agencies. Kyrgyzstan holds second place, with an average pension of 9,379 KGS ($108) at the end of 2023. Uzbekistan follows with an average of 1.2 million UZS ($93.40), while Turkmenistan ranks fourth, offering an average of 300 TMT ($85.60). Tajikistan reports the lowest pension payments in the region, where pensioners receive just an average of 370 TJS ($33.80) per month. Kazakhstan has also announced measures to further support its pensioners. Beginning January 1, 2025, the country will implement an annual indexation of solidarity pensions by 8.5%. Additionally, basic pensions and social benefits will increase by 6.5% annually, a move designed to improve the welfare of retirees.

Justice

Kyrgyz Businessman Tashov, Accused of Plot to Seize Power, Attempts Suicide in Court

Imamidin Tashov, a Kyrgyz businessman and owner of the KG Group construction company, reportedly attempted suicide during court proceedings in his high-profile case involving allegations of plotting a violent seizure of power. According to media reports, Tashov attempted to slit his throat, prompting an immediate response from those present. Journalists and relatives were swiftly removed from the courtroom, and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that Tashov was carried out of the courthouse to receive medical attention. However, details about his condition and the specific circumstances of the incident remain unclear at this time. Tashov was detained in April 2024 by SCNS officers after illegally crossing the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Authorities allege that he was on his way to the town of Kara-Balta to establish a temporary headquarters and mobilize supporters for protests aimed at seizing power. This is not the first time Tashov has engaged in self-harm. Earlier this year, he injured himself in the abdomen, reportedly sustaining two cuts. His lawyer, Samat Matsakov, claimed that these acts were deliberate attempts to attract public attention. The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) similarly described the previous incident as premeditated and aimed at garnering sympathy. Adding to the controversy, Tashov has accused individuals claiming to be SCNS officers of kidnapping him and demanding a ransom of 100 million Kyrgyz soms ($1.15 million). These allegations have further polarized public opinion and drawn widespread attention to his case. On November 29, Tashov’s lawyer Matsakov was arrested on charges of fraud and document forgery, as reported by The Times of Central Asia. The legal troubles surrounding Tashov and his defense team have only added to the public and media interest in the case. The dramatic developments in Tashov’s case reflect the tensions surrounding his high-profile trial. As questions persist about his actions and the broader implications of his allegations, the case continues to attract significant attention across Kyrgyzstan.