The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek respects the right of the people to peaceably assemble and the right to freedom of speech and expression. We would like to underscore that human rights are the cornerstone of freedom and the basis for open and democratic societies worldwide. We affirm our commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of all human beings, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) or in other vulnerable groups. The United States calls on the people of Kyrgyzstan and the world over to support and respect the freedom to advocate for human rights in peace, whether in print, on social media or through the spoken word.