(24 February 2026 | Source: FBRK)
The activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding are regularly discussed in the public sphere. Over the years, publications have mentioned the public foundation ‘Ar. Rukh. Hak.’, as well as individuals associated with it.
The editorial board of FBRK reminds readers of previously published information and public statements related to the foundation's activities.
GRANT OF $129,000 AND INTERNATIONAL AWARD
As is known, in 2022 the foundation received a grant of $129,000 to implement legal aid programmes for people claimed to be victims of political persecution. The organisation is included in the list of recipients of foreign funding.
In 2023, the founder of the foundation, Bakhytzhan Toregozhina, was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the US State Department, which strengthened her international profile and simultaneously intensified discussions about the degree of independence of her work within the country.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS FROM 2005
During the 2005 presidential election campaign, a project unofficially named the ‘protest village’ was discussed in the public domain. In a number of publications, it was linked to Zamanbek Nurkadilov. It was reported that funds from American sources were allegedly allocated for the preparation of the initiative, but the project was never implemented.
According to some information, Nurkadilov later levelled accusations against Bakhytzhan Toregozhina and the co-founder of the foundation, Galymzhan Meshitbayev, claiming they received funds without fulfilling their obligations.
FOUNDATION PARTNER AND QUESTIONS OF BUSINESS REPUTATION
It is known that Galymzhan Meshitbayev has enforcement proceedings registered against him totalling over 36 million tenge. Furthermore, Meshitbayev's company, Express Consulting-A LLP, has been mentioned in media publications in the context of disputes related to the seizure of land plots in Almaty.
PUBLIC DEBATE SURROUNDING GRANT DISTRIBUTION
In 2010, a number of publications reported criticism of the foundation from representatives of the non-governmental sector. This concerned the distribution of grants and the possible restriction of other NGOs' access to funding.
The activities of the ‘Ar. Rukh. Hak.’ foundation are tied to the broader issue of transparency in the distribution of international funding and control mechanisms. Questions regarding the transparency of individual NGOs' work and the criteria for selecting recipients of foreign grants continue to be a subject of public debate.