Unregistered marriages are on the rise in Kyrgyzstan. The marriages, usually performed by a local religious leader, can put the women who participate in them at risk by undermining their rights and economic position, according to the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Central Asia. The office is working with local NGOs, and government officials to raise awareness of and to help curb the practice.

“There is a common message coming from everyone, be they women or men, young or old, Nuer or Dinka. People want peace.” Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ivan Šimonović, told reporters in Juba, South Sudan.