The reporting of RFE/RL journalists based in bureaus in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan has yet again been recognized by governmental and non-governmental agencies with a string of awards for excellence in 2017. Among the RFE/RL Central Asian journalists honored for their work are:
- RFE/RL Kazakh Service journalist Svetlana Gloushkova was presented Penal Reform International’s (PRI) 2017 Human Rights Award at a December 8, 2017 ceremony in Astana, for her efforts to “promote and cover human rights issues in the media." PRI Central Asia program Director Azamat Shambilov said that the award was presented for the first time this year, and is intended to encourage the development of a strong civil society in Kazakhstan.
- Almaty-based RFE/RL Kazakh Service reporter Ayan Kalmurat was recognized on December 5, 2017 as “Blogger of the Year” at the “Zhastar Zhalyny” (“Flame of Youth”) awards ceremony, sponsored by the Almaty Mayor’s office.
- RFE/RL Kyrgyz Service Bishkek correspondent Nurjan Toktonazarova won a competition sponsored by the UN World Food Program for online content on gender equality issues, for her articles "Why it is Wrong to Say There Are More Women Than Men in Kyrgyzstan" and "Sexism in Kyrgyz society." The award was presented on December 4, 2017.
- Sughd-based RFE/RL Tajik Service correspondent Masumi Muhammadrachab won a competition for journalism addressing radicalization, human rights and religious freedom issues sponsored by the Tajikistan office of the Institute for Peace and War Reporting. Imomov's story, "The Long Road To Return Home" about a former ISIS fighter who managed to return from Syria with his family, won first place.
- Kyrgyzstan's State Migration Service awarded Kyrgyz Service Moscow correspondent Lazat Takyrbashova a special medal “For Solidarity” for her reporting on the lives and challenges faced by migrants in Russia. Takyrbashova was presented the medal at the Kyrgyz Embassy in Moscow on December 1, 2017.