OSCE supports publication of report on human rights in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 20 October 2015 – An OSCE-supported presentation of the annual report of the Human Rights Commission under the President published in the Kazakh, Russian and English languages with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana took place today at the Foreign Ministry in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was organized for some 170 parliamentarians, high-level government officials, including Foreign and Justice Ministers, representatives of the judiciary, civil society and international organizations under an ongoing OSCE project aimed at raising public awareness and promoting protection mechanisms in the area of human rights.

The Report on the Situation with Human Rights in Kazakhstan was developed with the involvement of civil society activists and legal experts and was endorsed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. It provides an overview of the implementation by Kazakhstan of its international human rights obligations and an analysis of national legislation and practices related to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The document also contains an assessment by the Commission’s members of the activities of the national human rights institutions as well as legislative recommendations to enhance human rights protection mechanisms in specific areas such as the freedom of assembly, expression and religion.

“The present report contains specific recommendations within all five areas of the ongoing institutional reform,” said Kuanysh Sultanov, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “It is in line with the ‘100 Steps Programme’ as far the development of social, economic and cultural rights is concerned.”

Justice Minister Berik Imashev said: “The presentation of the annual report of the Human Rights Commission proves, once again, that human rights protection is closely watched over not only by state bodies but also by civil society.” 

“Issues surrounding the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms remain a priority for OSCE human dimension activities,” stated Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana.

She noted that the OSCE Programme Office encourages initiatives on informing the public about human rights and challenges in exercising full respect to them. “The Office supports the presentation of the report in the country’s regions and is launching a series of seminars on human rights protection for local authorities and civil society nationwide,” Zarudna concluded.

The event is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to support national human rights institutions in promoting fundamental freedoms and international human rights in the host country.