Photo by Angsagan Kenzhebek on Unsplash
The pursuit of human rights and democracy is a continuous journey – one that requires commitment, courage and tangible action in today’s unpredictable world. Despite all the challenges, for the past several years, Kazakhstan has demonstrated its strong commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, writes Yerlan Sarsembayev.
My country has been advancing an ambitious reform agenda. We believe that in today’s rapidly changing global environment, this approach is essential to building a resilient, rights-based society that can adapt to new challenges while staying true to its core values.
With such thoughts and beliefs, I presented Kazakhstan’s fourth report on fulfilling human rights obligations at the 48th session of the Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) that took place in Geneva on January 23 this year.
I am proud that Kazakhstan’s efforts were met with strong support from UN member states. The international community commended our legislative strides, including the abolition of the death penalty, the strengthening of legal protections against domestic violence, and the expansion of social safeguards for vulnerable populations. These reforms form part of our unwavering commitment to building a Just and Fair Kazakhstan that respects and protects the dignity of every citizen.
A Comprehensive Approach to Reform
Kazakhstan’s journey toward a rights-based society is defined by a deliberate and inclusive process. Our constitutional reform in 2022 marked a turning point, introducing structural changes that decentralised power, strengthened parliamentary oversight, and enhanced citizen participation in governance. This transition from a super-presidential system to a presidential republic with a stronger parliament ensures a more balanced and accountable government.
Key legislative changes, such as simplifying political party registration and lowering the threshold for party establishment from 20,000 to 5,000 members, have created a more inclusive political landscape. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities now benefit from a 30% quota in the distribution of parliamentary mandates, fostering greater representation and participation in decision-making processes.
Another key milestone was the re-establishment of the Constitutional Court, which plays a key role in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution. As the highest authority for constitutional oversight, the court ensures that all laws and regulations align with constitutional norms, safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens. It provides individuals direct access to constitutional justice, reinforcing the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Kazakhstan’s reforms are especially aimed at protecting society’s most vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and refugees. One of the most significant recent advancements is the adoption of a law aimed at combating domestic violence, which introduces criminal liability for offences such as battery and intentional bodily harm. These changes ensure stronger legal protection for women and children.
Furthermore, efforts to strengthen the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the National Preventive Mechanism have been widely welcomed by the international community. The Human Rights Commissioner now has direct access to the President and Parliament to advocate for policy changes that align with international human rights standards.
In 2023, we also adopted a Social Code that guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination across all spheres of life. An ambitious National Plan until 2025 is underway to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, leveraging an electronic portal to facilitate access to essential resources. The objective of these initiatives is to ensure inclusivity and social justice, aligning Kazakhstan with the best practices of developed nations.
Strengthening Kazakhstan’s Human Rights Profile on the Global Stage
Kazakhstan’s progress in human rights does not exist in isolation. We have actively engaged with international human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN treaty bodies. Our ongoing cooperation with these institutions ensures that our reforms are in line with global human rights norms.
We were proud to contribute as a member of the UN Human Rights Council from 2022 to 2024. During our tenure, we championed initiatives focused on human dignity, social justice, and sustainable development. The adoption of the Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law on 8 December, 2023, is another testament to our commitment to upholding international obligations and strengthening the rule of law at home. This comprehensive roadmap outlines key priorities and measures aimed at enhancing legal protections and promoting fundamental freedoms. It encompasses a range of measures to strengthen gender equality, protect child rights, combat domestic violence, and enhance human rights within the criminal justice system.
Reform is never without its challenges. As we continue to implement our human rights agenda, we recognise the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with civil society, addressing remaining gaps in implementation, and fostering a culture of accountability. The UN member states have provided valuable insights and recommendations that will guide our next steps, ensuring that our reforms continue to align with the expectations of our citizens and the international community.
A key lesson from Kazakhstan’s experience is that sustainable change requires a balance between ambitious goals and pragmatic implementation. Our reforms are designed to be adaptable, reflecting the diverse needs of our society. The engagement of non-governmental organisations, independent experts, and international partners has been instrumental in refining our approach and ensuring broad public support.
Remaining Committed
Our reforms illustrate that it is possible to advance human rights while respecting national contexts and cultural norms. Success is achievable through a combination of strong political will, institutional accountability, and active engagement with civil society.
As the Minister of Justice, I can state with confidence that Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to further advancing human rights and ensuring that our legal and institutional frameworks continue to evolve in response to the needs of our people. The positive feedback from the UN UPR process serves as both recognition of our progress and motivation to pursue even greater achievements in the years to come.
There is much to be done, but, as we move forward, we will continue to prioritise the rule of law, protect the most vulnerable, and engage with our international partners to build a fairer and more just society. Our journey is far from over and we are determined to make Kazakhstan a leading example of human rights reform in the region and beyond.
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The Author, Yerlan Sarsembayev, is the Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan.
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