Kazakhstan puts human rights at core of governance in bid to set regional example
'Kazakhstan's Third Periodic Report reflects a country in transformation, committed to building a 'Just Kazakhstan' rooted in the protection of human rights and democratic government,' said Botagoz Zhakselekova, Vice Minister of Justice.
Zhakselekova led the Kazakh delegation to the 144th session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC), where she outlined sweeping legal and institutional reforms undertaken since the last review.
'While challenges remain – as they do in all countries – the foundations laid during this reporting period mark a meaningful step forward,' she told the UN.
Among the most praised reforms are the abolition of the death penalty, the strengthening of the Ombudsman institution and national preventive mechanisms, new guarantees for gender equality, and enhanced judicial independence.
Kazakhstan's legal hierarchy places international treaties above domestic law, and key UN experts welcomed the integration of human rights standards into the country's Constitution and governance framework.
Tokayev's reform agenda
The political reforms initiated under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have been critical in reshaping Kazakhstan's institutional landscape. In 2022, the country transitioned from a super-presidential system to a more balanced presidential-parliamentary republic, limiting the presidency to a single seven-year term.
The direct election of rural mayors, the expansion of Parliament's oversight powers, and the implementation of a 30 per cent quota for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in party lists underscore Astana's commitment to inclusivity.
Kazakhstan has also reinstated its Constitutional Court, granting citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, direct access to challenge legislation. The Ombudsman's mandate has been significantly expanded to advocate for legal change in response to human rights violations.
Reforms in civil liberties include the Law on Peaceful Assemblies, which replaced a permit-based system with a simple notification model. Since its adoption, over 1,500 peaceful demonstrations have taken place.
Defamation has been decriminalised, and the Law on Public Oversight has improved civic engagement.
Significant steps have also been taken to address domestic violence and protect children. Kazakhstan has strengthened penalties for crimes against minors, including life sentences for child rape, and introduced comprehensive programmes in schools covering personal safety and anti-bullying.
A new Compensation Fund for victims of torture and a Law on Combating Human Trafficking ensure victim protection, regardless of legal status. The country has also successfully repatriated Kazakh citizens from conflict zones, including women and children.
International backing
The reforms earned international recognition during the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva in January. More than 100 UN member states participated in the review.
Kazakhstan's UPR report was formally adopted in July, confirming the country's growing credibility on the international stage. The Kazakh government accepted 259 of 294 recommendations, reflecting what UN member states described as a 'genuine interest in constructive dialogue'.
Progress in Kazakhstan has drawn attention from Brussels too, where discussions between the two sides have focused on strengthening cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan's human rights institutions through EU-Kazakhstan and EU-Central Asia platforms.
Listening to society
A key concept in Kazakhstan's evolving political model is a governance philosophy that seeks to institutionalise dialogue between the government and civil society.
Since 2013, more than 50 consultations have been held through formal platforms, integrating civic input into policy-making.
While implementation remains a work in progress, the direction of change is clear.
'Ongoing reforms aim to strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and embed international standards into the fabric of our legal and political systems,' said Vice Minister Zhakselekova in Geneva.
With its human rights legislation, Kazakhstan is not only responding to international expectations – it is actively seeking to set a new benchmark for reform-minded governance in Central Asia.
[Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
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