Kazakhstan Showcases Democratic Reforms and Human Rights Advancements During UN Universal Periodic Evaluation in Geneva
In a significant display of Kazakhstan's dedication to global human rights standards, the country's delegation participated in the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council, held on Jan. 22 in Geneva.
The session, attended by representatives of 40 UN member states and international non-governmental organizations accredited in Geneva, provided a platform for Kazakhstan to discuss its recent democratic transformations and reforms, with a particular focus on gender equality, Parliament representation, and anti-bullying measures.
Dinara Yessimova, a civil sector representative, spoke about the National Association of Social Workers of Kazakhstan's role in guaranteeing human rights and supporting socio-economic development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She also highlighted the professional standard on social work and other social professions developed in 2023 in collaboration with the Kazakh Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population as an example of the work.
Moreover, Yessimova mentioned an online training course for over 30,000 people with disabilities as another concrete example of the work being done. The course aims to empower individuals and promote inclusivity in Kazakh society.
Kazakh Commissioner for Children's Rights Dinara Zakiyeva discussed the measures taken by the state to strengthen the mandate of the commissioner to protect children from bullying and suicide, sexual violence, and early marriage. The country has also adopted legislative measures to combat domestic violence and promote gender equality and inclusion in all spheres of life.
One of the key initiatives mentioned was the introduction of courses in schools related to personal safety at home, on the street, at school, and on the internet, as well as the launch of an anti-bullying program in Kazakhstan. These efforts aim to ensure a safe, educational process for children.
While the search results do not provide detailed specifics of Kazakhstan's statements or reforms at the 48th UPR session, they indicate general concerns and developments relating to Kazakhstan's democratic and human rights context, including the modernization and increased transparency of the legal system through Supreme Court reforms and digitization of judicial records.
However, the search results also highlight criticism for repressive laws impacting civil society, which was reportedly raised as concerns during the UPR session.
Regarding gender equality and Parliament representation, the search results do not specify recent reforms or specific initiatives by Kazakhstan during the 48th UPR session. Based on my knowledge, Kazakhstan has recently increased the quota for women representation in Parliament, aiming at greater gender equality in political participation. This is part of ongoing reforms to enhance women's role in governance.
In education and school settings, Kazakhstan has introduced policies and campaigns against bullying, including gender-based harassment, as part of broader commitments to protect children's rights and ensure a safe environment.
The UN Human Rights Council will present a report on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan, which will also include the recommendations of UN member states. The session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group to discuss Kazakhstan's fulfillment of its human rights obligations will take place on Jan. 23. The Universal Periodic Review is designed to stimulate, support, and enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in every country.
- Dinara Yessimova, a representative from the civil sector, spoke about the National Association of Social Workers of Kazakhstan's role in promoting health-and-wellness, mental-health, and education-and-self-development.
- The online training course for over 30,000 people with disabilities is an example of the country's commitment to personal-growth and inclusivity in Kazakh society.
- Kazakh Commissioner for Children's Rights Dinara Zakiyeva discussed policies aimed at strengthening mental-health, ensuring safety, and promoting career-development for children.
- The Introduction of courses related to personal safety and the launch of an anti-bullying program are part of Kazakhstan's policy-and-legislation efforts to promote general-news and human rights.
- Future recommendations for Kazakhstan's human rights development will likely cover areas such as gender-equality, Parliament representation, and reforms to the legal system, as well as concerns regarding repressive laws impacting civil society.
