Kazakhstan: Families Struggle to Enjoy Basic Rights
Expand Social Protection; Reform ‘Targeted Social Assistance’ Program
Large-scale anti-government protests rocked Kazakhstan in January 2022, setting off a cascade of human rights violations by the authorities, including excessive use of force against protesters, arbitrary arrest and detention, and ill-treatment and torture of detainees. Political reforms promised by Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokaev in recent years have not led to meaningful improvements in the country’s poor human rights record. Free speech and the right to peaceful protest are suppressed. Kazakh authorities have used politically motivated prosecutions to silence government critics, including on the vague and overbroad charge of “inciting discord,” and banned political opposition groups as “extremist.” Independent trade unions face harassment and interference. Impunity for torture and ill-treatment persists. Kazakhstan has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but children with disabilities are largely denied a quality, inclusive education.
February 25, 2024
Expand Social Protection; Reform ‘Targeted Social Assistance’ Program
Set Independent Investigation with International Experts
End Abuses, Interference with Lawyers; Investigate Torture Allegations
Partners Should Press for Investigation into Abusive Response to Protests, Unrest
Free Journalist; Revise Definition of Extremism in Law
Ensure Due Process, Impartiality in Investigation
Western States Should Push for Concrete Reforms
Lawmakers Should Urgently Criminalize Domestic Violence
Free Activist; Drop Bogus Charges; Uphold Rights to Expression, Assembly
Nine organisations issue a Joint Statement on misguided government move
Legislative Proposal Highlights Need to Criminalize Domestic Violence
Berlin’s Strong Stance on Region an Opportunity to Promote Rights Protection
Leaders Expected to Meet During UN General Assembly