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international

new kazakhstan’s human rights journey

Often being referred to as a young state, Rights, abolishing the death penalty without
Kazakhstan today is a mature and accomplished any reservations. The finishing touch was
nation. Over the last years, the country has the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan for
undergone major political transformation Human Rights Protection in the following
and is now on the course to building a “New June that made clear the direction of which
Kazakhstan”, meaning a more resilient and the state wishes to go.
diversified economy, a fairer society, and a
more dynamic and agile political system that However, 2022 has become a turning point
ensures active civic participation in decision- for Kazakhstan. The Tragic January has tested
making. the national democratic institutions and
reinforced the need for a broader political
Since 2019, the President Kassym-Jomart reform.
Tokayev’s Administration has launched a series
of democratic reforms to strengthen human The ongoing reforms are designed to address
rights, the rule of law, and anti-corruption, in the socio-economic and civic grievances
line with the concept of a state that listens and voiced by Kazakhstan’s citizens. Ranging from
responds to its citizens. tackling monopolization and raising living
standards to improving health and education,
Human rights were placed at the top of they cover almost all areas of life. Mostly
the policy priorities, with reforms that importantly, it is clear that human rights must
decriminalized slander, increased gender be high on the national agenda.
quotas to civil service positions, liberalized
protests and trade unions legislation, and The reform process showed that the “listening
promoted wider citizen engagement in state” paid attention to the people, as civil
governance. In 2021, the country has taken society, expert community, political parties,
a major step in its political development by lawyers and members of the National Council
ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the of Public Trust contributed to the reforms
International Covenant on Civil and Political development.

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