The preservation and promotion of human rights are fundamental to the development of a just and fair society. Upholding human rights is an essential responsibility that transcends geographical locations and cultural contexts, and it is a duty that every government must embrace.
By dismantling discriminatory practices and providing equal opportunities, societies can harness the full potential of their diverse populations. This fosters innovation and strengthens social cohesion. In the historically authoritarian landscape of post-Soviet Central Asia, Kazakhstan’s recent strides in democratic reforms and human rights demonstrate that the country is on the right path.
A significant change in Kazakhstan is the increase in democratic participation. The country has taken steps, unique in Central Asia, by implementing direct elections for district and city mayors, granting citizens a direct voice in their governance and making local leadership more accountable. The adoption of a proportional-majoritarian model in the 2023 parliamentary elections has also enhanced the participation of independent and self-nominated candidates. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive pool of candidates for Parliament, which is crucial for representing a broader spectrum of societal interests and perspectives.
Moreover, the increased role of Parliament and local governments, along with the reduction of presidential powers, signals a shift towards a more balanced and representative governance structure. This shift is key in reducing the risk of centralized power and in strengthening the system of checks and balances.
In a major step to further advance democracy, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree in December 2023 approving an action plan in the field of human rights and the rule of law. This decree marks a pivotal moment in Kazakhstan’s journey toward strengthening human rights for all its citizens, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the disabled, convicts, and ensuring the public’s right to peaceful assembly, as well as improving conditions for the country’s workforce.
The decree introduces robust measures to promote the progress and empowerment of women in Kazakh society. It encompasses comprehensive actions to eliminate all forms of gender-based discrimination and enforces stricter penalties for domestic violence.
Similarly, substantial efforts are being directed to empower and protect the youth of Kazakhstan. To enhance children’s rights, the decree mandates the establishment of dedicated regional commissioners who will work in tandem with the national Commissioner for Children’s Rights.
In response to the tragic events of January 2022, it has become evident that there is an urgent need to strengthen the mechanisms supporting the zero-tolerance policy towards torture. Consequently, significant steps are underway to reform the criminal justice system. The action plan will focus on refining regulations to eliminate torture and inhumane treatment of detainees, and ensuring a more effective process for the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of anyone found violating these fundamental laws.
A country’s commitment to upholding human rights extends beyond its domestic arena, reflecting also in its engagement with the international community. By aligning national laws with international human rights standards, participating in human rights treaties, and cooperating with international organizations, countries demonstrate their allegiance to global human rights norms.
The presidential action plan in Kazakhstan explicitly stipulates cooperation between the state and prominent global institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Practical initiatives, in partnership with institutions of the UN and OSCE, are planned to be launched. These initiatives aim to facilitate the execution of state-level political reforms at the regional level.
Upholding human rights is a continuous commitment requiring the common efforts, but the benefits are invaluable – a society where each individual lives with freedom, equality, and dignity. Historically, the legacy of Soviet governance and post-Soviet authoritarianism in the region posed significant obstacles to democratic aspirations. However, Kazakhstan’s recent reforms suggest a notable shift away from this historical pattern, marking a new chapter in the region’s pursuit of democracy and human rights.
