Astana, 10 December 2023 (TDI): On Friday, Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Tokayev signed a Presidential Decree outlining Kazakhstan’s first Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
The issuance of an executive order to uphold the respect for human rights and maintain the rule of law in the state is in line with the observance of World Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10 worldwide.
President Tokayev while announcing the news stated that this action plan has been devised to encourage gender parity fostering a more equal society.
In addition, the proposed Plan of Action intends to combat all forms of domestic abuse along with improving the criminal justice system’s performance and preventing torture and inhumane treatment.
The Head of State mentioned that the new Decree has set strong measures to ensure the freedom of the press and to empower vulnerable groups of the population. This will aid in strengthening Kazakhstan’s domestic civil rights foundation. The amendments in the national law will supplement these efforts.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for External Affairs, Erzhan Kazykhan highlighted the government’s efforts and commitment to support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is going to complete its 75 years of adoption this Sunday.
Kazykhan reiterated that the signing of the Decree and Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law by President Tokayev ahead of UDHR75 is extremely meaningful. He called this act the demonstration of his steadfast dedication to comprehensive democratic reforms and a path toward a just and equitable Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is making significant strides in Human Rights by taking comprehensive human rights measures. Important reforms related to areas as diversified as freedom of expression, and the rights of children and people with disabilities have been done. It has ratified the two Optional Protocols to the Conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities and children.
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Moreover, Kazakhstan adopted a National Action Plan to implement the UN Security Council agenda on women’s peace and security. The establishment of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan ensured the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Kazakhstan has been expanded. The democratic milestones included the participation of diverse candidates in elections and the direct elections of local mayors. This marked a pioneering practice in Central Asia.
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