Kazakhstan is urged to quickly implement recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council following its Universal Periodic Review on January 23, 2025. Human Rights Watch highlighted 294 recommendations from 103 states, addressing significant human rights issues such as freedom of association, the media’s right to express, and accountability for abuses during the January 2022 protests. Mihra Rittmann, the senior Central Asia Researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for Kazakhstan to take immediate actions to improve its human rights standing, stating, “Kazakhstan should take prompt action to meaningfully improve its human rights record.”
During the UPR, states scrutinize each other’s human rights practices every four and a half years. Kazakhstan initially claimed to be reforming its democratic processes and adhering to international human rights obligations. However, reports reveal that despite accepting 195 out of 214 recommendations from 2019, serious issues persist, including repressive measures against activists and journalists under the pretense of counter-extremism. Days prior to the review, the arrest of a journalist on dubious extremism charges underscored existing tensions.
Among the key recommendations, Norway and Australia called for investigations into human rights violations linked to the 2022 protests. Human Rights Watch documented excessive force used by law enforcement against peaceful protesters, urging Kazakhstan to address these grievances by holding officials accountable. Further recommendations included revising extreme definitions in national legislation regarding nonviolent crimes and ensuring protections for media personnel, which remain crucial as government restrictions intensify.
Kazakhstan also received pleas from multiple states to safeguard the rights of LGBT individuals and abolish discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation. Reports indicate that LGBT people face continued harassment and threats, while anti-LGBT propaganda legislation looms. Other members emphasized enhancing inclusive education for individuals with disabilities and improving the social security system amid ongoing poverty challenges.
As Kazakhstan approaches the next Human Rights Council session in July 2025, global pressures mount to affect change. The abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of a Constitutional Court were praised. However, Rittmann warned, “If Kazakhstan aims to be a player on the global stage, it cannot ignore serious concerns raised by other member states and should take steps to advance everyone’s rights,” highlighting the potential risks of unaddressed human rights abuses.
Kazakhstan faces urgent demands to implement UN Human Rights Council recommendations post-review. Key issues include freedom of expression, media rights, LGBT protections, and accountability for rights abuses during protests. Serious concerns persist despite prior commitments, stressing the need for continued international scrutiny and pressure for reform.
Kazakhstan is at a crossroads regarding its human rights commitments following recent UN recommendations. While the government has made claims of progress, persistent issues such as freedom of expression and the treatment of marginalized groups signal the need for genuine reforms. International pressures and scrutiny will play a crucial role in determining whether Kazakhstan can align with global human rights standards and foster an inclusive environment for all its citizens.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
