10 декабря 2025

 Overview

Kazakhstan has undertaken a comprehensive programme of political, legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening human rights protections, enhancing democratic governance and expanding civic participation.

This factsheet provides an overview of the key reforms, initiatives and developments that illustrate Kazakhstan’s evolving human rights framework and its efforts to strengthen governance, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.

1. Political and Institutional Reforms Strengthening Human Rights

Since 2019, Kazakhstan has implemented a broad programme of political and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic processes, expanding citizen participation, and reinforcing human rights protections. These changes form part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Just Kazakhstan agenda, which seeks to modernise governance, enhance accountability, and build a more inclusive state.

Key political reforms

• The Constitution was amended to introduce a single seven-year presidential term and reduce presidential powers, ensuring clearer separation of powers and stronger institutional checks.
• Simplified party registration procedures have lowered barriers for political participation and encouraged political pluralism.
• Parliament and local representative bodies now hold expanded authority in legislative oversight, budget management and regional governance.
• The introduction of direct elections of rural akims (mayors) expanded grassroots democratic participation and enhanced local accountability.
• Kazakhstan reinstated the “Against All” option on ballots, expanding citizens’ electoral choices and strengthening electoral legitimacy.
• A mixed electoral system was introduced combining proportional and single-member district representation, enabling independent candidates and enhancing direct citizen participation.

Strengthening the human rights architecture

• Kazakhstan adopted a sequence of national plans, including the Priority Action Plan for Human Rights (2021), the Plan for Further Measures on Human Rights and the Rule of Law (2022), and the 2023 Implementation Progress Report, establishing a structured approach to improving legal protections and aligning policies with international standards.
• The Ombudsman for Human Rights was elevated to constitutional status, while the Constitutional Court was re-established in 2023, enabling citizens and organisations to appeal directly on issues concerning rights and constitutional guarantees.
• Specialised ombuds institutions for children’s rights and for socially vulnerable groups play an expanded role in monitoring compliance with national legislation, reviewing complaints, and ensuring access to remedies.

Judicial and administrative reforms

• The Administrative Procedural and Process-Related Code strengthened the protection of citizens’ rights in interactions with public authorities and expanded judicial oversight of administrative decisions.
• Digital platforms such as e-Otinish streamline communication between citizens and state bodies and increase transparency.
• Kazakhstan expanded the scope of jury trials and introduced automated juror selection to ensure fairness.

 

2. International Human Rights Commitments and Global Engagement

Kazakhstan continues to position itself as an active participant in global human rights processes, integrating international standards into national policy and contributing to multilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening protection frameworks worldwide.

Engagement with the United Nations system

• Kazakhstan presented its Third Periodic Report under the ICCPR at the 144th session of the UN Human Rights Committee. UN experts commended Kazakhstan for abolition of the death penalty, strengthening the Ombudsman institution and the national preventive mechanism, promoting gender equality and political inclusion, and steps toward improving judicial independence.
• Kazakhstan has ratified all eight core UN human rights conventions and more than 70 international treaties, ensuring broad alignment of national laws with international norms.
• In 2023, Kazakhstan ratified the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enabling individuals to submit complaints directly to UN treaty bodies.

Kazakhstan’s role in the UN Human Rights Council

• As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2022–2024, Kazakhstan advanced global discussions on gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups, and access to education.
• Kazakhstan initiated two major resolutions:

– The Resolution on the Elimination of Domestic Violence, calling for stronger international cooperation and national-level protection mechanisms.
– The Resolution on Ensuring Quality Education for Peace and Tolerance for Every Child.

Cooperation with international organisations and partners

• Kazakhstan works closely with UNICEF, UN Women, ILO, IOM and OSCE institutions on child protection, labour rights, gender equality, counter-trafficking, and judicial reforms.
• International treaties hold primacy over domestic law under Kazakhstan’s Constitution.

 

3. Rights of Vulnerable Groups

Kazakhstan continues to strengthen legal protections and social support systems for women, children, and persons with disabilities, advancing an inclusive human rights agenda aligned with international standards.

Women’s Rights, Gender Equality and Protection from Violence

• In 2024, Kazakhstan adopted the landmark law criminalising domestic violence, which introduced liability for battery and light bodily harm, offences previously treated as administrative violations.
• In 2025, further amendments established explicit penalties for stalking, harassment and forced marriage, expanding legal safeguards for women.
• Across the country, 46 crisis centres provide psychological, social and legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence.
• A 30% quota for women, youth and persons with disabilities on party lists promotes political inclusion. Women make up around 55% of civil servants, 39% of civil service leaders, and serve in Parliament, Government, the judiciary and the diplomatic service.
• Kazakhstan continues to deploy female peacekeepers to UN missions, with women serving in Western Sahara, Lebanon and the Golan Heights.

Protection of Children

• Penalties for crimes against children have been significantly strengthened, including the introduction of life sentences for the rape of minors.
• Kazakhstan fully incorporates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into national law and ratified the Optional Protocol on a communications procedure in 2023, enabling children to submit complaints through UN mechanisms.
• The Commissioner for Children’s Rights, supported by regional representatives with access to all child institutions, monitors implementation and advocates for policy improvements.
• Kazakhstan expanded inclusive and accessible education, with more than 90% of schools providing barrier-free environments.
• The “Comfortable Schools” initiative and targeted social support programmes ensure free meals, transportation and school supplies for children in need.
• Since 2023, half of the National Fund’s investment income has been allocated to a national programme supporting children’s future education and housing.
• The child protection system has been strengthened through anti-bullying legislation, suicide prevention programmes, and enhanced support for vulnerable children.
• Family-based care is prioritised through expanded foster care and mentoring, alongside steady reductions in institutionalisation.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

• Kazakhstan ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023, granting citizens the right to file complaints with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Recent legislative changes expanded electoral participation, resulting in 71 deputies with disabilities elected to local representative bodies and 6 serving in the national Parliament.
• The Senate’s Council on Inclusion and the parliamentary group “Inclusive Parliament” monitor and promote implementation of disability legislation.
• Kazakhstan’s new Social Code prohibits discrimination in the social sphere and outlines comprehensive support measures in employment, education and social services.
• The Concept of Inclusive Policy through 2030 promotes accessibility of public infrastructure and strengthens support for independent living.
• The Social Services Portal enables persons with disabilities to independently select and access tailored services.

Anti-torture measures

• The national preventive mechanism against torture has been strengthened through expanded powers, unannounced inspections, and enhanced oversight of closed institutions.
• In 2024, the Ombudsman’s Office conducted over 800 unannounced visits to detention facilities, social care institutions and penal colonies.
• Installation of video surveillance and electronic complaint terminals in detention facilities reduced opportunities for abuse and increased transparency.
• Complaints related to torture decreased by 30% in 2024, following a 50% reduction the previous year.
• A Compensation Fund for Victims of Torture was established, ensuring that victims receive financial and legal support regardless of their legal status.

 

4. Civil Society, Freedoms and Public Participation

Kazakhstan has introduced reforms to expand the space for civil society, modernise legislation on freedom of association, expression and assembly, and increase citizen engagement in governance.

Freedom of Association and Civil Society Development

• Amendments to the Law “On Public Associations” reduced the minimum number of founders required to establish an NGO from 10 to 3, simplifying registration and encouraging civic activity.
• Kazakhstan now hosts over 22,000 registered NGOs operating across human rights, education, social services, environmental protection and youth development.
• The National Kurultai, a consultative assembly under the President, provides a platform for civil society, youth, experts and community leaders to discuss national priorities, including human rights and social cohesion.

Freedom of Assembly

• The 2020 Law on Peaceful Assemblies shifted from a permission-based system to a notification-based procedure, enabling citizens to hold peaceful gatherings without prior approval except under specific legal grounds such as public safety.
• The law obliges authorities to facilitate assemblies, ensure the safety of participants and clearly outline responsibilities for organisers and law enforcement.

Freedom of Expression and Media Development

• In 2024, Kazakhstan adopted a new Law on Mass Media aimed at modernising media regulation, enhancing protections for journalists, and aligning the legal framework with elements of the EU Digital Services Act.
• The law clarifies rights and responsibilities for online platforms, broadcasters and print media.
• Kazakhstan decriminalised defamation, replacing criminal liability with civil procedures and strengthening freedom of expression safeguards.

Public Oversight and Citizen Participation

• The 2023 Law on Public Oversight enables citizens and civil society groups to monitor government institutions, public procurement and infrastructure projects.
• The national e-petition platform, kz, provides a unified mechanism for submitting petitions and engaging with state bodies on policy issues.
• Digital transparency tools, including the Open Budgets Portal, Open Legal Acts Portal and the e-Otinish platform, promote accountability and facilitate direct communication between citizens and public authorities.

 

5. Digital Rights, Inclusion and Transparency

Kazakhstan continues to expand digital inclusion and strengthen the transparency of public services through modernised e-government systems, open data platforms and enhanced protection of citizens’ rights in the digital space.

Digital governance and public service delivery

• Kazakhstan ranks 24th globally in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index.
• The national e-government platform, eGov, provides more than 1,300 public services, with 92% fully automated and used by over 10 million citizens.
• The e-Otinish platform streamlines communication between citizens and state bodies, enabling digital submission and tracking of requests, complaints and applications.

Citizen engagement and digital participation

• The Open Budgets Portal allows public monitoring of budget allocations and expenditures across all levels of government.
• The Open Legal Acts Portal provides access to draft laws and regulations, enabling citizens and civil society organisations to participate in policy consultations.
• The national e-petition platform, kz, supports public participation in decision-making and provides a structured channel for submitting proposals to government agencies.

Data governance and future innovation

• Kazakhstan is working to expand AI-driven public services and integrate advanced data management tools to improve accuracy, efficiency and service delivery.
• International cooperation on digital governance, including through the UN, EU and OSCE, supports alignment with global standards on data protection, cyber ethics and digital transparency.
• Plans to expand cross-border digital partnerships aim to strengthen connectivity, secure data exchange and improve the interoperability of public service systems.

Anti-corruption and transparency initiatives

• The 2023–2026 Anti-Corruption Action Plan focuses on prevention, education and institutional integrity, with anti-corruption concepts introduced from kindergarten through university.
• Awareness programmes, including weekly national broadcasts such as STOP Corruption, promote public understanding of legal rights and reporting mechanisms.
• The 2023 Asset Recovery Law strengthened mechanisms to trace, freeze and return illegally acquired assets. More than $4 billion has been recovered and allocated to social development projects, including the construction of 82 schools for 46,000 students.
• Cooperation with international partners, including Interpol and UN agencies, has enabled the recovery of an additional $750 million from foreign jurisdictions.

 

6. Combating Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Kazakhstan has strengthened national protection systems to combat human trafficking, modernise legal frameworks and enhance victim support services in line with international standards.

Comprehensive legal framework

• In 2024, Kazakhstan adopted a new Law on Combating Human Trafficking, establishing a unified legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution.
• The law focuses on addressing trafficking facilitated through digital platforms.
• Enhanced penalties and clearer criminal provisions strengthen law-enforcement capacity to respond to trafficking in persons, including labour and sexual exploitation.

Victim identification, support and rehabilitation

• The law guarantees access to specialised social services for victims, including psychological assistance, temporary accommodation and reintegration programmes.
• Protection measures for minors have been expanded.
• Cooperation between law enforcement, social services and NGOs ensures coordinated identification and referral of victims for assistance.

International cooperation and capacity building

• Kazakhstan works closely with IOM, OSCE, UNODC and partner states to strengthen border management, develop early-warning systems and improve investigative techniques.
• Training programmes for police, prosecutors and social workers support victim-centred and rights-based approaches.

 

7. Freedom of Religion and Interfaith Harmony

Kazakhstan upholds freedom of religion and belief as a constitutional right and promotes interfaith dialogue as a core element of national cohesion.

Religious diversity and equality

• Kazakhstan is home to more than 100 ethnic groups and 18 officially registered religious denominations, all of which operate on the basis of equal legal status.
• The Agency for Religious Affairs works to promote dialogue between communities, monitor compliance with the law and support religious freedom at the national and regional levels.

Platforms for global interfaith dialogue

• Kazakhstan hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, an international platform bringing together senior religious figures, scholars and global organisations to promote peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

 

06 декабря 2025

Overview

Between 1–5 December, Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev conducted a multi-day working visit to Europe, with engagements in Brussels, Bern and Vienna, as well as participation in the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council. Across the visit, the Minister advanced Kazakhstan’s strategic partnerships with the European Union and key European states, strengthened political dialogue, and expanded economic, investment and technological cooperation.

The trip delivered concrete progress in priority areas such as transport connectivity, critical raw materials, industrial cooperation, digitalisation, green technologies, mediation and water diplomacy, as well as new momentum in visa facilitation talks with the EU.

Below is a summary of the key outcomes from each segment of the visit.

 

Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s Visit to Brussels

On the eve of the 10^th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the European Union, Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held high-level talks with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, confirming the growing strategic importance of the Kazakhstan–EU relationship.

The meeting took place alongside the 22^nd meeting of the EU–Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, held for the first time at senior ministerial level and co-chaired by Kosherbayev and Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

Below are the key points from the meeting.

Economic and investment cooperation

• Both sides reviewed progress in trade and investment ties, noting that the EU has invested over $200 billion in Kazakhstan and remains the country’s largest trading and investment partner.
• In 2024, bilateral trade reached nearly $50 billion. 80% of Central Asia’s trade with the EU accounts for Kazakhstan.
• The Kazakh side highlighted expanding access for Kazakh agricultural products into the EU market.

Middle Corridor development

• Commissioner Síkela outlined EU plans to expand support for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), including €45 million for modernisation of the Aktau port and €150 million for highway reconstruction in Kazakhstan.
• The initiatives aim to boost multimodal logistics, modernise port infrastructure, and accelerate digitalisation along the corridor.

Critical raw materials and economic diversification

• The Minister emphasized Kazakhstan’s priorities in expanding cooperation in critical raw materials, transport and logistics, digital innovation, agriculture, education, and water management, aligning with EU Global Gateway programmes and upcoming investment projects.

Visa facilitation and mobility

• Both sides welcomed the launch of formal visa facilitation and readmission negotiations on December 2. These negotiations are the first process of this kind between the European Union and a Central Asian country. The next round of consultations will be held in Astana in 2026. Once concluded, the agreement will reduce processing times, lower administrative fees, and ease travel for Kazakh citizens.
• The EU highlighted Kazakhstan’s participation in Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ and the rising interest in academic and cultural exchanges.

Shared commitment to connectivity and security

• The EU reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s role as a key partner for Europe’s long-term energy and resource security, stressing the importance of diversified routes for oil, gas, and uranium, as well as future cooperation in critical raw materials value chains.

Regional follow-up from Samarkand and Tashkent

• The EU briefed Kazakhstan on results of recent high-level forums in Uzbekistan, where new regional projects were agreed in logistics, digital infrastructure, and transport modernisation. Significantly, the CA–EU format was elevated to a strategic partnership.
• Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to participate in the practical implementation of these initiatives.

Forward-looking agenda

• The EU Commissioner Síkela agreed to maintain regular dialogue to monitor implementation of joint projects and expand cooperation under the EPCA, ensuring that the next decade delivers concrete results in connectivity, sustainable development, and economic integration.

 

Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s Visit to Switzerland

In Bern, Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, reaffirming the friendly and trusted nature of Kazakhstan–Switzerland relations and the steady high-level political dialogue developed over more than 30 years of diplomatic ties.

Political dialogue and strategic partnership

• Switzerland was highlighted as a reliable and key European partner, with both sides committed to strengthening cooperation across political, economic, cultural-humanitarian, and regional spheres.
• The parties also highlighted the close alignment of their approaches on international issues and identified new opportunities in mediation and water diplomacy.

Trade, investment and economic cooperation

• Switzerland remains one of Kazakhstan’s leading European investors, with cumulative Swiss investment reaching $35.8 billion over the past two decades.
• Bilateral trade is growing steadily, with turnover reaching $1.2 billion in the first ten months of 2025.
• Kosherbayev and Swiss Vice President Guy Parmelin reaffirmed the importance of recent agreements reached during Parmelin’s visit to Astana on 28 November, which injected new momentum into bilateral cooperation.
• Both sides agreed to further intensify cooperation in industry, transport and logistics, digitalisation, healthcare, finance, and broader economic diversification.

Water diplomacy, mediation and institutional cooperation

• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on the “Blue Peace Central Asia”regional programme, strengthening cooperation in sustainable water management.
• A separate MoU between the Foreign Policy Research Institute of Kazakhstan and the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue will expand cooperation on mediation, dialogue facilitation, and joint analytical projects.

Engagement with Swiss business and investment community

• The Foreign Minister met with senior executives from EuroAirport, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Kanadevia Inova, and industrial investor Roland Bartholet, focusing on concrete investment projects in logistics, transportation, energy and the agro-industrial sector.
• EuroAirport expressed readiness to develop new cargo and transit air routes linking Asia and Europe through Kazakhstan’s aviation infrastructure.
• MSC, a global leader in container shipping, discussed investment opportunities to expand Kazakhstan’s port capacity, terminals and multimodal links along the Middle Corridor, including rail connections from Khorgos to the Caspian.
• Kanadevia Inova presented advanced waste-to-energy and green technology solutions, while investor Roland Bartholet proposed cooperation on energy storage systems and industrial energy infrastructure.
• Both sides highlighted the potential for technology transfer, renewable energy development, modern waste processing, and modernisation of the agro-industrial complex.

Forward-looking partnership

• The visit demonstrated strong Swiss business interest in Kazakhstan and the shared commitment to expand cooperation across strategic sectors.
• Minister Kosherbayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to provide favourable conditions for investors and strengthen the country’s position as a key trade, economic and technological partner for Switzerland.

 

Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s Visit to Austria

In Vienna, Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with Walter Rosenkranz, President of the National Council of the Austrian Parliament, to review the state of Kazakh–Austrian relations and prospects for deeper cooperation with the European Union and within the OSCE.

Political dialogue and parliamentary cooperation

• Both sides welcomed the stable development of bilateral political dialogue and agreed to intensify interparliamentary cooperation, ensuring regular high-level exchanges.
• The Austrian side positively assessed Kazakhstan’s constructive engagement on international issues and its role as a strategic partner in the wider European region.

Trade, investment and industrial cooperation

• Austria remains an important economic partner for Kazakhstan, with around 170 Austrian companiesoperating in the country, including Lasselsberger Group, Liebherr, Andritz Hydro and Swarovski.
• Kazakhstan remains one of Austria’s key crude suppliers, providing over 40% of Austria’s oil imports.
• Minister Kosherbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s position as the regional leader in foreign direct investment, having attracted more than $470 billion since independence.

Engagement with Austrian industry and investment community

• The Foreign Minister held a roundtable with leading Austrian companies, including ÖBB, Lasselsberger Group, Primetals Technologies, AVL List, Steyr Automotive, Rosenbauer International, and Magnatech GmbH.
• Discussions focused on opportunities in machinery manufacturing, green metallurgy, transport system modernisation, intelligent technologies, and expansion of Kazakhstan’s export potential, notably in agriculture, metallurgy, chemicals, engineering and IT services.
• Austrian businesses were briefed on new opportunities for establishing production facilities in Kazakhstan, localising technologies, and expanding into Central Asian markets.
• Primetals Technologies discussed expanding cooperation in environmentally friendly steel production, digitalisation and automation.
• Magnatech GmbH presented opportunities to localise eco-efficient and resource-saving technologies in Kazakhstan’s metallurgy sector.
• Further Austrian companies expressed interest in logistics cooperation along the Middle Corridor, strengthening industrial value chains and supporting Kazakhstan’s broader connectivity agenda.

 

Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s Participation in the OSCE Ministerial Council

Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev took part in the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna, where ministers reviewed the work of the Finnish Chairpersonship and assessed key security challenges across the OSCE region.

Focus on security, diplomacy and the OSCE’s founding principles

• In his address, Kosherbayev underscored the enduring relevance of the Helsinki Final Act and the Astana Declaration, stressing that the goal is not to revise these principles but to demonstrate political will to uphold them.
• He emphasized that the OSCE possesses unique tools for conflict prevention, mediation and monitoring, which should be used more effectively amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Kazakhstan’s position: diplomacy over confrontation

• The Minister called for prioritising diplomacy in resolving crises, including in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s consistent support for peaceful, lawful and negotiated solutions.
• He welcomed the Peace Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia and progress on border delimitation in Central Asia as examples of constructive regional dialogue.
• Kosherbayev highlighted that Central Asia is becoming a more united and proactive region, contributing to regional and global stability.
• He stressed the importance of stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan, noting the significance of the new UN Regional SDG Centre for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty as a practical tool to support regional cooperation.

Connectivity, climate and environmental security

• Kosherbayev noted the need to strengthen efforts within the OSCE’s economic and environmental dimension, particularly in connectivity and regional transport links, green economy and climate resilience, addressing environmental challenges such as the shrinking of the Aral and Caspian Seas, desertification and water scarcity.
• He noted that Kazakhstan will advance solutions in these areas, including through the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana in April 2026.

Human rights and democratic reforms

• The Minister reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to human rights, rule of law, democratic governance and gender equality, highlighting the country’s ongoing political and institutional reforms within the OSCE human dimension.

Bilateral meetings with participating states

• The Foreign Minister also met with his counterparts from the Netherlands, Cyprus, Austria, Germany, Greece, Georgia and Ukraine, which focused on strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and investment ties, deepening humanitarian and cultural cooperation, and enhancing collaboration within the OSCE framework.

30 сентября 2025

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, done at Astana on December 18, 2024. Date of entry into force: October 12, 2025.

30 сентября 2025

Protocol on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, done at Astana on July 20, 2018.

Date of entry into force: November 18, 2025.

30 сентября 2025

Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations regarding the legal status of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Kazakhstan done at Astana on April 30, 2025.

Date of entry into force: July 24, 2025.

21 июля 2025

— Creating a family

— How can Kazakhstanis register with the consulate?  

— Consular de-registration 

— How to legalize documents abroad? 

— How to register a child born abroad? 

— You are moving to live abroad

— You're going on a vacation abroad

— How to obtain refugee status in Kazakhstan

— How to apostilize (legalize) documents

— How to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking

— How to get a tourist Schengen visa? 

02 июня 2025

May 31, 2025 — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an address today at the ALZHIR Memorial Complex to honour the victims of political repression and famine, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to preserving historical truth and drawing enduring lessons from one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s past.

The event, marked annually on May 31, commemorates the millions who suffered and perished as a result of Stalinist terror, forced collectivisation, and famine in the 20th century. Speaking before descendants of those imprisoned at ALZHIR — the notorious “Camp for the Wives of Traitors to the Motherland” — President Tokayev emphasised the sacred responsibility of remembrance and the dangers of historical distortion.

“The memory of millions of innocent victims of totalitarianism is sacred,” the President said. “There can be no justification for the inhumane and fundamentally flawed state policies of that period. We must never allow such tragedies to repeat themselves.”

He condemned efforts to politicise or reinterpret history, warning that glorifying architects of repression or erasing the suffering of victims undermines national values and unity. “History must not be read through the lens of the political present. Unfortunately, this happens far too often,” he noted. “We must free ourselves from the victim complex — constantly looking backward is a sign of weakness.”

The President highlighted Kazakhstan’s substantial efforts to rehabilitate the memory of those repressed. He pointed to the establishment of the State Commission for the Full Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repressions, which over the past three years has reviewed over 2.5 million archival materials and rehabilitated more than 300,000 individuals unjustly persecuted during the Soviet era.

This work, he stressed, is not merely symbolic but represents a comprehensive re-evaluation of historical injustice. “A 72-volume collection and a 12-volume archive of cases against Alashorda leaders have been published. These are unprecedented efforts that have not been undertaken even in other countries with similar histories,” Tokayev stated.

The ALZHIR complex, where around 8,000 women were imprisoned from 1938 to 1953 — including wives of prominent Kazakh intellectuals — now serves as a site of national remembrance and education. “Our ancestors endured unimaginable suffering. But they also showed extraordinary humanity and solidarity, helping others in times of hardship. This spirit of unity, tolerance, and mutual support forms the bedrock of our national identity today,” the President said.

President Tokayev also linked historical reflection with contemporary progress. He outlined the broad political and constitutional reforms undertaken since the 2022 national referendum, including the establishment of a Constitutional Court, the expansion of parliamentary powers, and the introduction of direct elections for local officials. He reaffirmed that the principle of “Independence above all” must remain sacred in the national consciousness.

“Today, we are building a Just Kazakhstan. The political mindset of our society is changing. People believe in real change and have become the driving force of positive transformation,” the President said. He concluded with a message to the younger generation: “Know your history, but look forward with confidence. Learn, progress, and always be ready to defend our sovereignty.”

Background

May 31 is marked in Kazakhstan as the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repressions and Famine. Between the 1920s and 1950s, over 100,000 people in Kazakhstan were convicted on political grounds, with tens of thousands executed. More than 1.5 million Kazakhs perished during the forced collectivization and famines of the 1930s, with some estimates reaching over 2 million.

Kazakhstan was home to 11 camps within the Soviet GULAG system, one of the most infamous being ALZHIR - the Akmol camp for the wives of traitors to the Motherland — located in Akmol village near Astana. It held women imprisoned solely for being the spouses or relatives of those labelled “enemies of the people.” Today, the ALZHIR Memorial Complex stands as a solemn reminder of these atrocities and a symbol of Kazakhstan’s ongoing commitment to historical justice and national unity.

 

02 апреля 2025

Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, of the other part, signed at Saint Petersburg on December 25, 2023.
Date of entry into force: May 15, 2025.

03 марта 2025

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Visa Exemption for Holders of National Passports, done at Bangkok on April 23, 2024. Date of entry into force: February 24, 2025.

03 марта 2025

Loan Agreement (Ordinary Operations) (Fiscal Governance and Financial Sector Reforms Program – Subprogram 1) between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank, done at Astana on August 23, 2024.

Date of entry into force: December 18, 2024.