Factsheet on Human Rights Reforms and Developments in Kazakhstan

 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.