Implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Discussed at Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry

Astana, May 26, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a regular meeting of the Subgroup of the Advisory and Consultative Body “Human Dimension Dialogue Platform” (hereinafter – HDDP).

The event was dedicated to the discussion of alternative reports submitted by non-governmental organizations within the framework of the UN Human Rights Committee procedures. Topics included military service, elections, prevention of torture, counter-terrorism, violence against women, rights of convicted individuals, judicial proceedings, freedom of movement, non-discrimination, freedom of religion, safety of human rights defenders and other related issues.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alua Nadirkulova, and Deputy Director of the Department of International Law of the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan, Lyazzat Utesheva.

Ambassador Nadirkulova informed the participants that on June 24-25, the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva will hold the review of Kazakhstan’s Fourth National Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

In her remarks, Lyazzat Utesheva emphasized that Kazakhstan is always open to constructive dialogue on current human rights issues and maintains close cooperation with non-governmental organizations.

She also provided an update on the work of the Interdepartmental Working Group (IWG) under the Ministry of Justice, which is tasked with reviewing communications and recommendations of the UN human rights treaty bodies. To date, 24 IWG meetings have been held, during which over 50 communications and recommendations have been examined. Kazakhstan has recognized the competence of six UN human rights committees. The IWG reviews include individual communications and views on issues such as torture, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, fair trial, the rights of persons with disabilities, children’s rights, and the elimination of discrimination against women.

As part of the second item on the agenda Yevgeny Zhovtis, Chief Expert-Consultant of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, delivered a presentation. He shared a number of recommendations under Article 7 of the ICCPR, aimed at strengthening national mechanisms for the prevention and investigation of ill-treatment. Key points included enhancing the independence of investigations, clarifying legal terminology, conducting regular training based on the Istanbul Protocol to improve the qualifications of personnel, and ensuring the effective functioning of the National Preventive Mechanism.

Overall, the agenda was discussed in an open and constructive manner, enabling representatives of government agencies and NGOs to exchange views on further strengthening human rights protection mechanisms.

The next discussion of alternative reports (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 7) is scheduled for June 4, 2025.

The HDDP was established in 2013 at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The platform serves as an effective tool for promoting dialogue between the Government and the civil sector. Various current issues of human rights protection are discussed at the platform with the participation of international organizations (UNDP, OHCHR, OSCE, and others) as observers.