THE HEAD OF STATE SIGNED THE LAW ON THE COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The President of the country Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan».

Kazakhstan has repeatedly received recommendations to strengthen this institution, strengthen its potential through the adoption of a separate law. The corresponding instruction was announced by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan KassyMzhomart Tokayev at a meeting of the National Council of Public Trust (NSOD) in early 2021.

Previously, the Institution of the Ombudsman for Human Rights was established in 2002 by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in September 2022 it will be exactly 20 years since the Institution of the Ombudsman exists. This institution operates in more than 117 UN member states and is welcomed as a mandatory element of a state striving for democracy through law.

It should be noted that as of November 2021, a total of 1,614 appeals were received by the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Elvira Azimova.

Citizens' complaints related to the actions or inaction of officials of the Prosecutor's office and the police (298 appeals), as well as appeals against judicial acts (215 appeals).

In the adopted Law, the following powers of the Ombudsman should be particularly highlighted: to appeal to the President, the Chambers of Parliament, the Government with proposals to improve legislation and practice in the field of human rights and freedoms; to apply to the court with a claim for the protection of the rights and freedoms of an indefinite circle of persons, and in case of massive and gross violations - to petition the court to appeal to the Constitutional Council; to submit information and proposals to the Supreme Court for study in the framework of judicial practice; to involve experts and specialists for analytical work on contractual terms; consider citizens' complaints about violations of rights and freedoms, hold joint receptions of citizens with representatives of state agencies and initiate inspections based on reports of violations; make an annual report in the Chambers of Parliament and propose parliamentary hearings on certain issues; coordinate the activities of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture and Other Forms of Ill-Treatment; participate in the promotion of knowledge about human rights and freedoms, including in training programs.

«The main mission of this institute in Kazakhstan is to promote constructive dialogue in the field of human rights, improve legislation and practice of human rights protection. The adoption of a special law will allow the Commissioner for Human Rights to fully participate in human rights procedures», commented the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova.

The main principles of the Commissioner's activity are legality, objectivity, and fairness, openness, independence, responsibility, and impartiality in the interests of human rights and freedoms.