On February 27-28, 2019 the protection of the Second national report on the implementation of RK International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights was held in Geneva
On February 27-28, 2019, the 65th session of the UN Committee on economic, social and cultural rights was held in Geneva. Submission of the Second periodic report on the implementation by the Republic of Kazakhstan of the International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights was presented by Vice-Minister of labour and social protection of population of RK Nariman Mukushev, as well as a delegation including Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament, Secretary of the Commission on human rights under the President, General Prosecutor's office, Supreme court, Agency for civil service affairs and anti-corruption, as well as representatives of relevant ministries.
Speaking to a high audience, Deputy Minister has told about what work is being carried out in RK on the rights and freedoms of human. In general, citizens of Kazakhstan are protected by the Constitution. However, there are a number of problems that are systematically solved. Speaking about them, Nariman Mukushev stressed the issue of unemployment.
"According to the latest data, it is 4.8%, and the youth - 3.8%. At the same time, a lot is being done in this regard: the work on ensuring an effective labour market, covering citizens with measures to promote employment is put on a systematic basis. Thanks to this, an open labour market for qualified labour force was formed," Nariman Mukushev said.
Vice Minister also reported on the reduction of poverty in Kazakhstan and improving the welfare of citizens in general. He also reported on the positive demographic dynamics.
"The proportion of population whose income is below the poverty line has reduced from almost 13 per cent to 3.5 per cent. Life expectancy increased by three years and amounted to 73 years," Nariman Mukushev continued. He reported an increase in childbirth and reduction in maternal and child mortality.
In addition, a multi-level model of social security has been formed and effectively operates in Kazakhstan. Every year the Government increases the budget for this item of expenditure. A large part of funds is spent on pensions. Thus, the volume of expenditures under this item in 2018 increased by 23.6%. In 2017, the amount of state social allowance for disability and loss of breadwinner was increased twice. Since the beginning of 2018, their size, taking into account the changed structure of the subsistence minimum, increased to 16%. Since January 1, 2019, another 5%.
A sensitive part of the population of Kazakhstan is surrounded by special care. In accordance with the Law of the RK "On social protection of persons with disabilities", people with disabilities in the Republic of Kazakhstan have full socio-economic and personal rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and other legislative acts.
Nariman Mukushev also stressed that significant progress has been made in the development of digital technologies in the social sphere. For example, the Electronic labour exchange. It is the largest database of vacancies and resumes throughout the country with free access to posted information. Or correspondence examination of disability, where the human factor will be virtually eliminated, or the procedure for the appointment of a pension – since 2018, it has become much easier. If earlier citizens had to submit 4 applications to various authorities, now – one is enough in the PSC.
Within the protection of the Second periodic report, a question-and-answer session was held. Members of the delegation of Kazakhstan answered a number of questions of UN experts, including those related to anti-corruption, elimination of discrimination in the field of education and child labour in agriculture and others.