Chair of the Constitutional Court met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development

Теlegram CС - https://t.me/consot_kz

 

The Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova, held a meeting with the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the right to development Surya Deva.

During his visit to Kazakhstan, the UN representative visited Astana and Turkestan and familiarized himself with the situation regarding the implementation of the right to development, the realization of sustainable development principles, and human rights protection mechanisms in Kazakhstan.

As a scholar in comparative constitutional law, a professor at Macquarie University, and an expert in human rights and sustainable development, Surya Deva showed particular interest in Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform and the expected outcomes of the ongoing transformations.

Elvira Azimova provided detailed information on the mandate of the Constitutional Court and its role in strengthening the country’s human rights protection capacity. It was noted that the Constitutional Court has become one of the key institutional platforms during the period of constitutional reform, which defined the framework of the country’s new Basic Law.

The Chairperson of the Constitutional Court informed the guest that the new Constitution of Kazakhstan will enter into force on 1 July 2026, following its adoption in a national referendum held on 15 March of the current year. The new Basic Law is aimed at expanding citizens’ rights and freedoms, strengthening the principles of the rule of law, and enhancing the social orientation of the state.

Particular attention during the meeting was given to the rule of law, access to justice, and the role of women in the judiciary. Surya Deva positively assessed the representation of women in the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan, where three female judges currently serve.

Elvira Azimova noted that a significant portion of the Constitutional Court’s staff, which ensures the functioning of the constitutional review body, also consists of women. According to her, professionalism, objectivity, and fairness are of key importance in the justice system, regardless of gender.

The discussion also covered international approaches to ensuring the right to development as one of the key conditions for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The UN Special Rapporteur highly appreciated the ongoing constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan, noting their significance for strengthening human rights mechanisms and promoting the right to development.

The UN representative also highlighted the high level of public trust in the Constitutional Court and citizens’ positive expectations regarding the further effective implementation of constitutional oversight.