New mechanisms for the realization of citizens' right to freedom of association

Today, with the support of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a dialogue platform was held at the NJSC "Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development" to discuss the improvement of legislation and regulation of the activities of Kazakhstani NGOs.

The event was attended by heads of public organizations, experts, scientists, lawyers, including Nurbol Serikbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Asem Kaidarova, Deputy Chairman of the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development, Murat Omashev, Executive Director of the Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan, Ulan Abishev, Head of the Arnau Development Center, experts Marat Idryshev, Zhuldyzai Iskakova, Mariam Kusainova and others.

In accordance with the Plan of Priority Measures in the field of Human Rights, approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Information and Social Development is working to improve legislation in terms of expanding the right of citizens to freedom of association.

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Civil Society Affairs N. Serikbekov, freedom of association – is one of the basic human rights.

"In accordance with Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Public Associations", a public association is created at the initiative of a group of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan of at least ten people. In this regard, we propose to grant citizens the right to create a public association by a group of citizens of at least two people, giving the opportunity to unite the minimum possible number of citizens," N. Serikbekov said.

Lawyer Marat Idryshev noted that the international experience of implementing the right of citizens to unite has been studied. In particular, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Moldova, public associations are established on the initiative of at least three citizens. In Israel, at least two people are required to form an association, and in Germany at least seven people are required.

During the discussion, the participants noted that this norm contributes to the effective realization of the right of citizens to unite.

Currently, a Regulatory Policy Advisory Document has been developed to improve legislation on the legal regulation of the activities of public associations. The document is posted on the portal of open RLAs for public discussion.