The PACE Welcomes the Progress in Implementing Reforms in Kazakhstan
Strasbourg, April 19, 2024 – The Parliamentary delegation of the Senate, led by Deputy Chairperson Olga Perepechina and Member Parliament Zhanna Assanova, participated in the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as in the meetings of the European Conservatives, Democratic Alliance, and Unified European Left political groups.
European partners were briefed on the implementation of ongoing political and democratic reforms in the country, aiming to build a «Fair Kazakhstan». They discussed the development of partnership relations between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly, as well as issues of human rights protection, democracy, and the rule of law.
The PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, along with the heads of national delegations - Zsolt Németh (Hungary), Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland), Bertrand Bouyx (France), Ruben Rubinyan (Armenia), Elisabetta Gardini (Italy), Emanuelis Zingeris (Lithuania) - expressed their readiness to continue to fully support Kazakhstan in further building a democratic state and maintaining regular contacts with the Parliament of Kazakhstan.
Rousopoulos praised the political initiatives of the Head of State, particularly the legislative introduction of parliamentary opposition, quotas for women and youth in party lists, gender equality, and the abolition of the death penalty.
The leaders of political groups J. Liddell-Grainger (United Kingdom) and A. Hunko (Germany) also expressed support for the policies pursued by Astana.
On April 18, the Council of Europe Headquarters hosted a side event on the theme «Experience and Prospects of Cooperation between Kazakhstan and PACE», dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Parliament of Kazakhstan and PACE, with the participation of representatives of parliamentary delegations, diplomatic corps, Council of Europe institutions, and NGOs.
Vice President O. Perepechina provided partners with detailed information on the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as explanations on Kazakhstan's intensive cooperation with the European Union in the face of geopolitical challenges.
Zh. Assanova specifically addressed the law recently adopted in Kazakhstan on the criminalization of domestic violence, aimed at protecting the rights of women and ensuring the safety of children.
During the discussion on Kazakhstan's accession process to the Convention on the Prevention and Combatting of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), Senator Zh. Assanova explained that legislative reform in this area is ongoing and confirmed that Kazakh legislation is already 70% in line with the provisions of the Istanbul Convention.
In a separate meeting with representatives of the permanent delegations from the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the Committee of Parties to the Istanbul Convention (GREVIO), a constructive dialogue on gender issues took place.
On April 17, a group of PACE deputies adopted a declaration titled «Kazakhstan's Progress in Human Rights, Democracy, and Cooperation with the Council of Europe», which commends the significant progress made by Kazakhstan in democratic and political reforms.
PACE expressed satisfaction with the existing level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the institutions of the Council of Europe, considering Kazakhstan a key partner in the region.
European Parliamentarians welcomed the adoption by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe of the priorities of neighborhood cooperation with Kazakhstan for the period 2024-2027. These priorities, whose implementation is planned for this year, aim to improve Kazakhstan's national legislation and align it with European standards.
In conclusion, PACE deputies called on Kazakhstan to adhere to the principles of inclusivity and equality for all, which are in line with the values of the Council of Europe. Permanent reference at https://pace.coe.int/en/files/33508.