The Geneva Times published an article by the Ombudsman on domestic violence

The Swiss publication Geneva Times published an article by the Ombudsman for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan Artur Lastaev on ‘Special Report on Combating Domestic Violence’.

In his publication, the Ombudsman emphasised that protection from domestic violence is one of the most important tasks of a socially oriented state. This phenomenon not only violates human rights, but also prevents the strengthening of the institution of the family and destroys social values.

Recall that on 15 April this year, the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law «On introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on ensuring women's rights and children's safety». The law provides for increased criminal liability and criminalisation of administrative offences in the family and domestic sphere.  

In his article, Artur Lastayev described the work his office has done to promote the adoption of the law to ensure women's rights and children's safety:

«In 2023, we held an International Scientific and Practical Conference on the topic of countering domestic violence. As a result of the event, a package of legislative amendments was formed and sent to Parliament. In particular, it was proposed to criminalise the infliction of minor harm to health and battering, to create a database of appeals about domestic violence in all authorised bodies. Most of the amendments were included in the law on women's rights and child safety signed by the Head of State» - the Ombudsman mentioned in an article for the Geneva Times.

The Ombudsman said that he had prepared and presented to the public a Special Report on «Combating Domestic Violence». The report is an additional tool to analyse, identify and assess the extent and nature of domestic violence offences, the effectiveness of measures taken and the protection mechanisms for victims.