Ombudsman Artur Lastayev met with German Human Rights Ombudsman Renata Alt

Ombudsman Artur Lastayev met with German Human Rights Ombudsman Renata Alt 

On 21 May, the Ombudsman’s office held a meeting with the Chairman of the Committee and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Federal Republic of Germany, Renata Alt.

The sides discussed the institutional development of the human rights system and the human rights situation in Kazakhstan.

Artur Lastayev spoke about the reforms undertaken and the main directions of activities, including an increase in appeals, the results of which helped to restore the rights of more than 900 people.

It also noted the strengthening of the policy of zero tolerance of torture.

“In the past year, more than 1,000 visits had been made to closed institutions and over 3,500 recommendations had been made to prevent torture. At the same time, participants of the National Preventive Mechanism carried out 461 preventive visits. More than 3,000 recommendations were made. The Plenipotentiary carried out 606 visits and sent 600 recommendations", said Artur Lastayev.

He also stressed that as a result, the number of complaints of torture was decreasing. Last year there were 165 such appeals, which is almost three times less than in 2022.

Artur Lastayev noted that his office actively cooperates with non-governmental organizations, the number of which in Kazakhstan exceeds 23 thousand.

“Protection and promotion of human rights, promotion of dialogue between civil society and authorities, support of human rights organizations have been and continue to be priorities of the Ombudsman institution", the Human Rights Ombudsman said.

In turn, Renata Alt commended Kazakhstan for the adoption of the law on counteracting domestic violence.

Following the meeting, the sides exchanged views on topical issues, agreed on further cooperation and support for initiatives aimed at the protection of human rights.