NUR-SULTAN, June 12, 2021 (WAM) – The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree “On the new measures of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of human rights”.

The decree instructs the government to approve the Plan of priority measures in the field of human rights (Action Plan), which provides for the implementation of the following key tasks: the adoption of the decree of June 9 further formalizes human rights as one of the fundamental policy priorities of the State, the implementation of its provisions will further promote the protection of human rights in Kazakhstan and contribute to the building of a just and progressive.

The decree conforms to the concept of a “listening state” put forward by President Tokayev. He envisions a government that listens to comments and criticism from society. Within the framework of this concept, the government is implementing substantial political reforms which cover three main areas: the democratization of the country’s political system, more power for the people and the strengthening of human rights.

In the area of ​​human rights protection, the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights is strengthened, including by taking steps to open its regional offices. Kazakhstan has also acceded to the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, officially abolishing the death penalty.

In addition, support measures for people with disabilities and children deprived of parental care have been strengthened, penalties have been increased for violence against children and sexual violence, pedophilia, kidnapping and illegal imprisonment and domestic violence.

In addition, comprehensive work is underway to implement the instructions set out in President Tokayev’s State of the Nation Address in September 2020, in particular, to improve national anti-torture legislation to bring it into line with the United Nations Convention against Torture, and accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child establishing a communication procedure