Geneva, March 27, 2025 – In continuation of the implementation of one of Kazakhstan's priority foreign policy directions, a discussion on "Human Rights and Nuclear Disarmament" took place on the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The side event, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Geneva, brought together renowned UN speakers and experts to explore the critical intersection of human rights and nuclear disarmament, fostering further global dialogue on ensuring peace and sustainable development. Key speakers at the discussion included Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Yerlan Alimbayev, Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands H.E. Ms. Doreen Debrum, representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Raphael Pangalangan, and international experts in the field of human rights and nuclear disarmament Mr. Alyn Ware, Mr. Neshan Gunasekera and Ms Ayleen Roy.

Permanent Representative Yerlan Alimbayev, noting the particular importance of the panel discussion topic for Kazakhstan, called on the international community to integrate human rights principles into global disarmament efforts, emphasizing that nuclear disarmament is not only a security issue but also a human rights imperative. The Kazakh diplomat noted that our country supports the development of alternative security measures that could replace nuclear deterrence, emphasizing that a world free of nuclear weapons is necessary for the full realization of human rights worldwide.

Ambassador Alimbayev concluded his remarks by reaffirming Kazakhstan's readiness to cooperate with international partners to promote nuclear disarmament efforts, ensuring that human rights considerations remain at the heart of these initiatives.

The discussion was attended by more than 80 representatives of UN member states and international non-governmental organizations, as well as fellows of the UN Disarmament Programme. The event aroused great interest in the human rights community in Geneva. The importance of nuclear disarmament issue in the context of international human rights law is being discussed for the first time on the margins of the UN Human Rights Council.

For reference: The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.

It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Council holds no fewer than three regular sessions a year: in February-March, June-July and September-October. Sessions can be three, four or five weeks long, depending on the programme of work.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/964312?lang=kk