Geneva, June 25, 2025 – The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Vice Minister of Justice Ms. Botagoz Zhaxelekova, presented the country’s third periodic report on the implementation of its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) during the 144th session of the UN Human Rights Committee.

In her speech, the head of the Kazakh delegation informed the UN Committee members about the large-scale political reforms being implemented in the country, aimed at building a Just Kazakhstan and enhancing the effectiveness of the human rights protection system. She highlighted recent comprehensive changes in legislation and law enforcement practices, including simplifying the registration procedure for political parties, introducing 30% quotas for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in elected bodies, expanding the powers and independence of the Ombudsman, adopting a law on peaceful assemblies, establishing the institution of petitions, as well as introducing tougher penalties for domestic violence and enhanced measures to combat torture and human trafficking.

During the interactive dialogue, Committee members raised a wide range of issues related to the practical implementation of the Covenant’s provisions within the judicial system, prospects for enhancing the Ombudsman’s status, ensuring the independence of the national preventive mechanism, improving transparency and access to information on anti-corruption activities, and ensuring equal access to medical services, including reproductive health. Additionally, they discussed measures to combat discrimination based on disability and ethnicity, as well as efforts to increase women’s representation in leadership positions within government.

The Kazakh delegation provided detailed responses to the questions and highlighted the close cooperation between government agencies and civil society to ensure effective implementation of the ICCPR.

International experts positively evaluated the constructive dialogue and commended Kazakhstan’s efforts, particularly noting the abolition of the death penalty, the strengthening of the Ombudsman institution and the national preventive mechanism, the promotion of gender equality, and steps taken to enhance judicial independence.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1024407?lang=kk