At the plenary session of the OSCE ODIHR Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw, which focused on combating human trafficking and addressing issues related to refugees and displaced persons, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Artur Lastayev, delivered a statement.

The Ombudsperson noted that Kazakhstan has ratified the primary international instruments intended to combat modern forms of slavery and that it adopted a special law, "On Combating Human Trafficking", last year. Offences of this nature are now subject to severe criminal penalties of up to 18 years' imprisonment.

Victims of human trafficking are provided with guaranteed access to specialised social services, and crisis centres and shelters operate across the country.

Turning to the issue of refugees, Artur Lastayev noted that in 2009, Kazakhstan adopted a dedicated law establishing the right to seek protection and the principle of non-refoulement.

This law ensures that such individuals have access to medical care and that children have the right to education, regardless of their citizenship or the legal status of their parents.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ombudsman/press/news/details/1086851?lang=kk