• Human Rights in Kazakhstan

    Kazakhstan’s human rights record has seriously deteriorated following violent clashes in December 2011 between police and demonstrators, including striking oil workers. Authorities blamed outspoken oil workers and political opposition activists for the unrest, and sentenced Vladimir Kozlov, an opposition leader, to prison on vague and overbroad criminal charges. Freedom of assembly is strictly controlled and a restrictive law on religious freedoms remains in force. There were attacks on independent journalists, and authorities shut down key independent media outlets. Legislation regulating workers’ rights is vague and burdensome, and a ban on strikes in certain sectors of the economy restricts workers’ rights.

  • Vladimir Kozlov, leader of the unregistered Alga! party, looks out from a glass-walled cage during his trial in Aktau, in western Kazakhstan, on October 8, 2012.
    © 2012 Reuters
    Kazakhstan: Growing Crackdown on Free Speech
    The Kazakh government should end its crackdown on independent media outlets and opposition groups. The authorities appear to be targeting media and opposition groups that most extensively covered violence a year ago in Zhanaozen, in western Kazakhstan, and its aftermath.
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Kazakhstan

  • UK: Raise Rights During Kazakhstan Visit
    Jun 27, 2013
    Consistent with the UK’s stated commitment to make human rights a central focus of its foreign policy, it is essential to convey to the government of Kazakhstan your deep concern about serious and continuing rights violations there and the need for the government to take decisive action to address them.
  • Cameron's Kazakhstan Visit – A Human Rights Opportunity
    Jun 26, 2013
    Prime Minister David Cameron’s two-day visit to Kazakhstan this weekend happens to overlap with a Supreme Court hearing concerning the conviction of a prominent opposition leader in a seriously flawed and politically motivated trial. It should be both easy and timely for Cameron to publicly raise concern about the imprisoned opposition leader, Vladimir Kozlov, at the highest levels. But will he?
  • Kazakhstan: Drop Religious Incitement Charges
    May 21, 2013
    Kazakh authorities should drop criminal charges against a journalist and immediately release him from a psychiatric clinic where he is under forced observation. On May 13, 2013, a court in the journalist’s hometown extended his detention until June 14.
  • Central Asia: Widespread Rights Abuse, Repression
    Jan 31, 2013
    Kazakh and Uzbek authorities intensified persecution of outspoken government critics in 2012, while none of the five Central Asian governments seriously tackled longstanding, grave human rights abuses, such as widespread impunity for torture.
  • Kazakhstan: Growing Crackdown on Free Speech
    Dec 13, 2012
    The Kazakh government should end its crackdown on independent media outlets and opposition groups. The authorities appear to be targeting media and opposition groups that most extensively covered violence a year ago in Zhanaozen, in western Kazakhstan, and its aftermath.
  • A human-rights cold room - Catherine Ashton to visit Central Asia
    Nov 24, 2012
    At the height of summer, when foreign ministers adopted the European Union's new human-rights strategy, Catherine Ashton, the high representative for foreign affairs, was eloquent in promising to make these issues a core ingredient in the EU's foreign relations.
  • Kazakhstan: EU Should Act on Resolution
    Nov 23, 2012
    European Union institutions and member countries should act on the European Parliament’s resolution linking enhanced relations in Kazakhstan to human rights improvements.
  • Central Asia: Ashton Should Urge Release of Activists
    Nov 22, 2012
    European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton should meet with human rights defenders and publicly call for the release of wrongfully imprisoned activists during her upcoming visit to Central Asia.
  • Kazakhstan: Ensure Fair Hearing for Opposition Leader
    Nov 15, 2012
    Kazakh authorities should ensure that a political opposition leader whose lengthy prison sentence was a blow to freedom of expression and political pluralism in Kazakhstan is given a fair and impartial appeals hearing.
  • Central Asia: Overview of Key Human Rights Concerns and Recommendations
    Nov 15, 2012
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