Kazakhstan
Political reforms promised by Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokaev since he came to power in 2019 have not led to meaningful improvements in the country’s poor human rights record. Free speech is suppressed and a new peaceful assemblies law, touted by authorities as progressive reform, continues to restrict the right to peaceful protest. Kazakh authorities have used politically motivated prosecutions to silence government critics, including on the vague and overbroad charge of “inciting discord,” and banned political opposition groups as “extremist.” Long-promised amendments to the Trade Union Law were adopted in May 2020, but independent trade unions face harassment and interference. Impunity for torture and ill-treatment persists. Kazakhstan has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but children with disabilities are largely denied a quality, inclusive education.

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Central Asia: Respect Rights in Covid-19 Responses
Ensure Information Access, Curb Abuses, Protect Detainees
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Kazakhstan: Little Help for Domestic Violence Survivors
Ensure Protection, Access to Justice, Needed Services
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Kazakhstan: Children in Institutions Isolated, Abused
End Institutionalization, Provide Community-Based Support
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News
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Kazakhstan: Independent Union Under Threat of Suspension
Drop Lawsuit; Cease Interference in Trade Union Activities
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Kazakh Authorities Target Rights Groups in Coordinated Attack
Kazakhstan’s Partners Should Condemn Government’s Stifling of Free Association
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Kazakhstan’s Domestic Violence Survivors Push for Legal Protections
Lawmakers Have Opportunity to Strengthen Flawed Law
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Kazakhstan Adopts Long-Promised Amendments to Trade Union Law
Authorities Should Register Shuttered Trade Unions, Confederation
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Kazakhstan: Human Rights Groups Under Pressure
Tax Officials Should End Harassment, Withdraw Notices
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EU: Bring Human Rights to the Top of Central Asia Agenda
Rights, Rule of Law Key in Response to Region’s Crises
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Kazakhstan Activist Gets Criminal Record for Losing Cool with Police
Prosecution for Knocking Officer’s Hat Off and Insulting Police Was Unwarranted