Kazakhstan: Families Struggle to Enjoy Basic Rights
Expand Social Protection; Reform ‘Targeted Social Assistance’ Program
Large-scale anti-government protests rocked Kazakhstan in January 2022, setting off a cascade of human rights violations by the authorities, including excessive use of force against protesters, arbitrary arrest and detention, and ill-treatment and torture of detainees. Political reforms promised by Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokaev in recent years have not led to meaningful improvements in the country’s poor human rights record. Free speech and the right to peaceful protest are suppressed. 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.” 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.
Expand Social Protection; Reform ‘Targeted Social Assistance’ Program
Set Independent Investigation with International Experts
End Abuses, Interference with Lawyers; Investigate Torture Allegations
Partners Should Press for Investigation into Abusive Response to Protests, Unrest
Accountability for Protest Deaths, Action on Domestic Violence Needed
Address Protection Gaps; Criminalize Domestic Violence
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Should Improve Rights Home and Abroad
Drop Trumped Up Charges Against Zhanbolat Mamay
Investigate Torture Claims; Hold Officers Responsible to Account
Human rights situation in Kazakhstan
Many people who need help do not qualify because of rigid eligibility criteria.