On 17 April, during the Human Rights Dialogue, the EU and Kazakhstan held comprehensive discussions on a broad range of human rights issues. The EU welcomed Kazakhstan’s overall political commitment to reforms and expressed readiness to work towards the full implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), including further strengthening cooperation on human rights and the rule of law. While welcoming the early parliamentary elections in 2023, the EU encouraged Kazakhstan to take further measures to enable a pluralistic and competitive political environment in line with OSCE/ ODIHR recommendations. The EU stressed the importance of continuing to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the January 2022 events, including into human rights violations and abuses, in line with international standards.

The EU welcomed the recent signature by President Tokayev of key legislation on criminalisation of domestic violence and praised the mobilisation of the Kazakh civil society in this regard. The EU underlined the need to ensure proper implementation of the law and expressed readiness to continue cooperation in this regard. Furthermore, the EU encouraged continued progress to protect and promote the rights of children and persons with disabilities. The EU also addressed the treatment of LGBTI persons.

The EU stressed the importance of the work of civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers, trade unionists and journalists. The EU expressed concerns about the publication of a list, for the first time in September 2023, of civil society organisations (CSOs) which receive external financial support. The EU committed to monitor closely the impact on the ability of CSOs to carry out their work freely.  

The EU reiterated the need to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, encouraging Kazakhstan to make concrete progress in this regard. The EU regretted in particular the Kazakh authorities’ refusal to allow peaceful demonstrations on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

The EU underlined the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of media. The EU took note of the adoption of the draft law on media. While welcoming the removal of some controversial amendments, in particular a ban on so-called LGBTI propaganda, the EU recalled the need to align with the relevant OSCE recommendations. The EU expressed concerns about the recent refusal to extend the accreditation of 36 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reporters. 

The two sides took stock of progress to prevent and eradicate torture and ill-treatment. The EU welcomed the completion of several trials related to torture and other forms of ill-treatment cases in the context of the January 2022 events and encouraged Kazakhstan to continue working towards prosecution of perpetrators, including all law enforcement officers who committed such crimes.  

The EU recalled obligations in relation to labour rights and trade unions in the framework of the EU-Kazakhstan EPCA. The EU thanked Kazakhstan for the constructive cooperation in the UN Human Rights Council and other international fora. The EU commended Kazakhstan for the initiative of the UN Human Rights Council resolution on “Ensuring quality education for peace and tolerance for every child”, and subsequent adoption by consensus.

The exchanges were held in an open and constructive atmosphere, reconfirming the enhanced level of engagement between the EU and Kazakhstan.

The delegation of Kazakhstan at Human Rights Dialogue was led by Mr. Galymzhan Koigeldiyev, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The EU Delegation was headed by Mr. Dietmar Krissler, Head of Central Asia Division of the European External Action Service.