The image of the second president is based on reforms, but political persecution of citizens for the exercise of their rights and freedoms continues.
The situation with safety of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists has drastically turned to the worse as of late. In June 2019 alone, various threats and attacks were perpetrated against 11 organisations, 28 women, 49 men – human rights defenders, journalists, civil society activists.
The results of the work of the independent observers suggest that the authorities used the so-called “administrative resource” in order to ensure the results they were seeking, in violation of the citizens’ right to participate in state governance through the formation of power by means of free and fair elections.
In order to put a definitive end to torture and ill-treatment the authorities have to publicly acknowledge the true extent of the problem, publish comprehensive statistics on cases and investigations, allow independent monitors full access to detention facilities, and address entrenched systemic problems.
In addition to being placed behind bars and intimidated for exercising his right to freedom of assembly, Beybarys is now under pressure to promptly carry out his military service.
Victims of torture have a right to redress, including compensation and rehabilitation, the UN anti-torture mechanisms said today ahead of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
EP urges Kazakhstan to abide by its international obligations and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms; calls on the Kazakhstan’s authorities to put an end to human rights abuses and any form of political repression in accordance with the principles and articles 1, 4, 5 and 235 mentioned in the EPCA.
Human rights issues included torture; political prisoners; censorship; site blocking; criminalization of libel; restrictions on religion; substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association; restrictions on political participation; corruption; and restrictions on independent trade unions.
There was no meaningful improvement to Kazakhstan’s poor human rights record in 2018. Authorities did not allow peaceful protests that criticized government policies. Trade unions remained restricted from freely determining their structures. Some activists were released from prison, but politically motivated prosecutions continued. A court banned an opposition movement as “extremist” and authorities targeted its supporters. Impunity for torture and ill-treatment in detention persisted. Free speech was suppressed, and independent journalists harassed or prosecuted for their work.
This update covers developments on the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression in Kazakhstan from March to June 2018.
NGO «KAZAKHSTAN INTERNATIONAL BUREAU FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND RULE OF LAW»
