OSCE supports training seminar on human rights protection in Kazakhstan

TALDYKORGAN, Kazakhstan, 6 April 2016 – An OSCE-supported two-day training seminar for some 130 representatives of the government, civil society and judiciary on human rights protection mechanisms began today in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan.

Representatives of the administrations of Taldykorgan, Tekeli and the Almaty Region as well as judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and members of civil society will learn about the national and international mechanisms for human rights protection and the more effective use of such mechanisms at the regional level.

Participants will discuss the role of the judicial system in the protection of individual rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as novelties in the criminal, administrative and criminal executive legislation of Kazakhstan. They will also review the functions of different institutions in the network of protective institutions and consideration of individual complaints by respective United Nations Committees. Special attention will be paid to the prevention of labour and social conflicts, and social partnerships

“It is important to conduct such training seminars outside the capital and throughout the country to ensure that people nationwide are equally informed about their rights, freedoms and mechanisms for their protection,” said Tastemir Abishev, Secretary of the Human Rights Commission,.

“Human rights are not just beautiful concepts written in books, but those are the rights necessary for a full-fledged life. Without guaranteed human rights we cannot live fully, realize our human qualities, intellect, abilities and satisfy our daily needs,” said György Szabó, the Head of the OSCE Programme Office. He noted that state bodies are responsible for ensuring respect for human rights at all practical levels and it is very important that this is done properly.

The event is the first in a series of five training seminars planned by the Human Rights Commission under the President with the support of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. It follows a set of similar activities in the South Kazakhstan and Zhambyl regions that took place last year, and is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to support national human rights institutions in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.