Astana, Jan 24 (EFE).- The measures taken in recent years by Kazakhstan to improve the human rights situation were positively evaluated during the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said Friday.
The largest Central Asian country over the years has undertaken reforms promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which were presented at the meeting in Geneva by Kazakh Justice Minister Yerlan Sarsembayev, according to an official statement.
The measures adopted concern the eradication of torture, support for freedom of assembly and association, as well as strengthening the protection of the press.
The Kazakh delegation also stressed that the country had recently enacted a law for the protection of women and children.
Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko spoke in detail about Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN agencies.
He said that there is an inter-agency mechanism for dealing with the requests of UN special rapporteurs.
In addition, Vassilenko emphasized the implementation of three human rights action plans and dialogue between government and civil society, which has become more visible.
The UN countries commended the abolition of the death penalty in Kazakhstan and the adoption by the authorities of an Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
Delegates at the meeting also recognized Kazakhstan’s contribution during its membership in the UN Human Rights Council from 2022 to 2024 and praised its commitment to democratic reforms. EFE