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Democracy

Kazakhstan's Progress in Democracy and Human Rights Recognized by Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a Declaration positively noting Kazakhstan's progress in democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. This document, signed by 22 representatives of national parliaments from several EU countries and various PACE political groups, acknowledges Kazakhstan's commitment to democratic reforms, strengthening human rights mechanisms, and continuing political and economic modernization. The signing of the document highlights the country's zero-tolerance policy on violence against women and children, ill-treatment, and corruption, as well as its commitment to empowering civil society and promoting regional cooperation. Kazakhstan has been actively cooperating with the Council of Europe on a wide range of issues, based on the Neighbourhood Co-operation Priorities with Kazakhstan 2024-2027.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kazakhstan has made significant progress in democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law, as recognized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
  • The country has a zero-tolerance policy on violence against women and children, ill-treatment, and corruption, and has strengthened its national preventive mechanisms against torture.
  • Kazakhstan has committed to empowering civil society to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, and to fostering regional cooperation and inclusive development.
  • The country has been actively cooperating with the Council of Europe on a wide range of issues, based on the Neighbourhood Co-operation Priorities with Kazakhstan 2024-2027.
  • Kazakhstan has been praised for its progress in constitutional and political reforms and for being a long-standing and leading partner of Central Asia in the framework of the Council of Europe's policy towards neighboring regions.
  • The country has participated in two partial agreements of the Council of Europe, the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) and the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO).
  • Kazakhstan is a party to four Council of Europe conventions on the recognition of qualifications concerning higher education, European cultural convention, laundering, identification, seizure and confiscation of proceeds from crime, and mutual administrative assistance in tax matters.

Statistics:

  • 22 representatives of national parliaments from several EU countries and various PACE political groups signed the document.
  • 1997: Kazakhstan began cooperating with the Council of Europe and its structures.
  • 1998: Kazakhstan was granted observer status in the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).
  • 2010: Kazakhstan became a party to the European Cultural Convention.
  • 2012: Kazakhstan became a full member of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).
  • 2014: Kazakhstan began interacting with the Council of Europe on a wide range of issues.
  • 2020: Kazakhstan became a full member of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO).
  • 2024-2027: Kazakhstan is participating in the Neighbourhood Co-operation Priorities with Kazakhstan 2024-2027.

Sources:

  • «Kazakhstan: the way forward democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law» (No. 809 by 14.05.2025 year)
  • The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
  • The Council of Europe
  • European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
  • Group of States against Corruption (GRECO)
  • Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
  • Kazakhstan's government and institutions

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