Statement by Ph.D. Usen SULEIMEN, Director of “National Endowment for Prosperity” Fund, the Republic of Kazakhstan

Plenary Session 1: Humanitarian Issues

Distinguished delegates, colleagues, and representatives of civil society,

It is my honor to address this forum today and to share insights from the Republic of Kazakhstan - particularly in relation to our progress in the field of human rights, legal reform, and the broader socio-economic context that underpins these developments.

Let me begin by reaffirming that international human rights law remains a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's legal and constitutional evolution. Kazakhstan is fully committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core UN treaties.

We have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, thus integrating international norms into our national legal framework. Kazakhstan has also acceded to other essential conventions - addressing racial discrimination, the rights of children, the prevention of torture, and the protection of persons with disabilities.

These international commitments are not merely symbolic. They shape our national legislation and guide the development of institutions that promote human dignity, equality before the law, and access to justice.

In parallel, Kazakhstan has been a consistent supporter of international humanitarian law, and is party to all four Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Legislative Progress and National Reforms

Since 2022, Kazakhstan has embarked on a comprehensive legal modernization process. Over the past three years, the Parliament of Kazakhstan, together with the executive branch, has adopted an estimated 220 to 320 new national laws.

These reforms span a wide range of areas - from justice system improvement to social protection, digital rights, and civil liberties - demonstrating the state's active response to both domestic needs and international obligations.

The Role of Economic Growth in Advancing Human Rights

It is important to acknowledge that the realization of human rights is deeply intertwined with a country's economic capabilities. In this regard, Kazakhstan has made substantial progress.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Kazakhstan now leads Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States - excluding the Russian Federation - in terms of GDP volume and growth.

In 2025, Kazakhstan’s GDP is projected to reach $259.3 billion, representing a 15% increase compared to 2022.

By 2028, this figure is expected to rise to $354.7 billion, a 36.8% growth from current levels.

The annual growth rate is projected at nearly 13.7%, reflecting both stability and long-term potential.

This economic advancement enhances the state’s capacity to invest in judicial reforms, human rights institutions, and social development programs. It also ensures the sustainability of legal guarantees and access to justice for all.

Kazakhstan’s experience illustrates a broader truth: socio-economic progress and the protection of human rights are not mutually exclusive - they are mutually reinforcing.

Human Rights Reform and Economic Development - a mutually reinforcing dynamic

Kazakhstan’s recent experience demonstrates a vital and often underappreciated reality: economic development and the advancement of human rights are not only compatible - they are interdependent.

Economic growth provides the fiscal space and institutional stability necessary to implement comprehensive legal reforms, expand access to justice, and ensure the full realization of civil, political, social, and cultural rights. When a state is economically strong, it can invest in the independence of the judiciary, support public legal aid programs, ensure non-discriminatory access to public services, and strengthen mechanisms for protecting vulnerable groups.

In Kazakhstan, the positive economic trajectory has enabled the country to fund ambitious reforms - from modernizing its judicial system to digitizing public services in ways that increase transparency and reduce corruption. Resources have also been directed toward strengthening national human rights institutions, such as the office of the Ombudsman and various advisory bodies that facilitate dialogue between civil society and the state.

At the same time, respect for human rights and the rule of law is a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. Foreign investors and global markets increasingly look to human rights indicators as signals of political stability, good governance, and long-term investment security. By strengthening legal guarantees for private property, improving the rights of workers, and upholding the principles of non-discrimination and accountability, Kazakhstan is not only fulfilling its moral and legal obligations - it is also fostering a more predictable and secure environment for economic innovation and international cooperation.

Moreover, public trust in institutions - built on transparency, fairness, and access to justice - is essential for inclusive growth. A society in which all individuals feel protected by the law and empowered to participate in public life is a society that unlocks its full human and economic potential.

In this context, Kazakhstan’s dual focus on economic modernization and human rights reform is not a coincidence, but a strategic alignment - one that recognizes that true development must be both measurable in numbers and meaningful in lives improved.

As we move forward, Kazakhstan remains open to dialogue, cooperation, and shared learning with all members of the international community. We believe that forums such as this one are critical in building bridges between policy and principle, between growth and justice.

Kazakhstan remains committed to constructive engagement and values its partnerships, but we believe it is essential that all assessments be objective, balanced, and reflective of real progress made on the ground.

In conclusion, allow me to share the following observations.

Since 2009, I have been regularly participating in OSCE/ODIHR conferences and have observed one consistent trend: Kazakhstan has made significant and rapid progress. In many areas, especially in terms of accession to international civil rights conventions, we have advanced well ahead of many countries in our region.

At the same time, I find it difficult to understand why, despite this progress, the narrative from some European Union member states remains largely unchanged. What is particularly concerning is the increasing criticism directed at Kazakhstan - often voiced through Kazakhstani NGOs that are exclusively funded by the EU and the United States.

In the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, I would appreciate clarification from our European and American colleagues regarding this approach.

Thank you for your attention.