Transforming Kazakhstan Through Active Youth Engagement
5th EU – Central Asia Civil Society Forum
(January 28-30, 2025, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Ramada Hotel)
Usen Suleimen, Director of the Public Foundation “National Endowment for Prosperity”
Youth participation in politics and decision-making
Dear participants of the Forum,
I want to speak about measures which will help create a more open and inclusive society, where young people are not just observers, but active participants in the processes that affect their future, because Kazakhstan has taken enormous strides over recent years towards strengthening our democracy. The country undergoes the most significant process of nation-wide transformation since its independence.
We have already made significant progress towards our goal of a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, and have a Bold Vision for the future.
In a very short period, we have reformed our institutions, curtailed the powers of the presidency, amended our Constitution, reset political and economic systems - fought corruption.
We have created an innovative - Kazakh model of political reform that is unique for the ongoing processes of political transformation in our part of the world.
Today’s Kazakhstan is different from what it was two years ago. Our path to overhaul the existing system is far from over. Although meaningful transformation has already taken place, there is still much to be done.
Reform does not happen overnight. As a nation, we are working harder than ever to ensure our progress and prosperity. This is truly a national mission.
I want that the youth understands that Kazakhstan is fully committed to the protection of human rights. Last year, President Tokayev signed a Presidential Decree with Action Plan on Human Rights and Rule of Law.
v The Action Plan emphasizes several key areas:
- Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: Strengthening protections for women, children and persons with disabilities;
- Domestic Violence: Implementing stricter accountability measures to combat domestic violence;
- Labour Rights and Freedom of Association: Enhancing labour rights and ensuring freedom of association for all citizens, and etc.
v As a cornerstone of this Presidential Decree, Kazakhstan is proactively collaborating with international partners, including the U.N. and the OSCE, to enhance its human rights protection mechanisms in line with these priorities. These ongoing partnership aims to ensure that Kazakhstan’s reforms are both effective and consistent with the best human rights practices.
v Kazakhstan has launched a series of bold and far-reaching political reforms and managed to improve its institutions, reset political and economic systems, uphold living standards, fight corruption and reduce inequality.
v These reforms underscored by constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing human rights protections and aligning national legislation with international obligations:
Abolition of the Death Penalty: Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, abolishing the death penalty.
Enhanced Human Rights Mechanisms: The establishment of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Constitutional Court allows citizens direct access to justice for addressing rights violations, in line with the Paris Principles.
Social Protection Enhancements: Introduction of the Social Code and the Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Groups provides robust protection mechanisms for marginalized populations.
Strengthening Child and Disability Rights: Ratification of the UN Optional Protocols on the Rights of Children and Persons with Disabilities enhances protections for vulnerable society members.
Criminalization of Harassment and Domestic Violence: New laws criminalize harassment and domestic violence, introducing comprehensive psychological rehabilitation for perpetrators of domestic violence, and establishing the Department for Combating Domestic Violence under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Establishment of Gender Issues Advisers: Positions for gender issues advisers have been introduced in all regions, with appointees selected from relevant representatives of civil society and the business community to address gender-specific challenges effectively.
Adoption of National Plans for Gender Equality: Two pivotal national plans have been implemented. The first plan enhances measures to promote equal rights for men and women, aligning with the best practices of the UN. The second plan is dedicated to advancing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Peace, Women, and Security," and it actively promotes the inclusion of women in the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, Defense, and in roles within peacekeeping missions and negotiation groups.
Children’s Rights Advocacy: Establishment of regional ombudspersons for children's rights, working alongside the National Commissioner to safeguard women and children nationwide.
Combatting Human Trafficking: Strengthened legal measures against human trafficking, including criminal prosecution for abduction, unlawful deprivation of liberty forced prostitution, and trafficking involving minors.
Clarification and Enforcement against Torture: Differentiation of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, with forensic and psychological research aligned with the Istanbul Protocol, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy towards such abuses.
Support for Reintegrating Convicts: Tax relief for small and medium-sized enterprises employing individuals with convictions promotes their reintegration into society.
Legal Protection for Refugees: A tripartite mechanism involving the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs provides legal status to refugees, adhering to UNHCR recommendations.
Labour Safety Standards: Implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) standards to enhance workplace safety and prevent industrial injuries.
v The Presidential Decree on Human Rights and Rule of Law has reaffirmed our nation’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the United Nations and our unwavering dedication to building a democratic society where the rule of law and order prevails.
Youth participation in politics and decision-making is an important factor for ensuring sustainable development of society. The following steps can be taken to strengthen it:
1. Creating educational programs
• Developing courses and trainings on political literacy that will help young people better understand government processes.
• Including subjects related to civil society and human rights in school and university curricula.
2. Developing youth platforms
• Creating discussion clubs, youth parliaments or councils that will function under government bodies.
• Supporting informal initiatives and communities that are engaged in civic activity.
3. Using digital technologies
• Developing online platforms for voting, petitioning and discussing socially significant issues.
• Engaging young people through social networks, where they interact most actively.
4. Stimulating leadership skills
• Organizing competitions and programs to develop leadership and public speaking skills.
• Scholarships and grants for young people who are active in the public and political spheres.
5. Ensuring equal opportunities
• Lowering the age limit for political participation (e.g. the right to stand for election).
• Supporting women, minorities and other underrepresented groups of youth.
6. Involving young people in real projects
• Involving young people in the decision-making process that directly affects their future.
• Participation of young people in environmental, social and cultural projects supported by the state.
7. Feedback and encouragement
• Establishing mechanisms for regular communication between young people and authorities.
• Encouraging active participants: awards, public recognition, internship or career opportunities.
Thank you all
5th EU – Central Asia Civil Society Forum
(January 28-30, 2025, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Ramada Hotel)
Usen Suleimen, Director of the Public Foundation “National Endowment for Prosperity”
Youth participation in politics and decision-making
Dear participants of the Forum,
I want to speak about measures which will help create a more open and inclusive society, where young people are not just observers, but active participants in the processes that affect their future, because Kazakhstan has taken enormous strides over recent years towards strengthening our democracy. The country undergoes the most significant process of nation-wide transformation since its independence.
We have already made significant progress towards our goal of a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, and have a Bold Vision for the future.
In a very short period, we have reformed our institutions, curtailed the powers of the presidency, amended our Constitution, reset political and economic systems - fought corruption.
We have created an innovative - Kazakh model of political reform that is unique for the ongoing processes of political transformation in our part of the world.
Today’s Kazakhstan is different from what it was two years ago. Our path to overhaul the existing system is far from over. Although meaningful transformation has already taken place, there is still much to be done.
Reform does not happen overnight. As a nation, we are working harder than ever to ensure our progress and prosperity. This is truly a national mission.
I want that the youth understands that Kazakhstan is fully committed to the protection of human rights. Last year, President Tokayev signed a Presidential Decree with Action Plan on Human Rights and Rule of Law.
v The Action Plan emphasizes several key areas:
- Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups: Strengthening protections for women, children and persons with disabilities;
- Domestic Violence: Implementing stricter accountability measures to combat domestic violence;
- Labour Rights and Freedom of Association: Enhancing labour rights and ensuring freedom of association for all citizens, and etc.
v As a cornerstone of this Presidential Decree, Kazakhstan is proactively collaborating with international partners, including the U.N. and the OSCE, to enhance its human rights protection mechanisms in line with these priorities. These ongoing partnership aims to ensure that Kazakhstan’s reforms are both effective and consistent with the best human rights practices.
v Kazakhstan has launched a series of bold and far-reaching political reforms and managed to improve its institutions, reset political and economic systems, uphold living standards, fight corruption and reduce inequality.
v These reforms underscored by constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing human rights protections and aligning national legislation with international obligations:
Abolition of the Death Penalty: Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, abolishing the death penalty.
Enhanced Human Rights Mechanisms: The establishment of the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Constitutional Court allows citizens direct access to justice for addressing rights violations, in line with the Paris Principles.
Social Protection Enhancements: Introduction of the Social Code and the Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Groups provides robust protection mechanisms for marginalized populations.
Strengthening Child and Disability Rights: Ratification of the UN Optional Protocols on the Rights of Children and Persons with Disabilities enhances protections for vulnerable society members.
Criminalization of Harassment and Domestic Violence: New laws criminalize harassment and domestic violence, introducing comprehensive psychological rehabilitation for perpetrators of domestic violence, and establishing the Department for Combating Domestic Violence under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Establishment of Gender Issues Advisers: Positions for gender issues advisers have been introduced in all regions, with appointees selected from relevant representatives of civil society and the business community to address gender-specific challenges effectively.
Adoption of National Plans for Gender Equality: Two pivotal national plans have been implemented. The first plan enhances measures to promote equal rights for men and women, aligning with the best practices of the UN. The second plan is dedicated to advancing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Peace, Women, and Security," and it actively promotes the inclusion of women in the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, Defense, and in roles within peacekeeping missions and negotiation groups.
Children’s Rights Advocacy: Establishment of regional ombudspersons for children's rights, working alongside the National Commissioner to safeguard women and children nationwide.
Combatting Human Trafficking: Strengthened legal measures against human trafficking, including criminal prosecution for abduction, unlawful deprivation of liberty forced prostitution, and trafficking involving minors.
Clarification and Enforcement against Torture: Differentiation of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, with forensic and psychological research aligned with the Istanbul Protocol, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy towards such abuses.
Support for Reintegrating Convicts: Tax relief for small and medium-sized enterprises employing individuals with convictions promotes their reintegration into society.
Legal Protection for Refugees: A tripartite mechanism involving the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs provides legal status to refugees, adhering to UNHCR recommendations.
Labour Safety Standards: Implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) standards to enhance workplace safety and prevent industrial injuries.
v The Presidential Decree on Human Rights and Rule of Law has reaffirmed our nation’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the United Nations and our unwavering dedication to building a democratic society where the rule of law and order prevails.
Youth participation in politics and decision-making is an important factor for ensuring sustainable development of society. The following steps can be taken to strengthen it:
1. Creating educational programs
• Developing courses and trainings on political literacy that will help young people better understand government processes.
• Including subjects related to civil society and human rights in school and university curricula.
2. Developing youth platforms
• Creating discussion clubs, youth parliaments or councils that will function under government bodies.
• Supporting informal initiatives and communities that are engaged in civic activity.
3. Using digital technologies
• Developing online platforms for voting, petitioning and discussing socially significant issues.
• Engaging young people through social networks, where they interact most actively.
4. Stimulating leadership skills
• Organizing competitions and programs to develop leadership and public speaking skills.
• Scholarships and grants for young people who are active in the public and political spheres.
5. Ensuring equal opportunities
• Lowering the age limit for political participation (e.g. the right to stand for election).
• Supporting women, minorities and other underrepresented groups of youth.
6. Involving young people in real projects
• Involving young people in the decision-making process that directly affects their future.
• Participation of young people in environmental, social and cultural projects supported by the state.
7. Feedback and encouragement
• Establishing mechanisms for regular communication between young people and authorities.
• Encouraging active participants: awards, public recognition, internship or career opportunities.
Thank you all