The APF recently took part in a dialogue with the Parliament of Kazakhstan to discuss proposed legislation to strengthen the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights.

Held on 13 October, the dialogue was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Central Asia and the APF.

During the session, the APF’s Legal and Policy Manager, Phillip Wardle, shared some comments on the draft legislation, which aims to expand the institution’s human rights mandate and strengthen compliance with the Paris Principles.

The dialogue followed previous advice provided by the APF to the Commissioner on the compliance of the proposed legislation with the Paris Principles, which are the international standards for the structure and mandate of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). Consideration by the Parliament of Kazakhstan of the draft legislation will continue over coming months.

Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, established the position of Commissioner for Human Rights by Presidential Decree in 2002. The National Centre for Human Rights, which supports the work of the Commissioner, was established by the same Presidential Decree.

Under the Decree, the Commissioner can receive and investigate complaints, participate in court hearings and seek a review of court findings, and review and propose improvements to legislation, in compliance with international human rights law.

The APF congratulates the Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Azimova Elvira Abilhasimovna, and her office for their efforts to strengthen the institution and looks forward to supporting the office to deliver its human rights mandate.