UPR WORKING GROUP - 20th SESSION

(27 October -7 November 2014

UPR of Kazakhstan - INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE

(Thursday, 30thOctober 2014- 09:00-12:30 hrs)

INTERVENTION BY INDIA\

Mr. President,

1. India warmly welcomes the delegation of Kazakhstan led by H.E. Ms. Elvira Azimova, Deputy Minister of Justice.  We thank the delegation for its National Report and commend the progress made since the first cycle of its UPR in February 2010.

2. The legislative, institutional and policy measures undertaken by Kazakhstan since then amply reflect its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.

3. We commend Kazakhstan for amendments to the labourcodeand adoption of a new criminal code for better protection of minors. We recommendthat Kazakhstan establish an institutional mechanism to further strengthen the protection of children.

4. We appreciate the efforts made by Kazakhstan in improving the status of girls and women through its strategy for gender equality 2006–2016. We are happy to note that more than 50% of those in general education schools are girls and women today account for 55.7% per cent of those in the public service. We encourage Kazakhstan to continue to pay emphasis on the issue and recommend that it strengthens the protection of women by considering the enactment of a specific law on violence against women.

5. Kazakhstan has drawn praise for its religious diversity and tolerance.  We take positive note of its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) during the drafting of the new Act on Religious Activities and Religious Associations. We recommend that Kazakhstan continue its policy of respect and tolerance of all religions without discrimination.

6. We wish Kazakhstan all success as it continues to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights and in implementing the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy.

Thank you Mr. President