Kazakhstan

In 2024, Kazakhstan reached a significant result in safeguarding the rights of women and children and protecting them from violence, specifically targeting Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions). In 2024, the Minister of Interior received around 100,000 domestic violence reports, allowing 72,000 protective orders and 16,000 court decisions to be issued. Through the adoption of the Law on Ensuring Women’s Rights and Safety of Children spearheaded by Members of the Parliament with the strong support of Civil Society, UN Kazakhstan under the leadership of UN Women and expert community domestic violence, more specifically minor bodily infliction and assault, has been criminalized. UN Women played a critical role in coordinating UNCT Kazakhstan efforts on the development of comprehensive recommendations for strengthening national legislation, providing expert and methodological support for provision of social services for survivors of violence. Notably, the law reassigned the responsibility for evidence collection in domestic violence cases to law enforcement authorities, thereby alleviating the burden on survivors. Additionally, it obligated the authorities to systematically register and investigate all domestic violence cases, irrespective of whether a formal complaint has been lodged by a survivor. As women and children are the primary survivors of domestic violence, the reinstatement of criminal penalties is expected to strengthen legal protections for 10.3 million women and girls.
Theses legislative reforms enhanced access to legal remedies and social services for survivors of violence in 69 Family Support Centres nationwide and strengthened accountability for perpetrators potentially detering abuse and contributed to broader social change regarding gender-based violence. UN Women provided expert support to the Government on the development of institutional and operational procedures, while local authorities led implementationin each region. Moreover, the criminalisation has raised national awareness of domestic violence issues, helping to challenge societal norms and gender stereotypes. UN Women engaged in media advocacy and key messages discussions with international and diplomatic community through the Extended Gender Theme Group.
Innovatively, the Law has introduced several progressive provisions, including criminal penalties for child harassment, tougher sanctions for torture andsexual crimes againstwomen and children. Administrative penalties are now in place addressing bullying and sexual harassment, including online harassment.
Kazakhstan’s 2024 criminalisation of domestic violence represents a pivotal advancement in the nation’s strategy to protect women and children and uphold fundamental human rights. By strengthening stringent penalties and legal mechanisms, the countryunderscores its commitment to a comprehensive and effective response to domestic violence.