During the 76th session of the Committee against Torture (CAT), the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by the Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of Kazakhstan Igor Rogov, presented the fourth periodic report on measures that our country is taking to ensure the rights set out in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, DKNews.kz reports.
In his statement, head of the delegation Igor Rogov, informed the Committee members about the political reforms carried out under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at building a Just Kazakhstan and further improving the human rights protection system.
The delegation of Kazakhstan, which included heads of the competent national authorities (such as General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, National Security Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Court), provided detailed information on advancing measures to prevent and protect individuals against torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, strengthening the institution of the Ombudsperson for Human Rights and the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) - an independent body for the oversight of the issues of torture in the country, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration of persons deprived of their liberty, and plans to further improve legislation in accordance with international human rights norms and standards.
In general, emphasizing the openness of Kazakhstan to a constructive dialogue, the members of the Committee welcomed the ongoing reforms, noting the measures to strengthen the role of the NPM in the country, the law signed by the Head of State in March 2023, aimed at preventing torture and establishing liability for cruel or degrading treatment, ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, etc.
International experts noted the steps taken by Kazakhstan to improve national legislation, transfer the responsivity for prison medical services from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Healthcare, consolidate the independence of the Commissioner for Human Rights at the constitutional level, introduce the commissioners for children's rights in the regions, etc.
During an engaging discussion, members of the Committee presented proposals for further measures to protect people against torture and ill-treatment.
The parties agreed to continue the dialogue in the spirit of mutual understanding and constructive cooperation.
The Committee against Torture is composed of 10 independent experts who monitor the implementation by States Parties of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
In accordance with established practice, States Parties submit reports to the Committee every four years.
