A government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, was held to address issues of safety, rights protection, and the prevention of offenses among minors. The agenda included measures to prevent violence and bullying, as well as ensuring a safe summer holiday for children, DKnews.kz reports.
The meeting focused on systemic actions being undertaken by government agencies to prevent crimes against children. Particular attention was paid to ongoing legislative and institutional reforms aimed at tightening accountability for sexual offenses against minors, strengthening preventive work, and fostering a culture of safe behavior among children.
“Akimats must actively engage in this work: conduct awareness campaigns with parents and teachers, ensure close collaboration with school and medical psychologists, and maintain constant oversight of preparations for the summer wellness season. Additionally, we need a systemic approach to working with the Child Rights Ombudsman institution, focusing not only on response but also on prevention. All authorized bodies must act proactively—we cannot allow children's safety to be compromised” Yermek Kosherbayev
As part of the intensified preventive campaign for child safety during the summer period, a set of systemic measures is being implemented. Criminal liability for sexual offenses against minors has been toughened, and administrative responsibility introduced for bullying and for forcibly removing children under the age of 16 from public transport. Authorities have shut down over 58,000 illegal online resources, including 11 channels suspected of involving children in unlawful activities.
“Every fourth road accident involves a child. That’s why we have tightened transport control: we inspect all buses carrying minors, and the police are ready to escort even a single bus if necessary” Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha
Special attention was given to ensuring the safety of children during summer holidays. Akimats were instructed to inspect children’s sports grounds for safety, functionality, and proper equipment, with personal responsibility assigned to district and rural akims for children's well-being. Additionally, work will be carried out with homeowners' cooperatives and management bodies (KSK and OSI) to explain the necessity of installing window locks to prevent children from falling out of windows.
Yermek Kosherbayev also highlighted the importance of ensuring that children with developmental disabilities, children with special needs, orphans, and those without parental care are provided with summer recreation and leisure opportunities. In this regard, interregional cooperation will be organized, including visits to sacred sites, tourist attractions, and exchanges of creative summer projects—all with safety ensured during both travel and stay.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed all relevant government agencies to strengthen interagency coordination, monitor the implementation of summer safety initiatives, and submit updated comprehensive plans to the Government to ensure the protection of children's rights and safety.
