Human rights are the foundation of sustainable development for any country. Without respect, implementation, and protection of human rights, it is impossible to build a just, inclusive, and equal society. At the core of this interlinkage is the appreciation of the dignity and value of each person, without which it is impossible to achieve social stability, environmental balance, or economic prosperity.

Annually, the International Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10. It is dedicated to the date of adoption of one of the most significant global commitments in the world - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year's theme for International Human Rights Day is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now". Human rights are seen as a path toward solutions, playing a key role as a preventive, protective, and transformative force in society.

The preventive function of human rights is to establish a universal set of values and principles that are applicable everywhere; human rights help to avoid violations, conflicts, and abuses before they occur. The protective function is expressed in norms that ensure that every person has a decent life, regardless of their location. 

Besides, human rights have a transformative role: they contribute to the significant social change and empowerment of vulnerable groups, contributing to the shaping of a greater just society.

UNDP's Role in Promoting Human Rights in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) places great emphasis on supporting the Government of Kazakhstan in advancing the human rights agenda. Strengthening equality, protecting vulnerable groups, and implementing international standards are the key aspects of these efforts.

Strengthening the Ombudsman Institute and the NHRC

UNDP provides expert assistance to the Human Rights Commissioner, the National Human Rights Centre (NHRC), and participants of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture. In particular, work is underway to strengthen the capacity of the Ombudsman's representatives in the regions to bring the work of the Human Rights Commissioner's institution up to the standards of the Paris Principles of National Human Rights Institutions and further enhance the accreditation status in the Global Alliance of Human Rights Institutions.

Since 2022 there have been 20 regional representatives of the Human Rights Commissioner in the country (3 -in the cities of national significance and 17 - in the regions). The Human Rights Commissioner is engaged in the development of proposals for improving national legislation. The Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law, endorsed by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 8, 2023, incorporates four recommendations which implementation is entrusted to the NHRC that list “legislative improvements in the area of labor relations, including the concept of “sexual harassment in the workplace”, development of effective complaints procedures, as well as providing legal remedies.”

Support to the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM)

For over 10 years, UNDP has been supporting the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) established to prevent torture and ill-treatment. UNDP enhances the skills of professionals involved in the monitoring of detention facilities. Technical and expert assistance includes training, development of methodological guidance, and international knowledge exchange that helps to strengthen the protection of the rights of persons in closed institutions.

As an example of UNDP's project outcomes, in 2021 medical services in the penitentiary system were transformed and passed from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the coordination of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to effectively ensure the right of prisoners to health. The process of improvement of medical services has been continued with ongoing work on recommendations towards institutional and legislative changes that will provide prisoners with timely medical services and medications. 

Responsible Business and Human Rights

Today the role of business as a global catalyst for change in the modern world is increasingly recognized. Responsible business with a genuine interest that takes action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including the protection of human rights, gains a competitive advantage in the marketplace. 

In Kazakhstan UNDP plays a leading role in implementing responsible business principles. This includes the implementation of globally recognized international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (or UNGPs). UNDP supports dialogue between companies, human rights advocates, and government agencies by raising awareness on the implementation of the UNGPs through training workshops, webinars, publications, and bilateral and multilateral meetings.

In 2023 UNDP conducted the first National Baseline Assessment of its implementation in Kazakhstan, which included an analysis of national legislation, companies’ practices of implementing responsible business standards, including accessible legal remedies to restore violated rights. Recommendations developed by UNDP experts were demonstrated to the representatives of government agencies, businesses, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and international organizations.

UNDP intensively cooperates with the corporate sector on the implementation of human rights due diligence procedures. Since 2022 over 200 representatives of large, small, and medium businesses across Kazakhstan received the training. Along with this work UNDP provides technical support to the Interagency Working Group on the development of proposals for the protection of human rights in business in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles.

Environmental Justice: A New Challenge

In the existing context of the increasing climate change challenge, environmental justice has become one of the important areas of UNDP work in Kazakhstan. UNDP focuses on preventing environmental offenses, including through their criminalization and enhancing the knowledge of the judiciary.

Within the work of the recent Expert Forum on Criminal Justice in Central Asia, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub and UNDP Kazakhstan held a special session on “Tackling serious environmental offenses through criminal law and building national law enforcement capacity: challenges and opportunities.” During this session experts discussed the urgency of the legal response to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss, considering its negative impact on human rights.

Participants from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries discussed the growing trend towards criminalization of environmental offenses, as well as the importance of strengthening the capacity of judicial and law enforcement officials to strengthen law enforcement in the region in line with international environmental justice standards.

These kinds of activities highlight the growing importance of partnerships and the use of effective legal mechanisms to combat environmental crimes and ensure accountability for the sustainable development of the country.

UNDP work in Kazakhstan demonstrates that human rights are not just a value but also a key path for achieving sustainable development. By ensuring, respecting, and protecting the rights of each person we can build a society that embraces equality, justice, and progress.

As UN General Secretary states, “..We need to work together to transform human rights into action by supporting local initiatives, building coalitions, investing in inclusive legislation, and engaging with international human rights mechanisms. Let’s unite to protect human dignity, create sustainable solutions, and build a future where everyone thrives.”