By Xhoi Zajmi | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab Est. 3min 27-05-2024 Content-Type: Underwritten Underwritten Produced with financial support from an organization or individual, yet not approved by the underwriter before or after publication. Nur-sultan, Astana, Kazakhstan [Shutterstock / Parilov] Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Print Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The United States has reaffirmed its support to Kazakhstan for advancing human rights and democratic reforms, arguing that these domains are integral to a “vibrant new Kazakhstan”. Delegations from both countries met in Astana, Kazakhstan on 20 May for the third gathering of the annual High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms, to discuss bilateral cooperation on human-rights-related matters of shared interest. The meeting was co-chaired by the Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for External Affairs, Erzhan Kazykhan, and the US Under Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya. Topics such as the rule of law, protection of freedom of expression, including for members of the media, freedom of religion, and protection of members of vulnerable and marginalised populations were also discussed during the dialogue. In particular, the US welcomed the law adopted in April, which among others, envisions tougher penalties for domestic violence and violence against children in Kazakhstan, a decision also commended by the European Commission. Reforming the Kazakh society The US delegation also expressed support for the full implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s political and socio-economic reform agenda. It includes expanding the rights of people with disabilities, combating human trafficking, ensuring freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech, supporting media development and combating corruption. The United States encouraged the participation of civil society partners in the process, to guarantee transparency and accountability. “Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are integral to a prosperous, vibrant ‘New Kazakhstan’ where independent media, civil society groups, and political parties can operate freely,” read the statement from the US State Department. Dialogue on human rights The US is steadfast in maintaining reliable cooperation with Kazakhstan, based on shared interests and universal values, something which Under Secretary Zeya highlighted during the meeting. She noted the importance of consistently implementing the Action Plan on human rights, as well as the rule of law signed by Kazakh President Tokayev last December. The parties also discussed cooperation at the United Nations Human Rights Council to promote human rights at multilateral and regional levels, with initiatives such as the C5+1 Summit held in New York last year. Washington, DC will host the next high-level dialogue between the US and Kazakh delegations, scheduled for 2025. [By Xhoi Zajmi I Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ] Read more with Euractiv EU mulls Rafah mission, next diplomatic steps after talks with Arab counterparts The EU is ready to reactivate its border mission around the besieged southern Gaza city of Rafah. The EU's foreign ministers on Monday (27 May) agreed on this as part of stepping up their diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the region.
