«The Parliamentary Assembly must support Kazakhstan in the continuation of democratic reforms,» was the call made at the PACE plenary session by the Rapporteur on Kazakhstan – Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the State Assembly of Hungary, Zsolt Németh. The politician emphasized that the reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan reflect the country's commitment to openness, accountability of the government to its citizens, and the priority of human rights.
«Since President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took office, we have witnessed a number of reforms that have modernized Kazakhstan's political system and brought it into line with international standards. In 2022, the death penalty was abolished in the country, which was a historic step long advocated by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The constitutional reforms carried out in the country have strengthened the role of Parliament, the independence of institutions, and the accountability of the executive branch. Measures are being implemented to combat corruption, and political pluralism is expanding. These are not cosmetic changes; these are real examples that demonstrate the country's determination to move towards European values. This is not only about the internal reforms carried out in Kazakhstan, but also about the role this country can play in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity», - Rapporteur Zsolt Németh emphasized in his speech at the Assembly's plenary meeting.
The transformations in the field of human rights, including strengthening the protection of persons with disabilities, women, and vulnerable categories, received a high assessment and recognition of their effectiveness.
At the same time, during the PACE plenary session, the importance of the further implementation of reforms, as well as their more complete practical implementation, which will give impetus to democratic transformations in Kazakhstan, was noted.
«Democratic reform is a complex and long process. There are challenges mentioned in the report. But we are resolutely committed and will continue to move along this path. This is the principled policy of the country's President, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev. Kazakhstan has clearly outlined its long-term development priorities: the rule of law, the protection of human rights, the creation of an inclusive society, and the democratization of the power system with transparent procedures and a system of checks and balances. We welcome the constructive approach of PACE and its readiness to support Kazakhstan on the path of reforms», - noted Maulen Ashimbayev in his speech to the participants of the plenary session.
The discussion of current issues and the exchange of views on the further strengthening of parliamentary dialogue, achieving sustainable development goals, ensuring social inclusion, open justice, and other priority topics continued during the round table «Kazakhstan's Path to Prosperity: Democratic Reforms and Unity through Parliamentary Diplomacy» and the debates on the PACE Report.
On the sidelines of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev held bilateral meetings with PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, PACE Rapporteur on Kazakhstan Zsolt Németh, and Chairman of the PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy Bertrand Bouyx. The agenda focused on the further development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe.
Representatives of the European organization were fully informed about the democratic processes taking place in Kazakhstan and the upcoming parliamentary reform. The Head of the Council of Europe and PACE representatives noted with satisfaction the progress of reforms in Kazakhstan, including the initiative for a unicameral Parliament, which, in the opinion of European parliamentarians, can increase the efficiency of the legislative and decision-making process by uniting political reforms into a single institutional system. In addition, the importance of the social integration process, as well as the role of the Constitutional Court in the national human rights protection system, was emphasized.
Also on this day, a presentation of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law took place.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
