Politically Targeted, Economically Isolated
How Kazakhstan’s Financing Terrorism List Compounds Human Rights Harms
![Protesters hold placards during an opposition rally](/https/www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/styles/square/public/media_2024/08/202408eca_kazakhstan_almaty_oppositionrally.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=ZdhF7OTC)
Large-scale anti-government protests rocked Kazakhstan in January 2022, setting off a cascade of human rights violations by the authorities, including excessive use of force against protesters, arbitrary arrest and detention, and ill-treatment and torture of detainees. Political reforms promised by Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokaev in recent years have not led to meaningful improvements in the country’s poor human rights record. Free speech and the right to peaceful protest are suppressed. Kazakh authorities have used politically motivated prosecutions to silence government critics, including on the vague and overbroad charge of “inciting discord,” and banned political opposition groups as “extremist.” Independent trade unions face harassment and interference. Impunity for torture and ill-treatment persists. Kazakhstan has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but children with disabilities are largely denied a quality, inclusive education.
How Kazakhstan’s Financing Terrorism List Compounds Human Rights Harms
Expand Social Protection; Reform ‘Targeted Social Assistance’ Program
Set Independent Investigation with International Experts
End Abuses, Interference with Lawyers; Investigate Torture Allegations
Regulations Will Further Restrict Media Freedom
Ukrainian Government Should Ensure Aidos Sadykov's Safety
Government Should Ensure Justice for All Women Who Suffer Domestic Violence
Increases Protections, But More Reforms Needed
Protect, Don’t Extradite Rights Defender to Uzbekistan
Free Journalist; Revise Definition of Extremism in Law
Ensure Due Process, Impartiality in Investigation
Western States Should Push for Concrete Reforms
Lawmakers Should Urgently Criminalize Domestic Violence