Astana, 20 May 2024 – The third meeting of the annual high-level dialogue on human rights and democratic reforms between Kazakhstan and the United States was held in Astana, co-chaired by Jeržan Kazychan, Deputy President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs, and Uzra Zey, Deputy Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights.

During the event, the parties constructively discussed the interaction between Kazakhstan and the United States on issues of mutual interest in human rights. The parties focused on further implementation of President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev’s political reform program, which includes expanding the rights of persons with disabilities, fighting trafficking in people, ensuring freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, supporting the development of media, as well as restitution of property and fighting corruption.

The American party confirmed a firm commitment to fruitful and reliable cooperation based on mutual interests and shared values. Deputy Secretary of State U. Zeya expressed United States’ steadfast support for President Tokayev’s political, social and economic reforms and emphasized the importance of consistent implementation of the Action Plan on Human Rights and the Rule of Law, signed by the President of Kazakhstan in December last year.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening the policy of zero tolerance towards violence against women and children. The American party especially welcomed the law passed 15. April of this year, which stricters penalties for domestic violence and violence against children in Kazakhstan.

The parties also discussed promoting human rights at multilateral and regional levels, including cooperation through the UN Human Rights Council and implementation of initiatives following last year’s C5+1 summit in New York.

The result of the meeting was an agreement to continue productive interaction and to hold another session of dialogue in 2025 in Washington.