Public lectures were organised for students and practitioners at Maqsut Narikbayev University (Astana) and, on 17 April, at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty). Raising awareness of international human rights standards and the mandate of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan remains a key objective of the Council of Europe project.

Addressing students studying law and international relations, Mr Artur Lastayev, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke about the role and functions of the Commissioner. Ms Konul Gasimova from the Human Rights and Justice Co-operation Department provided an overview of the Council of Europe, its main bodies, and the salient case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

The audience addressed the speakers regarding the recent changes to the country’s Constitution, the interplay of EU policy, particularly the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and the standards of the Council of Europe.

In Almaty, Ms Dinara Tazhenova, Head of the National Centre for Human Rights, outlined the major international and national policy frameworks for human rights and gave an overview of the mandates of the Commissioner and the Centre. Ms Konul Gasimova presented the European Convention on Human Rights and its overarching role within the Council of Europe.

The students sought clarification on the practical aspects of the Centre’s mandate, as well as the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention which guarantees the right to a fair trial.

Additionally, members of the “Erkindik Rukhy” Youth Rights Commission at the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights contributed to the lecture by informing about their activities focused on the promotion of human rights and strengthening legal culture among young people.

The public lecture at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University was broadcast, reaching out to over 50 representatives of the regional offices of the National Centre for Human Rights.

The events were organised in the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Reinforcing the institutional capacity of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) institution in Kazakhstan” implemented under the Council of Europe Neighbourhood Cooperation Priorities with the Republic of Kazakhstan, funded by Germany.