Elections

Gender issues

Trafficking in human beings

International agreements and domestic legislation

The Centre supports Kazakhstan's efforts to implement international human rights agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It also facilitates discussion and the provision of international expertise on draft legislation in key areas affecting human rights and civil society.

One of the Centre's main activities in the field of human rights protection is its support of Kazakhstan's fight against trafficking in human beings, which includes raising awareness among the general public, NGOs, and local and national authorities. The Centre supports efforts by Kazakhstan to establish and implement effective anti-trafficking measures, including the introduction of a national referral mechanism, a co-operative framework to protect and promote the rights of victims in strategic partnership with civil society. Special attention is paid to the issue of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, especially given Kazakhstan's role as a destination country for labour migrants from neighbouring countries.

Working together with NGOs and government agencies, the Centre seeks to raise public awareness of gender issues and to develop a strategy for increasing participation by women in politics. It also supports the development of draft legislation on equal rights and opportunities and on domestic violence, as well as capacity building for women's organizations.

A course in Karaganda, supported by the OSCE Centre in Astana, for high school students who voted for the first time in the Kazakhstan presidential election on 4 December 2005. (OSCE/Peter Felch)

Open and transparent elections are an important element of democratization that help to increase trust in the political system. The Centre in Astana therefore works closely with Kazakhstan's Central Election Commission, political parties and civil society representatives to promote OSCE standards in this field.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-02