EU condemns increasing pressure on human rights NGOs in Kazakhstan

The European Union has expressed concern for non-governmental human rights organisations in Kazakhstan, whilst stressing the importance of  these organisations for the reform agenda being pursued by the country's leadership. It also warned of the harm such steps do to Kazakhstan's international reputation.

A statement by Spokesperson, Peter Stano, issued on Monday evening (1 February) said:

"Recently, several prominent human rights non-governmental organisations working in Kazakhstan have been subjected to increasing pressure and penalisation by the country’s authorities.  At least three organisations have been suspended for at least three months as of 25 January, and at least three more organisations were heavily fined, on the basis of unclear legal grounds. The Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law has had both penalties upheld by the Almaty District Court.

"The European Union strongly believes that the work of these organisations provides crucial, direct support for the President’s and government’s reform agenda. Such actions from the Kazakh authorities not only hinder these reform efforts and limit the essential work of NGOs, but are also detrimental to the international reputation of Kazakhstan.

As a firm supporter of Kazakhstan's inclusive reform process, which aims at furthering the country’s modernisation, democracy and stability, the European Union calls on the Government of Kazakhstan to urgently address this issue.”

Source: commonspace.eu with the European External Action Service press service
Photo: Police officers detain an opposition supporter during a protest around presidential elections, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 9, 2019. (REUTERS)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.