The United
Nations and the U.S. welcomed Kazakhstan’s adoption of laws to ensure women’s
rights and children’s safety. In their opinion, by criminalizing domestic
violence, Kazakhstan demonstrates that such behavior is unacceptable. Thus, the
legislative decision serves as a vivid example of protecting the interests of
women and children in difficult situations and demonstrates the country’s
progress toward eradicating all forms of gender-based violence.
“This is a big
step in order to eradicate gender-based violence. It’s also a sign that
Kazakhstan is committed to human rights, particularly to the protection of
women and children. It indicates that Kazakhstan has adopted a zero-tolerance
policy when it comes to domestic violence. The United Nations stands ready to
continue to partner with Kazakhstan and support civil society and everyone else
in the country to make sure that this zero-tolerance policy becomes the reality
for each and every woman, child, boy, and man,” said Michaela Friberg-Storey,
UN Resident Coordinator for Kazakhstan.
“We welcome
Kazakhstan’s adoption of new law strengthening protection against domestic
violence. The prevalence of domestic violence leaves no country, society or
socio-economic group unscathed. We stand with Kazakh society in saying domestic
violence is a criminal act,” said Christopher Sorensen, press-attache at the U.S.
Embassy in Kazakhstan.
