Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini
21.2.2018
The European Union (EU) follows closely the situation of human rights in Kazakhstan, including the cases of Mukhtar Dzhakishev and Muratkhan Tokmadi. Ahead of the EU-Kazakhstan Human Rights Dialogue in Astana on 29 November 2017, the EU held several consultations with local and international Non-Governmental Organisations and discussed in detail a number of cases, including the situation of Mukhtar Dzhakishev and Muratkhan Tokmadi. The EU also had a specific meeting with the wife of Mr Tokmadi. Requests on the health status of Mr Dzhakishev were sent to the Kazakh authorities.
During the EU-Kazakhstan Human Rights Dialogue, the EU raised the cases of activists, journalists and political prisoners and urged Kazakhstan to respect the decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee calling for the immediate release of Mr Dzhakishev.
In line with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the EU and Kazakhstan have deepened their cooperation in the areas of the rule of law and human rights, while promoting a more active role for civil society. The EU finances a substantial programme that supports judicial reforms and the rule of law in Kazakhstan as well as access to justice for vulnerable groups.
The EU also supports civil society projects promoting human rights and democratic reforms in Kazakhstan, in particular in relation to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as well as efforts to further engage civil society in the public policy‐making process.