The roundtable brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government ministries, members of Parliament, survivor support organizations, as well as experts from the European Union and the Council of Europe. The event provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening Kazakhstan’s response to domestic violence through shared experiences and international best practices.

Participants explored a wide range of topics, including the development of comprehensive legal frameworks, effective prevention and protection mechanisms, victim-centered service delivery, and coordinated interagency action.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Aleška SIMKIĆ, the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, stated: “Domestic violence is a global challenge – one that affects millions of lives, often in silence and in the shadows. It violates not only human rights, but the very foundations of dignity, safety, and justice. Combating domestic violence is not just a legal responsibility – it is a moral imperative.”

Adding to this, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Stanislav VASILENKO, emphasized: “Addressing domestic violence is a priority for Kazakhstan’s international human rights commitments. We recognize the importance of working collaboratively – with our European partners, national institutions, and civil society – to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, and to build a safer, more just society.”

The discussions highlighted the importance of adapting European approaches to the Kazakhstani context and identified actionable steps to support national efforts to combat domestic violence more effectively and sustainably.

Background information: 

About EPCA: 

The event was organized within the framework of the EU-funded project aiming to support the implementation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). The EPCA between the European Union and Kazakhstan serves as a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral ties across political, economic, and social sectors. It aims to support Kazakhstan's reform agenda by promoting good governance, human rights, and the rule of law, while also enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, education, and sustainable development. As the most advanced agreement the EU has with a Central Asian country, the EPCA reflects a shared commitment to stability, modernization, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.