HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER MEDIA FREEDOMS IN KAZAKHSTAN

“Human rights and fundamental freedoms are enshrined in the UN Charter. Both, the EU and Kazakhstan have committed to respect its principles. Freedom of expression is one of the essential pillars of democracy,” said Aleška Simkić, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, during her opening remarks – “On Human Rights Day, the EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting the rights of every individual to live in freedom, we will continue supporting independent voices and media and protecting the rights of journalists in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.”  

Discussions centred on the current state of media freedom in Kazakhstan, highlighting recent legislative changes impacting media, online platforms, and internet governance, as well as emerging challenges related to artificial intelligence. Experts also analysed how law enforcement actions and judicial decisions are affecting journalists and social media users, alongside rising concerns about cybersecurity and online surveillance.

Participants emphasised that a safe and supportive environment for journalists is crucial for public trust and democratic dialogue. “Journalists must be able to work without fear of harassment or censorship,” noted Vadim Sadonshoev, Project Director of the CARAVAN project at Internews. “Strong legal protections and transparent regulation are key to achieving this.”

The roundtable ended with a commitment to develop specific recommendations for government agencies and international organisations. These proposals will focus on strengthening legal protections for freedom of speech, increasing regulatory transparency, and ensuring safer working conditions for Kazakhstan’s media community.