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Methodological recommendations on investigating ill-treatment discussed in Astana

02.10.2026
Astana
Press and information team of the Delegation to KAZAKHSTAN

Methodological recommendations on the effective investigation of criminal offences under Part 1 of Article 146 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, developed by “BREAKING THE CYCLE: A MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO COMBAT TORTURE IN KAZAKHSTAN”, were presented and discussed at a round table. The project is funded by the European Union.

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The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international and human rights organisations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for Central Asia, as well as representatives of the legal and expert communities.

The discussion focused on practical challenges in the registration, legal qualification and investigation of criminal offences involving cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. 

Juana Mera Cabello, Deputy Head of Partnerships, EU Delegation to Kazakhstan said: “Effective investigations into ill-treatment and torture are essential to protecting human rights, preventing repeated violations and strengthening trust in justice. The methodological recommendations developed through this EU-funded project offer a practical tool to further strengthen law enforcement practice and accountability in Kazakhstan.”

Zhanat Dilbarkhanova, Head of the Management Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Doctor of Legal Sciences, Professor, Police Colonel said: “Our goal is to make the methodological recommendations a practical tool for investigators. They should help investigators promptly document evidence, thoroughly establish the circumstances of ill-treatment and protect victims’ rights. The Academy is ready to incorporate the revised recommendations into staff training so that the new approaches are consistently applied in day-to-day investigative practice.”

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EUDELKZ

The project presented its key recommendations concerning initial investigative actions, including securing evidence, timely medical examinations and forensic assessments, as well as ensuring the effective participation of victims and their representatives in criminal proceedings. The next step is to integrate the new methodological algorithms into the daily work of territorial units through professional training of law enforcement personnel.

Background information: The project is implemented by the Taldykorgan Human Rights Centre in partnership with the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law and the Penal Reform International (PRI) Office in Central Asia.