Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, the human rights landscape as of early 2026 is defined by a tension between the government’s "New Kazakhstan" reform rhetoric and a continuing crackdown on political dissent, independent media, and the LGBTQ+ community.
1. Narrowing Space for Dissent and Press Freedom
Despite promises of political liberalization, authorities have tightened their grip on independent voices and opposition groups.
Targeting Journalists: In late 2025 and early 2026, new regulations for "compulsory accreditation" were introduced, granting officials broad discretion to deny or revoke the credentials of foreign and domestic journalists.
Political Prisoners: Activists such as Marat Zhylanbaev (sentenced to 7 years in 2023) remain imprisoned on what rights groups call politically motivated "extremism" charges. In early 2025, Zhylanbaev’s health deteriorated significantly following a hunger strike.
Digital Censorship: The government continues to block websites and social media platforms intermittently. In November 2025, several news outlets were blocked following their coverage of sensitive political trials.
2. Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation and "Traditional Values"
A major shift occurred in late 2025 with the adoption of restrictive laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
"Propaganda" Ban: In December 2025, President Tokayev signed legislation banning the "promotion of non-traditional sexual relations" (often called the LGBTQ+ propaganda law). Critics argue this institutionalizes discrimination and puts activists at risk of criminal prosecution.+1
Disrupted Gatherings: Following the law's passage, homophobic groups have disrupted private LGBTQ+ gatherings with relative impunity, while police have frequently detained the activists rather than the attackers.
3. Impunity for the "Bloody January" (Qantar) Events
Four years after the mass anti-government protests of January 2022, accountability for the 238 deaths and widespread reports of torture remains elusive.
Lack of Investigations: While a handful of low-ranking officers have been convicted of torture, the UN Human Rights Committee noted in September 2025 that Kazakhstan has failed to conduct a transparent, high-level investigation into the "excessive use of force" by security services.
Suspended Sentences: Even when high-ranking officials are charged—such as former Interior Minister Yerlan Turgumbayev in late 2024—they often receive suspended sentences, which activists view as a failure of justice.
4. Domestic Violence: "Saltanat’s Law"
One of the few areas of progress followed a national tragedy.
Criminalization: After the high-profile 2024 trial of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev for the murder of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, Kazakhstan passed "Saltanat’s Law." This reinstated criminal penalties for battery and light bodily harm, which had been decriminalized in 2017.
Implementation Gaps: While the law is a victory for activists, 2025 reports indicate that domestic violence remains widespread. Experts argue that without a stand-alone "Domestic Violence" offense in the criminal code, many forms of psychological and economic abuse still go unpunished.
5. Repression of Xinjiang Activists
Kazakhstan faces a delicate balancing act regarding its relationship with China, often at the expense of human rights.
The Atajurt Trial: In January 2026, the trial of 19 activists from the human rights group Atajurt began. They were charged with "inciting ethnic discord" after protesting for the release of Kazakh citizens detained in China's Xinjiang region.+1
Extradition Fears: Activists from Uzbekistan (Karakalpakstan) and China residing in Kazakhstan face a constant threat of forcible return (refoulement) to countries where they risk torture.
International Oversight
In May 2026, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan to assess how these human rights challenges intersect with the country's economic goals.