A Kazakh delegation will attend two EU forums today, the Human Rights dialogue and the 20th Sub-Committee on Justice and Rule of Law ‘Kazakhstan-EU’. Photo: European Council

A Kazakh delegation will attend two EU forums today, the Human Rights dialogue and the 20th Sub-Committee on Justice and Rule of Law ‘Kazakhstan-EU’.

The meetings are focused on issues facing Kazakhstan’s judicial system including human rights, anti-corruption, and border protection. Kazakhstan is a major hub for illegal migration and human trafficking, which impacts the region’s stability. For the Kazakh delegation, led by Deputy Prosecutor General Bulat Dembayev, the events are a major opportunity to voice concern about the heavy visa restrictions imposed on Kazakh citizens due to the high crime rates and the government’s lack of response.

While the Kazakh government is in collaboration with various NGO’s—most notably Rana Semi and Rodnik—to combat human trafficking, the high prevalence of bribery and corruption resulted in largely ineffective policing. Moving forward, Astana is preparing to enact further laws during the short-to medium term which would impose harsher penalties for those who commit such crimes. This way, while Kazakhstan aims to lower crime rates in the country, it will also appeal to other countries to lower visa restrictions for Kazakh citizens seeking employment. This appeal will likely deliver positive results for the Kazakh delegation during the long-term.