Kazakhstan’s Child Protection Measures Praised by UNICEF Regional Director
Almaty, The Gulf Observer: State Counselor Erlan Karin met with UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Regina De Dominicis to discuss Kazakhstan’s child protection policies and ongoing cooperation, Akorda reported. During the meeting, both sides underscored their commitment to strengthening safeguards for children and advancing joint initiatives to support future generations.
Karin reaffirmed that child protection and safety remain core priorities of Kazakhstan’s state policy and are under the constant attention of the Head of State. He highlighted the comprehensive legislative and institutional frameworks the country has built in recent years to prevent violence and ensure children’s rights.
He noted that the Law on Ensuring Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety, now fully in force, introduces legal accountability for bullying and imposes stricter penalties for all forms of violence. As a result of these measures, particularly grave crimes against children have decreased by a stable 30%, while sexual offenses involving minors have fallen by 12.5%.
Karin added that amendments to seven separate laws have strengthened various aspects of child protection, including family support infrastructure, housing assistance, and preventive mechanisms against violence and suicide. Efforts to expand and modernise the system are continuing.
He also outlined ongoing programme initiatives, including the nationwide educational program Adal Azamat (Honest Citizen) and the comprehensive Qazaqstan Balalary (Children of Kazakhstan) programme, which is currently being coordinated with relevant government bodies.
To reinforce protection mechanisms at the regional level, Kazakhstan is establishing dedicated child rights departments and increasing staffing within guardianship authorities.
UNICEF’s Regina De Dominicis commended Kazakhstan for its progress, stating that the country sets an example not only for its regional neighbours but also for several European states. She highlighted Kazakhstan’s strong outcomes in key areas of the MICS 2024 (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey), implemented by UNICEF, and praised the specific protection mechanisms introduced under the President’s reforms.
She expressed readiness to recommend Kazakhstan’s successful practices to other countries and emphasised UNICEF’s commitment to expanding cooperation.
Concluding the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their intent to deepen collaboration and advance joint initiatives aimed at safeguarding the well-being and future of children across Kazakhstan.
