Mazhilis approves draft law “On Human Rights Ombudsman”

The legal status of the Human Rights Ombudsman will be clearly defined at the legislative level. The Ombudsman will have more competencies to restore violated human and civil rights. Members of the Mazhilis approved the relevant document in the first reading today. This mechanism, which is offered for the first time, will significantly strengthen measures to restore rights and freedoms, Mazhilismen are sure. In terms of content, the authorized person is entrusted with the function of studying and analyzing information about violations, summarizing the results of complaints consideration. This will give their activities consistency and preventive nature. From now on, the Ombudsperson, their criminal and administrative responsibility will be assigned the status of immunity. Also, due to the new law, liability will be introduced for interfering or obstructing the Ombudsperson’s legal activities.

“The draft law “On Human Rights Ombudsman” approved by us was developed as part of the third package of political reforms, which was initiated by the Head of State. It is worth noting that the powers of the Ombudsman to restore violated human rights have been significantly expanded. Thus, another important step was taken towards strengthening the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman, who is a kind of link between the state and civil society,” said Nurlan Nigmatulin, Chairperson of Mazhilis, Lower House of Kazakh Parliament.

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova