Institute of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Kazakhstan: status and prospects of development

Abstract

The Commissioner for human rights or the ombudsman is the most important figure in a complex multi-level system of observance and protection of human rights. Each state undertakes to protect human rights and creates appropriate legislation and institutional structures for this, including national human rights institutions. Traditionally, national human rights institutions are defined as state structures for the promotion and protection of human rights. The activity of the institution of the Commissioner for human rights as an individual model of a national human rights institution is based on the norms established by the Paris Principles of 1993. The Paris Principles became the document that installed standards for the work of national human rights institutions, taking into account their diversity. The Republic of Kazakhstan has joined the majority of international treaties dealing with human rights issues. An important step in implementing the obligations under these agreements was the establishment of the institution of the Commissioner for human rights or ombudsman in 2002. The Ombudsman is an official with the authority to monitor the observance of human rights and freedoms and restore them within his competence. His activities complement the current system of state protection of human rights and freedoms. This article examines the features of the institution of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Kazakhstan, analyzes its compliance with international standards, and determines the directions of its further development. The authors used both general scientific and sociological research methods, in particular, document analysis and expert survey. The purpose of this work is to study the social institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Kazakhstan, to determine the features and prospects of its activities. The research used scientific publications, official reports of international experts, national reports, reviews of international organizations whose activities are aimed at the realization and protection of human rights.