Kazakhstan constitutional referendum: UK statement to the OSCE
Deputy Ambassador Brown welcomes the decision by the Kazakh President to put proposed constitutional amendments to a national referendum.
Mr Chair,
The UK notes the important decision taken by President Tokayev to put proposed constitutional amendments to a national referendum, and we welcome his inviting international observers such as OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to participate.
The short notice meant that ODIHR was not able to conduct a full observation mission, but we nevertheless look forward to the assessment of the Referendum Assessment Mission and encourage Kazakhstan to engage with any recommendations it may make.
The final results appear to show that the proposed amendments have received significant public support. We note that there are some highly significant changes, including strengthening human rights protections at the heart of the constitution. This includes confirming the abolition of the death penalty; giving the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner constitutional status; and re-establishing the Constitutional Court, giving citizens the right to petition the court as an individual.
We hope that these amendments, along with the President’s ambition for further political, judicial and economic reforms, will constitute a positive step forward in strengthening political pluralism, democracy, and human rights in Kazakhstan.
Following the unrest there in January, Almaty City saw low turnout in the referendum. This shows the importance of building trust in institutions and their ability to protect human rights; and of a full, transparent investigation into the tragic January events, providing answers for the many families who lost loved ones.
Thank you.