OSCE Centre in Astana holds student conference to mark International Human Rights Day

ALMATY, 9 December 2011 – Some 70 university students gathered to mark International Human Rights Day at an OSCE Centre-supported annual student event that concluded today in Almaty.

Over two days, students from Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Taraz, Karagandy, Pavlodar and Petropavlovsk presented papers, and took part in discussions and debates on human rights issues.

The conference covered topics such as guaranteeing the social and economic rights of Kazakhstan’s citizens, reforming the criminal justice system, and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions, including the further development of the jury trial institution, and the public oversight of law enforcement activities.

"Human rights education is an important part of the democratic reform process pursued by Kazakhstan since it gained its independence 20 years ago. We are always eager to publicize human rights principles and values, especially among young people, and we are most pleased to celebrate Human Rights Day with the students here today," said Andrew Offenbacher, the Political Officer of the OSCE Centre.

"Sharing human rights knowledge and working towards liberty, justice and tolerance should be carried out in conjunction with developing national legislation and policies," said Professor Aizhan Mukhtarova, the Vice-President of the Caspian Public University. "This conference contributes to the development and strengthening of human rights culture in Kazakhstan."

The student conference was organized in partnership with Caspian Public University. It is part of the OSCE Centre's support for human rights education initiatives in co-operation with non-governmental organizations, universities and state institutions.