Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on April 15 signed into law amendments and additions to legislative acts and the code on administrative offenses to ensure the rights of women and the safety of children. The amendments were passed by Kazakhstan’s parliament on April 11.
The new legislation introduces criminal liability for beatings and intentional infliction of light, medium and severe harm to health of women and children. If violence and abuse were directed at minors, then the possibility of reconciliation between the parties is excluded.
The new law punishes the murder of a minor and rape of a minor with life imprisonment.
For the first time, criminal liability is introduced for sexual harassment of individuals under the age of 16.
The new legislation also introduces criminal liability for inducement and assistance in committing suicide by minors.
The UN has commended Kazakhstan for passing the new law protecting victims of domestic violence. According to UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan Michaela Friberg-Storey, the new law “marks a significant step towards eliminating all forms of gender-based violence. This legislative decision underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to human rights, especially the protection of women, children and vulnerable groups from domestic violence.”
