The leadership and staff of the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) of Kazakhstan recently engaged in a two-week Capacity Assessment program, organised by the APF in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). 

The program, initiated at the invitation of the NCHR, took place from 19-30 June in the NCHR’s head office in Astana, Kazakhstan, with visits to regional offices in Astana, Karaganda and Almaty. The aim of the assessment was to conduct an evaluation of the NCHR's existing strengths and areas where improvements in capacity could be made.

Through research, interviews and a survey with all staff, the Capacity Assessment team considered the mandate and functioning of the institution, its current capacity and what is required for its strengthening over the next three to five years.

During the assessment, the NCHR leadership team, including Mr. Artur Lastayev, Human Rights Commissioner, and Ms. Sultanat Tursynbekova, NCHR Director, and staff, engaged in discussions focusing on strategies to strengthen the institution’s operations and its human rights impact.

The Capacity Assessment team consisted of Ms. Pip Dargan, Principal Adviser, APF Leadership Services, Ms. Rosslyn Noonan, APF NHRI Expert Consultant, Ms. Ainura Bekkoenova, Policy Specialist on the Rule of Law, Security, Ms. Ilima Bokoshova, UNDP Human Rights Officer and Ms Loukinikini Vili, Director, Human Rights at the Office of the Ombudsman, Samoa.

As part of the assessment, the team also held interviews with representatives of various government agencies, the Constitutional Court, UN agencies, local government, and civil society organisations.

Following the assessment, the CA team will provide the institution with a comprehensive report with recommendations for strategic priorities and actions for consideration. The APF, UNDP and OHCHR are committed to supporting the NCHR to implement the recommendations and will continue to encourage its engagement with the international human rights system.

The CA team would like to express its sincere appreciation to Ms Zhanna Abdilmanova, Head, International Cooperation NCHR, Mr Kairat Beisenbekov, Chief Consultant, International Cooperation, NCHR, Ms Gulmira Tulesbayeva, UNDP Kazakhstan, Ms Leila Duisekova, OHCHR Kazakhstan and Mr Ahmed Shahid, Acting Capacity Development Manager, APF, for their invaluable support and advice.

Date: 26 July 2023