UN Human Rights Office calls on Kazakhstan to respect freedoms of peaceful assembly

AKIPRESS.COM - The UN Human Rights Office has called on Kazakh authorities to respect the human rights in freedom of peaceful rallies, expressions of opinions and right to participate in political life of the country.
"Kazakhstan's actions against peaceful protestors, activists and journalists during and after the presidential elections on 9 June are extremely regrettable", Mr Ryszard Komenda, Head of the UN Human Rights Office for Central Asia said on Tuesday.
"The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are the building blocks of successful and vibrant societies. Any attempt to restrict them unnecessarily and without proper justification constitute risks for stability and social cohesion."
The UN Human Rights Office is concerned about the significant scale of arrests and convictions for peaceful and legitimate expression of political opinion and dissent.
"This is an apparent contradiction with Kazakhstan's obligations under international human rights law" said Mr Komenda.
"I urge Kazakhstan to fulfil its legal obligations to respect and protect the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, expression, and ensure the right to meaningful political participation".