Editing Kazakhstan (section)

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Government of Kazakhstan|Politics of Kazakhstan}}

=== Political system ===

Officially, Kazakhstan is a democratic, secular, constitutional [[unitary republic]]; [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]] led the country from 1991 to 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/07/yes-kazakhstan-should-change-its-name-this-map-shows-why/|title=Yes, Kazakhstan should change its name. This map shows why.|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=11 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811145614/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/07/yes-kazakhstan-should-change-its-name-this-map-shows-why/|archive-date=11 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47628854|title=Kazakh leader resigns after three decades|date=19 March 2019|access-date=19 March 2019|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425061650/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47628854|archive-date=25 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded by [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-03-19/president-of-kazakhstan-nursultan-nazarbayev-resigns|title=Kazakhstan's Leader Nazarbayev Resigns After Three Decades in Power|last=Auyezov|first=Olzhas|date=19 March 2019|website=US News|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401081832/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-03-19/president-of-kazakhstan-nursultan-nazarbayev-resigns|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tokayev-wins">{{cite news|title=Nazarbayev ally wins big in Kazakhstan election after hundreds arrested|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/09/hundreds-arrested-as-kazakhs-protest-against-rigged-election|agency=The Guardian|access-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712033625/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/09/hundreds-arrested-as-kazakhs-protest-against-rigged-election|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The president may veto legislation that has been passed by the [[Parliament of Kazakhstan|parliament]] and is also the [[commander-in-chief]] of the [[Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan|armed forces]]. The prime minister chairs the cabinet of ministers and serves as Kazakhstan's head of government. There are three deputy prime ministers and sixteen ministers in the cabinet.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Republic of Kazakhstan {{!}} CIS Legislation|url=https://cis-legislation.com/cis/kazakhstan/index.html|access-date=2021-01-05|website=cis-legislation.com|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109232202/https://cis-legislation.com/cis/kazakhstan/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;"
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| [[File:Kassym-Jomart_Tokayev_(2022-06-17)_(cropped).jpg|120px]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[File:Oljas Bektenov (2024-02-06, cropped).jpg|120px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]]<br /><small>[[President of Kazakhstan|President]]</small>
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Oljas Bektenov]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Kazakhstan]]</small>
|}

Kazakhstan has a [[bicameral]] parliament composed of the ''[[Majilis]]'' (the [[lower house]]) and [[Senate of Kazakhstan|senate]] (the [[upper house]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akorda.kz/en/category/kazakhstan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323103659/http://akorda.kz/en/category/kazakhstan |archive-date=23 March 2013 |title=Official site of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan |publisher=Akorda.kz |access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref> Single-mandate districts popularly elect 107 seats in the ''Majilis''; there also are ten members elected by party-list vote. The senate has 48 members. Two senators are selected by each of the elected assemblies ([[mäslihat]]s) of Kazakhstan's twenty principal [[Administrative divisions of Kazakhstan|administrative divisions]] (seventeen regions and three nationally significant cities).<ref name="Republic of Kazakhstan">{{cite web |title=Republic of Kazakhstan |url=https://www.akorda.kz/en/republic_of_kazakhstan/kazakhstan |website=Official Website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan |publisher=The Republic of Kazakhstan |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110220907if_/https://www.akorda.kz/en/republic_of_kazakhstan/kazakhstan |archive-date=10 November 2024 |publication-place=Astana |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> The president appoints the remaining fifteen senators. ''Majilis'' deputies and the government both have the right of legislative initiative, though the government proposes most legislation considered by the parliament.
In 2020, [[Freedom House]] rated Kazakhstan as a "consolidated [[authoritarian]] regime", stating that [[freedom of speech]] is not respected and "Kazakhstan's electoral laws do not provide for [[free and fair election]]s."<ref name="kaz2">{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan: Nations in Transit 2020 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/kazakhstan/nations-transit/2020 |website=Freedom House |access-date=30 May 2021 |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212641/https://freedomhouse.org/country/kazakhstan/nations-transit/2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Political reforms===
Reforms have begun to be implemented after the election of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in June 2019. Tokayev supports a culture of opposition, public assembly, and loosening rules on forming political parties.<ref name="poleform">{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan to Liberalize Rules on Protests and Political Parties |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-12-20/kazakhstan-to-liberalize-rules-on-protests-and-political-parties |agency=REUTERS |publisher=USNews |access-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224202342/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2019-12-20/kazakhstan-to-liberalize-rules-on-protests-and-political-parties |archive-date=24 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2019, Tokayev established the National Council of Public Trust as a public platform for national conversation regarding government policies and reforms.<ref name="Iran Daily">{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan President Tokayev's initiatives on public safety, rule of law, human rights |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/263944.html |website=iran-daily.com |access-date=8 April 2020 |date=5 January 2020 |archive-date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114194339/http://www.iran-daily.com/News/263944.html |url-status=live }} [[File:CC BY icon.svg|50px]] Text was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016050101/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |date=16 October 2017 }}.</ref> In July 2019, the President of Kazakhstan announced a concept of a 'listening state' that quickly and efficiently responds to all constructive requests of the country's citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/long-take/first-glimpses-of-tokayevs-kazakhstan/|title=First glimpses of Tokayev's Kazakhstan: The listening state?|date=17 September 2019|website=Atlantic Council|language=en-US|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920081417/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/commentary/long-take/first-glimpses-of-tokayevs-kazakhstan/|url-status=live}}</ref> A law will be passed to allow representatives from other parties to hold chair positions on some Parliamentary committees, to foster alternative views and opinions.{{when|date=March 2022}} The minimum membership threshold needed to register a political party will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 members.<ref name="Iran Daily"/> Special places for peaceful rallies in central areas will be allocated and a new draft law outlining the rights and obligations of organisers, participants and observers will be passed.<ref name="Iran Daily"/> In an effort to increase public safety, President Tokayev has strengthened the penalties for those who commit crimes against individuals.<ref name="Iran Daily"/>

On 17 September 2022, Tokayev signed a decree that limits presidential tenure to one term of seven years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kazakhstan limits presidential term, renames capital |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/17/kazakhstan-limits-presidential-term-renames-capital |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917174621/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/17/kazakhstan-limits-presidential-term-renames-capital |url-status=live }}</ref> He furthermore announced the preparation of a new reform package to "decentralize" and "distribute" power between government institutions. The reform package also seeks to modify the electoral system and increase the decision-making authorities of Kazakhstan's regions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-11-18 |title=Tokayev bites the reform bullet |url=https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/11/19/tokayev-bites-the-reform-bullet/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=East Asia Forum |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221081643/https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/11/19/tokayev-bites-the-reform-bullet/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The powers of the parliament were expanded at the expense of those of the president, relatives of whom are now also barred from holding government positions, while the Constitutional Court was restored and the death penalty abolished.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kazakhstan: Voters back reforms to reject founder's legacy |url=https://www.dw.com/en/kazakhstan-voters-back-reforms-to-reject-founders-legacy/a-62037144 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221081812/https://www.dw.com/en/kazakhstan-voters-back-reforms-to-reject-founders-legacy/a-62037144 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===
{{Main|Regions of Kazakhstan|Districts of Kazakhstan}}

Kazakhstan is divided into seventeen [[Regions of Kazakhstan|regions]] ({{langx|kk|облыстар}}, {{lang|kk-latn|oblystar}}; {{langx|ru|link=no|области}}, {{lang|ru-latn|oblasti}}) and four cities independent of their geographic region.<ref name="Republic of Kazakhstan" /> The regions are subdivided into 177 [[Districts of Kazakhstan|districts]] ({{langx|kk|аудандар}}, {{lang|kk-latn|audandar}}; {{langx|ru|link=no|районы}}, {{lang|ru-latn|rayony}}).<ref name="OECD" >{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan, Unitary County|url=https://www.oecd.org/regional/regional-policy/profile-Kazakhzstan.pdf|publisher=www.oecd.org|access-date=6 February 2018|url-status=deviated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190320/https://www.oecd.org/regional/regional-policy/profile-Kazakhzstan.pdf|archive-date=6 February 2018}}</ref> The districts are further subdivided into rural districts at the lowest level of administration, which include all rural settlements and villages without an associated municipal government.<ref name="Adilet">{{cite web|title=On Administrative-Territorial Division of the Republic of Kazakhstan, The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 8 December 1993|url=http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z930004200_|website=Adilet|publisher=Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Republican Center of Legal Information|access-date=7 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207124434/http://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z930004200_|archive-date=7 February 2018}}</ref>

{{anchor|special status cities}}
The cities of [[Almaty]], [[Astana]] and [[Shymkent]] have status "state importance" and do not belong to any region. The city of [[Baikonur]] has a special status because it is being leased until 2050 to Russia for the [[Baikonur cosmodrome]].<ref name="CIA">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kazakhstan/ Kazakhstan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109132304/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/kazakhstan |date=9 January 2021 }} . ''CIA World Factbook''.</ref> In June 2018 the city of [[Şymkent]] became a "city of republican significance".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.akorda.kz/ru/events/akorda_news/akorda_other_events/publichnoe-podpisanie-ukaza-o-nekotoryh-voprosah-administrativno-territorialnogo-ustroistva-respubliki-kazahstan |script-title=ru:Публичное подписание Указа "О некоторых вопросах административно-территориального устройства Республики Казахстан" |trans-title=Public signing of the Decree "On some issues of the administrative and territorial structure of the Republic of Kazakhstan" |date=19 June 2018 |publisher=President of Kazakhstan |language=ru |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180620020328/http://www.akorda.kz/ru/events/akorda_news/akorda_other_events/publichnoe-podpisanie-ukaza-o-nekotoryh-voprosah-administrativno-territorialnogo-ustroistva-respubliki-kazahstan |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Each region is headed by an [[Akim|äkim]] (regional governor) appointed by the president. District ''äkimi'' are appointed by regional ''akim''s. Kazakhstan's government relocated its capital from Almaty, established under the Soviet Union, to Astana on 10 December 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kazakhstan renames capital to honour ex-leader|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/3/23/kazakhstan-renames-capital-to-honour-ex-leader|access-date=2021-01-05|website=aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108232741/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/3/23/kazakhstan-renames-capital-to-honour-ex-leader|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Municipal divisions ===
Municipalities exist at each level of administrative division in Kazakhstan. Cities of republican, regional, and district significance are designated as urban inhabited localities; all others are designated rural.<ref name="Adilet" /> At the highest level are the cities of Almaty and Astana, which are classified as ''cities of republican significance'' on the administrative level equal to that of a region.<ref name="OECD"/> At the intermediate level are ''cities of regional significance'' on the administrative level equal to that of a district. Cities of these two levels may be divided into city districts.<ref name="OECD" /> At the lowest level are ''cities of district significance'', and over two-thousand ''villages and rural settlements'' ({{lang|ru-latn|aul}}) on the administrative level equal to that of rural districts.<ref name="OECD" />

=== Urban centres ===
{{Largest cities
| country      = Kazakhstan
| stat_ref     = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT305821|title=Обложка|website=stat.gov.kz|access-date=7 December 2021|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613081608/http://stat.gov.kz/api/getFile/?docId=ESTAT305821|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| list_by_pop  = 
| div_name     = Region
| div_link     =
|city_1 = Almaty
|div_1 = Almaty
|pop_1 = 1,854,656
|img_1 = View of Almaty from the hills.png
|city_2 = Astana
|div_2 = Astana
|pop_2 = 1,078,384
|img_2 = Astana 020000, Kazakhstan - panoramio (15).jpg
|city_3 = Şymkent
|div_3 = Shymkent{{!}}Shymkent
|pop_3 = 1,009,086
|img_3 = Unnamed Road, Kazakhstan - panoramio (44).jpg
|city_4 = Qarağandy
|div_4 = Qarağandy Region{{!}}Qarağandy
|pop_4 = 497,712
|img_4 = Qaraghandy, Kazakhstan.jpg
|city_5 = Aqtobe
|div_5 = Aqtobe Region{{!}}Aqtobe
|pop_5 = 487,994
|city_6 = Taraz
|div_6 = Jambyl Region{{!}}Jambyl
|pop_6 = 357,791
|city_7 = Pavlodar
|div_7 = Pavlodar Region{{!}}Pavlodar
|pop_7 = 333,989
|city_8 = Öskemen
|div_8 = East Kazakhstan Region{{!}}East Kazakhstan
|pop_8 = 331,614
|city_9 = Semey
|div_9 = Abai Region{{!}}Abai
|pop_9 = 323,138
|city_10 = Atyrau
|div_10 = Atyrau Region{{!}}Atyrau
|pop_10 = 269,720

}}

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Kazakhstan}}
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in South Korea, March 2012-15.jpeg|thumb|President [[Nursultan Nazarbayev|Nazarbayev]] with U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] and Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in 2012]]

Kazakhstan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the [[Economic Cooperation Organization]] and the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]. The nations of Kazakhstan, Russia, [[Belarus]], Kyrgyzstan and [[Tajikistan]] established the [[Eurasian Economic Community]] in 2000, to revive earlier efforts to harmonise trade tariffs and to create a free trade zone under a customs union. On 1 December 2007, it was announced that Kazakhstan had been chosen to chair the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] for the year 2010. Kazakhstan was elected a member of the [[UN Human Rights Council]] for the first time on 12 November 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Kazakhstan-became-member-of-UN-Human-Rights-Council--14431/ |title=Kazakhstan became member of UN Human Rights Council |work=Tengrinews.kz English |date=13 November 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101051159/http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Kazakhstan-became-member-of-UN-Human-Rights-Council--14431/ |archive-date=1 January 2016}}</ref>

Kazakhstan is also a member of the United Nations, [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]], [[Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council]], [[Turkic Council]], and [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC). It is an active participant in the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]] [[Partnership for Peace]] program.<ref name="pfpsigs">{{cite web|author=North Atlantic Treaty Organization|title=Signatures of Partnership for Peace Framework Document|date=5 October 2006|url=http://www.nato.int/pfp/sig-cntr.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129213256/http://www.nato.int/pfp/sig-cntr.htm|archive-date=29 November 2006}}</ref>

In 1999, Kazakhstan had applied for observer status at the [[Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly]]. The official response of the Assembly was that because Kazakhstan is partially located in Europe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewHTML.asp?FileID=9998|title=Situation in Kazakhstan and its relations with the Council of Europe|last=Iwiński|first=Tadeusz|date=7 July 2006|website=Council of Europe – Parliamentary Assembly|access-date=14 February 2020|quote=For its part, the Assembly might decide, already at this stage, to interpret Rule 59 of its Rules of procedure, concerning special guests, in such a way as to include the Eurasian States. Two Council of Europe member States, Turkey and Russia, belong geographically to both Europe and Asia and are therefore Eurasian. Strictly speaking, the three South Caucasus States, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are located in Asia, yet their membership of political Europe is no longer in doubt. [...] This being the case, Kazakhstan, as a Eurasian State participating in the OSCE and a signatory to the International covenant on civil and political rights and the International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights, would meet the criteria laid down in Rule 59, making it eligible to apply for special guest status with the Assembly.|archive-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909233442/http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewHTML.asp?FileID=9998|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://isdp.eu/content/uploads/2017/10/2017-cornell-engvall-kazakhstan-in-europe-why-not.pdf|title=Kazakhstan in Europe: Why Not?|last1=Cornell|first1=Svante|last2=Engvall|first2=Johan|date=2017|website=Institute for Security & Development Policy|access-date=15 February 2020|quote=However, by 2006, a Rapporteur for the Political Affairs Committee concluded that because of Kazakhstan's nature as a European country, the country should be considered 'eligible to apply for a special guest status.'|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024154030/https://isdp.eu/content/uploads/2017/10/2017-cornell-engvall-kazakhstan-in-europe-why-not.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> it could apply for full membership, but that it would not be granted any status whatsoever at the council until its democracy and human rights records improved.

Since independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued what is known as the "multi-vector foreign policy" ({{langx|kk|көпвекторлы сыртқы саясат|köpvektorly syrtqy saiasat }}), seeking equally good relations with its two large neighbours, Russia and China, as well as with the United States and the rest of the Western world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Blank |first=Stephen |title=Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy in a Time of Turmoil |publisher=EurasiaNet |date=27 April 2005 |url=http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav042705.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045839/http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav042705.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=9 April 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Ariel |title=Kazakh foreign minister insists balanced foreign policy remains intact |publisher=Business News Europe |date=7 October 2008 |url=http://www.businessneweurope.eu/story1291 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817020006/http://www.businessneweurope.eu/story1291 |archive-date=17 August 2009}}</ref> Russia leases approximately {{convert|6000|km2|0|abbr=out}} of territory enclosing the [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] space launch site in south central Kazakhstan, where the first man was launched into space as well as Soviet space shuttle [[Buran (spacecraft)|Buran]] and the well-known space station [[Mir]].

On 11 April 2010, presidents Nazarbayev and [[Barack Obama|Obama]] met at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., and discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Kazakhstan. They pledged to intensify bilateral co-operation to promote nuclear safety and non-proliferation, regional stability in Central Asia, economic prosperity, and universal values.<ref>[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/joint-statement-meeting-between-president-obama-and-kazakhstan-president-nazarbayev Joint Statement on the meeting between President Obama and Kazakhstan president Nazarbayev | The White House] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216172644/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/joint-statement-meeting-between-president-obama-and-kazakhstan-president-nazarbayev |date=16 February 2017 }}. Whitehouse.gov (11 April 2010). Retrieved 14 January 2013.</ref>

Since 2014, the Kazakhstani government has been bidding for a non-permanent member seat on the UN Security Council for 2017–2018.<ref name=AT5>{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan, UN Continue Building on Two-Decades of Cooperation|url=http://astanatimes.com/2014/10/kazakhstan-un-continue-building-two-decades-cooperation/|website=Astanatimes.com|date=27 October 2014 |access-date=14 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219170610/http://astanatimes.com/2014/10/kazakhstan-un-continue-building-two-decades-cooperation/|archive-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> On 28 June 2016 Kazakhstan was elected as a non-permanent member to serve on the UN Security Council for a two-year term.<ref name=UN>{{cite web|title=Sweden, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan elected to Security Council|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54350#.WDczqbXXfYU|website=un.org| date=28 June 2016 |access-date=23 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125045313/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54350#.WDczqbXXfYU|archive-date=25 November 2016}}</ref>
[[File:Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states Summit gets underway in Samarkand 02.jpg|thumb|Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Erdoğan]], [[Xi Jinping]] and other leaders at the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]] summit in Samarkand, 16 September 2022]]
Kazakhstan has supported UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti, Western Sahara, and Côte d'Ivoire.<ref name=TN1>{{cite news|title=Kazakh peacekeepers in Western Sahara|url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/military/Kazakh-peacekeepers-in-Western-Sahara-257039/|publisher=Tengrinews|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108204101/http://en.tengrinews.kz/military/Kazakh-peacekeepers-in-Western-Sahara-257039/|archive-date=8 November 2014}}</ref> In March 2014, the Ministry of Defense chose 20 Kazakhstani military men as observers for the UN peacekeeping missions. The military personnel, ranking from captain to colonel, had to go through specialised UN training; they had to be fluent in English and skilled in using specialised military vehicles.<ref name="TN1" />

In 2014, Kazakhstan gave Ukraine humanitarian aid during the conflict with Russian-backed rebels. In October 2014, Kazakhstan donated $30,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross's humanitarian effort in Ukraine. In January 2015, to help the humanitarian crisis, Kazakhstan sent $400,000 of aid to [[Novorossiya (confederation)|Ukraine's southeastern regions]].<ref name=gpostukraine1>{{cite news|title=Kazakhstan delivers humanitarian aid to Ukraine |url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/agencia-efe/150111/kazakhstan-delivers-humanitarian-aid-ukraine |work=Global Post |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230451/https://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/agencia-efe/150111/kazakhstan-delivers-humanitarian-aid-ukraine |archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> President Nazarbayev said of the war in Ukraine, "The fratricidal war has brought true devastation to eastern Ukraine, and it is a common task to stop the war there, strengthen Ukraine's independence and secure territorial integrity of Ukraine."<ref name=ukrainenaz>{{cite news|title=Nazarbayev Offers to Mediate in Ukraine, Stresses Kazakhstan's Economic Resilience|url=http://astanatimes.com/2014/12/nazarbayev-offers-mediate-ukraine-stresses-kazakhstans-economic-resilience/|work=The Astana Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208182750/http://astanatimes.com/2014/12/nazarbayev-offers-mediate-ukraine-stresses-kazakhstans-economic-resilience/|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> Experts believe that no matter how the Ukraine crisis develops, Kazakhstan's relations with the European Union will remain normal.<ref name=CarnegieUkraniepiece>{{cite web|title=Nazarbayev as Mediator| work=Carnegie Moscow Center |url=http://carnegie.ru/commentary/?fa=57771|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Moscow Center|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208144059/http://carnegie.ru/commentary/?fa=57771|archive-date=8 December 2015 | last1=Malashenko | first1=Alexey }}</ref> It is believed that Nazarbayev's mediation is positively received by both Russia and Ukraine.<ref name="CarnegieUkraniepiece" />

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on 26 January 2015: "We are firmly convinced that there is no alternative to peace negotiations as a way to resolve the crisis in south-eastern Ukraine."<ref name=ukrainejan26statement>{{cite news|title=Kazakhstan Urges Peaceful Resolution to Ukraine Conflict, Reiterates Minsk Agreements|url=http://astanatimes.com/2015/01/kazakhstan-urges-peaceful-resolution-ukraine-conflict-reiterates-minsk-agreements/|work=The Astana Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154047/http://astanatimes.com/2015/01/kazakhstan-urges-peaceful-resolution-ukraine-conflict-reiterates-minsk-agreements/|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> In 2018, Kazakhstan signed the UN [[treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |title=Chapter XXVI: Disarmament&nbsp;– No. 9 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons |publisher=United Nations Treaty Collection |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806220546/https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVI-9&chapter=26&clang=_en |archive-date=6 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Putin-Tokayev meeting (2022-11-28) 01.jpg|thumb|President [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]] with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]], 28 November 2022]]

On 6 March 2020, the Concept of the Foreign Policy of Kazakhstan for 2020–2030 was announced. The document outlines the following main points:

* An open, predictable and consistent foreign policy of the country, which is progressive in nature and maintains its endurance by continuing the course of the First President – the country at a new stage of development;
* Protection of human rights, development of humanitarian diplomacy and environmental protection;
* Promotion of the country's economic interests in the international arena, including the implementation of state policy to attract investment;
* Maintaining international peace and security;
* Development of regional and multilateral diplomacy, which primarily involves strengthening mutually beneficial ties with key partners – Russia, China, the United States, Central Asian states and the EU countries, as well as through multilateral structures – the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inform.kz/en/article/3622809|title=President approves new concept of Kazakhstan's foreign policy for 2020–2030|last=INFORM.KZ|date=9 March 2020|website=inform.kz|language=ru|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407103930/https://www.inform.kz/en/article/3622809|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:CSTO Map.svg|thumb|Member states of the [[Collective Security Treaty Organization]] (CSTO)]]

Kazakhstan's memberships of international organisations include:

* [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] (CIS)
* [[Collective Security Treaty Organization]] (CSTO)
* [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation]]
* [[Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council]]
* [[Individual Partnership Action Plan]], with [[NATO]], Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, [[Moldova]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] and [[Montenegro]]
* [[Turkic Council]] and the [[TÜRKSOY]] community. (The national language, [[Kazakh language|Kazakh]], is related to the other [[Turkic languages]], with which it shares cultural and [[Turkic peoples|historical ties]])
* United Nations
* [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE)
* [[UNESCO]], where Kazakhstan is a member of its [[World Heritage Committee]]<ref name=UNESCO>{{cite web |title=Twelve new members elected to World Heritage Committee |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1082/ |publisher=UNESCO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218004512/https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1082 |archive-date=18 February 2016}}</ref>
* [[Nuclear Suppliers Group]] as a participating government
* [[World Trade Organization]]<ref name="wtokz">{{cite web|title=Kazakhstan and the WTO|url=https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/kazakhstan_e.htm|website=World Trade Organization|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701122807/https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/kazakhstan_e.htm|archive-date=1 July 2017}}</ref>
* [[Organization of Islamic Cooperation]] (OIC)<ref name="oicmems">{{cite web|title=Member States|url=http://www.oic-oci.org/states/?lan=en|website=OIC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609063319/http://www.oic-oci.org/states/?lan=en|archive-date=9 June 2017}}</ref>
Based on these principles, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kazakhstan has increasingly pursued an independent foreign policy, defined by its own foreign policy objectives and ambitions<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Wilder Alejandro |date=May 2020 |title=A Rising Global Player: Kazakhstan's Foreign Policy in the 2020s |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/uploads/documents/KI_200514_cable%2051_v1.pdf |website=Wilson Center |access-date=21 December 2022 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221082204/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/uploads/documents/KI_200514_cable%2051_v1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Umarov |first=Temur |title=Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia's Grip |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/09/16/kazakhstan-russia-ukraine-war/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Foreign Policy |date=16 September 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223102832/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/09/16/kazakhstan-russia-ukraine-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> through which the country attempts to balance its relations with "all the major powers and an equally principled aversion towards excessive dependence in any field upon any one of them, while also opening the country up economically to all who are willing to invest there."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kazakhstan asserts its independent foreign policy |url=https://trendsresearch.org/insight/kazakhstan-asserts-its-independent-foreign-policy/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=trendsresearch.org |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221082345/https://trendsresearch.org/insight/kazakhstan-asserts-its-independent-foreign-policy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Kazakhstan is the 59th most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 [[Global Peace Index]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-web.pdf|title=2024 Global Peace Index}}</ref>

=== Military ===
{{Main|Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan}}
[[File:Kazakhstan Republican Guard.JPEG|right|thumb|[[Republican Guard (Kazakhstan)|Kazakhstan Republican Guard]]]]
[[File:A Kazakh Sukhoi Su-27P(modified).jpg|thumb|A Kazakhstan [[Sukhoi Su-27]]]]

Most of Kazakhstan's military was inherited from the [[Soviet Armed Forces]]' [[Turkestan Military District]]. These units became the core of Kazakhstan's new military. It acquired all the units of the [[40th Army (Soviet Union)|40th Army]] (the former 32nd Army) and part of the 17th Army Corps, including six land-force divisions, storage bases, the 14th and 35th air-landing brigades, two rocket brigades, two artillery regiments, and a large amount of equipment that had been withdrawn from over the Urals after the signing of the [[Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe]]. Since the late 20th century, the Kazakhstan Army has focused on expanding the number of its armoured units. Since 1990, armoured units have expanded from 500 to 1,613 in 2005.

The Kazakh air force is composed mostly of Soviet-era planes, including 41 [[MiG-29]]s, 44 [[MiG-31]]s, 37 [[Su-24]]s and 60 [[Su-27]]s. A small naval force is maintained on the Caspian Sea.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Putz|first=Catherine|title=Yes, Kazakhstan Has a Navy|url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/04/yes-kazakhstan-has-a-navy/|access-date=2021-01-05|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107065311/https://thediplomat.com/2015/04/yes-kazakhstan-has-a-navy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kazakhstan sent 29 military engineers to [[Iraq]] to assist the [[History of Iraq (2003–2011)|US post-invasion mission in Iraq]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-10-21|title=Kazakhstan withdraws soldiers from Iraq|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kazakhstan-idUSTRE49K4UL20081021|access-date=2021-01-05|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222181157/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kazakhstan-idUSTRE49K4UL20081021|url-status=live}}</ref> During the second Iraq War, Kazakhstani troops dismantled 4 million mines and other explosives, helped provide medical care to more than 5,000 coalition members and civilians, and purified {{convert|718|m3|abbr=out}} of water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Steppe Eagle military exercises cover broad spectrum of scenarios |url=http://www.kazakhembus.com/content/steppe-eagle-military-exercises-cover-broad-spectrum-scenarios |publisher=Central Asia Newswire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141550/http://www.kazakhembus.com/content/steppe-eagle-military-exercises-cover-broad-spectrum-scenarios |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref>

Kazakhstan's [[National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan|National Security Committee]] (UQK) was established on 13 June 1992. It includes the Service of Internal Security, Military Counterintelligence, Border Guard, several Commando units, and Foreign Intelligence (Barlau). The latter is considered the most important part of KNB. Its director is [[Nurtai Abykayev]].

Since 2002, the joint tactical peacekeeping exercise "Steppe Eagle" has been hosted by the Kazakhstan government. "Steppe Eagle" focuses on building coalitions and gives participating nations the opportunity to work together. During the Steppe Eagle exercises, the [[KAZBAT]] peacekeeping battalion operates within a multinational force under a unified command within peacekeeping operations, with NATO and the U.S. Military.<ref name=steppe1>{{cite news|title=Steppe Eagle – 2015 Multinational Peacekeeping Exercises to be Held in April and June|url=http://astanatimes.com/2015/02/steppe-eagle-2015-multinational-peacekeeping-exercises-held-april-june/|work=The Astana Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208095229/http://astanatimes.com/2015/02/steppe-eagle-2015-multinational-peacekeeping-exercises-held-april-june/|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref>

In December 2013, Kazakhstan announced it will send officers to support United Nations Peacekeeping forces in Haiti, Western Sahara, Ivory Coast and Liberia.<ref name=un1>{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan to Join U.N. Peacekeeping for First Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/12/20/world/20reuters-kazakhstan-un.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

=== Human rights ===
{{Main|Human rights in Kazakhstan}}

The [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] has consistently ranked Kazakhstan as an "authoritarian regime" in its [[Democracy Index]], ranking it 128th out of 167 countries for 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/02/02/global-democracy-has-a-very-bad-year|title=Global democracy has a very bad year|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=2 February 2021|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=26 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726221509/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/02/02/global-democracy-has-a-very-bad-year|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/01/22/global-democracy-has-another-bad-year|title=Global democracy has another bad year|newspaper=The Economist|date=22 January 2020|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323135217/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2020/01/22/global-democracy-has-another-bad-year|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kazakhstan was ranked 142nd out of 180 countries in [[Reporters Without Borders]]' [[Press Freedom Index]] for 2024; previously it ranked 134th for 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/kazakhstan|title=Kazakhstan|work=Reporters Without Borders|access-date=8 June 2022|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303184703/https://rsf.org/en/kazakhstan|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kazakhstan's human rights situation has been described as poor by independent observers. In its 2015 report of human rights in the country, [[Human Rights Watch]] said that "Kazakhstan heavily restricts freedom of assembly, speech, and religion."<ref name="World Report 2015: Kazakhstan">[[Human Rights Watch]], [https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/kazakhstan World Report 2015: Kazakhstan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028020227/https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/kazakhstan |date=28 October 2016 }}, accessed October 2015.</ref> It has also described the government as authoritarian.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/06/05/kazakhstan-elections-and-transition-wasnt|title=The Kazakhstan elections and the transition that wasn't|website=hrw.org|date=5 June 2019|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301011034/https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/06/05/kazakhstan-elections-and-transition-wasnt|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, authorities closed newspapers, jailed or fined dozens of people after peaceful but unsanctioned protests, and fined or detained worshipers for practising religion outside state controls. Government critics, including opposition leader [[Vladimir Kozlov (politician)|Vladimir Kozlov]], remained in detention after unfair trials. In mid-2014, Kazakhstan adopted new criminal, criminal executive, criminal procedural, and administrative codes, and a new law on trade unions, which contain articles restricting fundamental freedoms and are incompatible with international standards. Torture remains common in places of detention."<ref>[[Human Rights Watch]], [https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/kazakhstan World Report 2015: Kazakhstan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028020227/https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/kazakhstan |date=28 October 2016 }}, accessed September 2016.</ref> However, Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress in reducing the prison population.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Trochev|first1=Alexei|title=Trials and Tribulations: Kazakhstan's Criminal Justice Reforms|date=2019|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-981-13-6693-2_5|work=Kazakhstan and the Soviet Legacy|pages=75–99|editor-last=Caron|editor-first=Jean-François|place=Singapore|publisher=Springer Singapore|language=en|doi=10.1007/978-981-13-6693-2_5|isbn=978-981-13-6692-5|access-date=2020-12-04|last2=Slade|first2=Gavin|s2cid=159320888}}</ref> The 2016 Human Rights Watch report commented that Kazakhstan "took few meaningful steps to tackle a worsening human rights record in 2015, maintaining a focus on economic development over political reform."<ref>[[Human Rights Watch]], [https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/kazakhstan World Report 2016: Kazakhstan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914160847/https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/kazakhstan |date=14 September 2016 }}, accessed September 2016.</ref> Some critics of the government have been [[COVID-19 misinformation#Efforts to combat misinformation|arrested]] for allegedly spreading [[false information]] about the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Kazakhstan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kazakh Opposition Activist Detained For 'Spreading False Information' |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-suraev-opposition-activist-detained-false-information-toqaev/30563253.html |work=Human Rights Watch |date=18 April 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232222/https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-suraev-opposition-activist-detained-false-information-toqaev/30563253.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Various police reforms, like creation of local police service and zero-tolerance policing, aimed at bringing police closer to local communities have not improved cooperation between policemen and ordinary citizens.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Slade|first1=Gavin|last2=Trochev|first2=Alexei|last3=Talgatova|first3=Malika|date=2020-12-02|title=The Limits of Authoritarian Modernisation: Zero Tolerance Policing in Kazakhstan|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09668136.2020.1844867|journal=Europe-Asia Studies|volume=73|language=en|pages=178–199|doi=10.1080/09668136.2020.1844867|s2cid=229420067|issn=0966-8136|access-date=4 December 2020|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119120806/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09668136.2020.1844867|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to a U.S. government report released in 2014, in Kazakhstan:

<blockquote><poem>The law does not require police to inform detainees that they have the [[right to an attorney]], and police did not do so. Human rights observers alleged that law enforcement officials dissuaded detainees from seeing an attorney, gathered evidence through preliminary questioning before a detainee's attorney arrived, and in some cases used corrupt defense attorneys to gather evidence. [...]<ref name="countryreport" />

The law does not adequately provide for an [[independent judiciary]]. The executive branch sharply limited judicial independence. Prosecutors enjoyed a quasi-judicial role and had the authority to suspend court decisions. Corruption was evident at every stage of the judicial process. Although judges were among the most highly paid government employees, lawyers and human rights monitors alleged that judges, prosecutors, and other officials solicited [[bribes]] in exchange for favorable rulings in the majority of criminal cases.<ref name="countryreport">[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2013&dlid=220395#wrapper "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013: Kazakhstan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618054438/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2013&dlid=220395#wrapper |date=18 June 2020 }}, released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Retrieved 1 November 2015.</ref></poem></blockquote>

Kazakhstan's global rank in the [[World Justice Project]]'s 2015 Rule of Law Index was 65 out of 102; the country scored well on "Order and Security" (global rank 32/102), and poorly on "Constraints on Government Powers" (global rank 93/102), "Open Government" (85/102) and "Fundamental Rights" (84/102, with a downward trend marking a deterioration in conditions).<ref name=WJP2015>{{cite web|title=Rule of Law Index 2015|url=http://data.worldjusticeproject.org/#groups/KAZ|website=World Justice Project|access-date=14 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429071718/http://data.worldjusticeproject.org/#groups/KAZ|archive-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>

The [[ABA Rule of Law Initiative]] of the American Bar Association has programs to train justice sector professionals in Kazakhstan.<ref name=ABArol>{{cite web |title=Rule of Law in Kazakhstan |url=http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan.html |publisher=American Bar Association |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225822/http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan.html |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=ABAback>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan Background |url=http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan/background.html |publisher=American Bar Association |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231239/http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan/background.html |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

Kazakhstan's Supreme Court has taken steps to modernise and to increase transparency and oversight over the country's legal system. With funding from the US Agency for International Development, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative began a new program in April 2012 to strengthen the independence and accountability of Kazakhstan's judiciary.<ref name=ABAjr>{{cite web|title=Judicial Reform|url=http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan/news.html|publisher=American Bar Association|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230348/http://www.americanbar.org/advocacy/rule_of_law/where_we_work/europe_eurasia/kazakhstan/news.html|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

In an effort to increase transparency in the criminal justice and court system, and improve human rights, Kazakhstan intended to digitise all investigative, prosecutorial and court records by 2018.<ref name="digitise">{{cite news|title=Kazakh criminal justice system to be digitised by 2018|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/11/kazakh-criminal-justice-system-to-be-digitised-by-2018/|agency=The Astana Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034931/https://astanatimes.com/2017/11/kazakh-criminal-justice-system-to-be-digitised-by-2018/|archive-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> Many criminal cases are closed before trial on the basis of reconciliation between the defendant and the victim because they simplify the work of the law-enforcement officers, release the defendant from punishment, and pay little regard to the victim's rights.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Trochev|first=Alexei|date=2017|title=Between Convictions and Reconciliations: Processing Criminal Cases in Kazakhstani Courts|url=https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/research/ILJ/upload/Trochev-final.pdf|journal=Cornell Journal of International Law|volume=50|pages=107–145|access-date=4 December 2020|archive-date=20 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720082506/https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/research/ILJ/upload/Trochev-final.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Homosexuality has been legal in Kazakhstan since 1997, although it is still socially unacceptable in most areas.<ref>{{cite book|title=Kazakhstan |date=7 September 2018 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides; Third edition |isbn=978-1-78477-092-1|page= 40 |author1=Paul Brummell }}</ref> Discrimination against [[LGBT rights in Kazakhstan|LGBT people]] in Kazakhstan is widespread.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan: LGBT Community Living in Fear |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/07/23/kazakhstan-lgbt-community-living-fear |work=Human Rights Watch |date=23 July 2015 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727005543/https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/07/23/kazakhstan-lgbt-community-living-fear |archive-date=27 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Life in the Closet: The LGBT Community in Central Asia |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/life-in-the-closet-the-lgbt-community-in-central-asia/ |work=The Diplomat |date=29 January 2019 |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802051901/https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/life-in-the-closet-the-lgbt-community-in-central-asia/ |archive-date=2 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>