AKIPRESS.COM - A roundtable discussion as part of the National Dialogue series on access to special social services for victims of cruel treatment, including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, took place September 17 in Astana.

The event was co-organized by the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Mission of the International Organization for Migration in Kazakhstan with support from the US Embassy in Astana.

Some 50 representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Interior, Science and Education, Healthcare and Social Development and Justice Ministries as well as well as international and non-governmental organizations discussed a wide range of issues related to the implementation of the 2008 law on special social services. The law aims at assisting people who lose the ability to adapt socially as a result of cruel treatment. Particular attention was also given to the relevant law enforcement practice and challenges in providing assistance to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.

National and international experts from the Russian Federation and the United States shared experience and best practices in developing social standards and the provision of services to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. As a result of the discussions, participants developed a set of recommendations to the relevant state institutions aimed to amend current national legislation in line with international standards.

Tastemir Abishev, Secretary of the Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan said: “A victim-oriented approach is a key factor in the successful implementation of state policies. The National Commission strongly supports the idea of further developing legislation in order to protect victims by adopting social standards for the provision of social services.”

Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana said: “Kazakhstan’s current legislation focuses more on combating human trafficking and domestic violence, and to a lesser extent – on protecting the victims’ interests. It often leads to their re-victimization, further social exclusion and deprivation. Today's national dialogue is meant to co-ordinate the actions of government agencies, civil society and international organizations in order to succeed in promoting the relevant legislation.”

The event is part of the Centre’s long-term work in helping Kazakhstan to reform its legislation and practice with regard to combating domestic violence and trafficking in human beings.