2957th Meeting, 101st Session, Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Human Rights Treaty Bodies
Date: 16 September 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/crc/2957
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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CRC · Chair [0:04]:

Good morning. I declare open the 2957th meeting of the 101st session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. This is the second meeting dedicated to the continuation of the review of the combined fifth to sixth periodic reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child of Kazakhstan. Welcome back to the delegation of Kazakhstan. You will have time during this meeting until 12:45 to finish answering the first round of questions and answer under the second round. There will be a short break at 11:30, but I will also open the floor for my colleagues for follow-up questions around 11:15. So, without further ado, I would like to give the floor to Her Excellency, Madam Minister, for the continuation of.


Kazakhstan · Minister / Head of Delegation [0:59]:

The dialogue. Good morning, Madam Chair, distinguished committee members. Today, we will continue to answer the questions from yesterday, and I would like to give the floor to the moderator.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [1:15]:

Good morning.


Kazakhstan · Minister / Head of Delegation [1:18]:

Good morning, Madam Chair, distinguished committee members. Allow me to answer your questions. Regarding the role of the committee in children protection, I give the floor to the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [1:33]:

Distinguished Chair, distinguished committee members, at the outset, I would like to specify that the Committee for Child Protection is a state body which is given powers under our legislation and exercises institutional coordination. It carries out regulatory and oversight functions. It is a republican institution and is funded from the national budget. And it has four main areas. It works beyond the education system to protect the population, foster care, guardianship, international adoption. and institutional cooperation. Furthermore, the committee is competent under the Hague Convention for the Protection of Children. Regarding within the Ministry of Education now, our ministry is responsible for children from preschool to secondary education, higher education, vocational education. and also responsible for protecting the rights of children. Therefore, this issue cannot be viewed outside the environment that the child attends every day, the home, the school, college, and inclusive education. This model allows us to have constant ongoing cooperation with education institutions, teachers, parents, foster bodies, local authorities, and other state bodies. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Minister / Head of Delegation [3:19]:

Regarding the collection of disaggregated data, the Ministry of Education will answer.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [3:26]:

Since the last review in Kazakhstan, there has been a significant increase in the quality and quantity of data on children. We have not one centralized database, but a broader system. We have data on education, healthcare. on children's health, social protection, disability, social services, alternative care, the migration bodies responsible for refugees, migrants, asylum seekers. These systems do not duplicate each other, but rather they exchange data amongst themselves. Each year, the National Bureau of Statistics draws together the main statistics in an open companion The section is called Children of Kazakhstan. The Children's Wellbeing Index allows us to compare the situation in all the regions, and all of this is openly accessible. Gaps in the data are investigated. Since 2024, there has been disaggregation by sex, age, region, urban or rural environment. level of well-being and other characteristics. And further data is provided for these. Since 2024, the Bureau has also assessed the quality and comparability of administrative data. The next stage, as you know, is the concept of the national, the framework for children. This involves various government bodies, and we plan to have a single online platform called Safe Kids. Our task now is not simply to collect large amounts of data, but rather to make them comparable and to see the situation of specific vulnerable groups of children, which may have been hidden in the average national indicator.


Kazakhstan · Minister / Head of Delegation [5:37]:

And now, In answer to the question on the role of the Commissioner, the Ministry of Education will answer.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [5:48]:

Yesterday, regarding this Commissioner and the legislation behind the Commissioner, there was a question about the Commissioner

being confirmed by the President each year. Each year they present a report.

On this, I would like to note that these reports have a practical impact. For instance, following the 2024 report, the President gave an order to continue preventive work against social risks and children's trauma and to enhance children's legal literacy. In 2026, the Head of State was provided results, with results, and on this base, 157 measures were adopted. These are in the Children of Kazakhstan concept. They were adopted by the Commissioner. And this allowed 79 problems to be identified, and specific measures were taken in state policy to address them. Other areas of work for the Commissioner include consideration of complaints. Just over the last three years, more than 15,000 complaints from adults and children have been considered. The Commissioner is free to deal with these. They may receive complaints about the fostering, guardianship authorities, police, etc.

In addition,

There is a monitoring of court cases which involve children. Response measures were taken in 294 cases over seven months in 2023, 407 in 2024, 641 in 2024, and so far this year, 411 cases. There is updating of cases that are behind, placing children in safe environments and ensuring that they are given the necessary assistance. For instance, after the intervention of the Commissioner, a case of cruel treatment in a foster family was identified and the child was moved to safe conditions. In another case of sexual assault over many years, An immediate stop was put to this following the intervention of the Commissioner.

The perpetrator was given a 10-year prison sentence.

The right to visit institutions is not only enshrined in law, but is something actively used in practice. Over the last three years, the national and regional commissioners have carried out more than 55 visits to 75 villages, and visited over 200 families. And they also answer anonymous questions and hold meetings. The national and territorial mandate of the Commissioner, the effectiveness of the institution are determined not by its

formal status, but in specific results for children.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [9:29]:

Regarding the question of deposition and children's justice in training for lawyers and prosecutors, the judicial administration will answer this


Kazakhstan · Representative, Judicial Administration [9:43]:

question. I will

briefly respond to the question from Mary Beloff on preventing repeat victimization of children who are victims of crimes. the main mechanism for depositing witness statements. The aim is to prevent children being exposed again to traumatic events. For over 10 years, the courts have considered 900 such depositions from children. 83% relates to sexual offences. The procedure is in the Criminal Procedural Code. There are open hearings held without audio recording and the child has access to the assistance of a psychologist. There are steps taken to prevent physical threats of violence to the witness. The legal practice serves as an example to protect children's sexual integrity, and this is valid for women as well. We take measures to protect children against psychologically traumatic impacts, and we continue our work. We have a standardized list of questions taking into account the age of the minor, so as to exclude any inappropriate or re-traumatizing questions, which may be interpreted incorrectly by the child

or distort their view of what had happened.

In the law enforcement, There are specialized women investigators to investigate sexualized violence against minors. Methodological recommendations have been developed for investigative practice. In the judicial academy, there are courses on this, and these take place no fewer than three times a year.

Over three years,

Eight seminars have been held, and many judges have gone through these. We are also developing our cooperation with UNICEF on cases of sexual violence against children. A working plan is being developed, and we plan to develop a specific curriculum with trainings for prosecutors and investigators on qualification and prosecution of sexual crimes. In February 26, a decree was adopted by the Supreme Court and it is in operation since March. It determines actions of a sexual nature, even without penetration, and these can fit the definition of the crime of sexual assault. And We do not take into account the moral appearance of the child or the relations. Also, it is an aggravating factor if the vulnerable situation is taken advantage of or if the child is under 16. There is a new definition relating to crimes for children under 16 years. In 2016, 2026, rather, there were 35 such cases. And this is not yet reflected in the statistics. Now, there are infrastructure issues, in my view. There are old builds, courts where new constructions are not possible. and the issue of financing for this is something we're addressing. Since 2023, the area of courts has been increased by about 40%. We have increased the number of courts in East Turkistan and Akmola region, and new courts are being built in Almaty region, and work is still ongoing.


CRC · Chair [14:11]:

Thank you. With


Kazakhstan · Representative, Judicial Administration [14:17]:

regards to questions on torture and cruel treatment and the optional protocols, the Prosecutor will answer, please.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Prosecutor General's Office [14:26]:

Good morning. Allow me to answer Ms. Mary Beloff's question about psychological assistance to children. This is fully in compliance with the law and the social guarantees available. Hospitalization of children takes place in accordance with the procedure in the law, only following medical expertise. There is possibility for oversight and complaints. There is prosecutor's oversight. Such organizations are isolated only if there is dangers identified. Article 146 of the Criminal Code lays down responsibility for cruel treatment and torture. Committing such actions against a minor carries the highest penalties. Taking into account the recommendations of the Committee from 2023, it is only the prosecutor's office that investigates such cases of torture. To ensure equality and swift investigation, there are instructions on investigating cases of torture in keeping with the Istanbul Protocol, with rules and an algorithm for registering cases of torture. There was a question from Ms. Idrissi on the Optional Protocol. We adopt comprehensive measures to identify and investigate crimes provided for under the Optional Protocol. to implement committee recommendations relating to child prostitution and child ***********. In 2024, we adopted a law to counteract trafficking in persons. Legislative changes have redefined the crime and closed loopholes for perpetrators and stepped up support for victims. In the criminal code, there is a consolidated understanding of crimes falling under human trafficking. These include abduction, false imprisonment, and involvement in prostitution. There is no possibility to evade responsibility through reconciliation of the parties. There are penalties for online exploitation, for providing sexual services of any kind, including on streaming platforms, et cetera. There is criminal responsibility for soliciting, for using services of prostitution involving a minor. And we are aware of the immigration aspect of this. Each year we develop a prevention plan against such crimes in residential institutions, there is information provided on the law. There is a code which offers an individual number allowing for monitoring of the child. Regarding extradition for transnational crimes, there are mechanisms under various international conventions Article 5 of the Optional Protocol allows states parties, if there is no extradition agreement between countries, to consider the issue independently. The extradition decision is adopted in keeping with the protocol. And on a mutual principle, we can have an exchange if the person is not a citizen of Kazakhstan. There can be extradition under the protocol and on a mutual basis.

Thank you.

In terms of the results of the assistance programs and the single window, I'd like to give the floor to the Minister of Education to respond to the question from Mary Berloff.


Kazakhstan · Minister of Education [18:47]:

We, on a systemic basis, are strengthening our assessment of the results of assistance for children or child maintenance and not just the provision of the service. Since June 2026, we have a single interministerial procedure. Every child victim within a single day is assigned a case manager and a situation is assessed and individual rehabilitation plans are set up, including medical, psychological, social, pedagogical and legal support. As a result of this support, the results are analysed by regional bodies and any necessary changes to the individual plans and practices are introduced, if necessary. This form of support is not curtailed once the child leaves an institution. The new rules directly mean that children who used to be in care institutions are considered to be due particular attention so as to prevent any re-victimization and it means that we do maintain support for the child. When introducing this new model, there is the child support cabinets for the child victims and this support is done with the help of UNICEF. We have trained 20 trainer mentors, and there are a number of psychologists who have also received formal training through these channels, and they will be fully equipped to work with these children, thanks to the training they've received. Regarding the questions on education and the Optional Protocol on Education, I'd like to respond now. The communications procedure protocol has meant that Kazakhstan has now paid particular attention to these matters, and the when there are violated rights measures are integrated into the educational process from early school to a subject on fundamental rights in middle school since 2024 as we said yesterday there are courses on the fundamentals of the Constitution and on law and order that are being introduced into the educational curricula a children study not just their own rights so as to recognize them but to know whom and where to turn to in order to seek help. Following ratification of the Protocol, we carried out a broad information campaign, including through our television channels, and all educational establishments received algorithms for informing children about how to used the communications procedure, around 200,000 classes have been provided to children on these topics, so as to enhance their rights and ensure they know the procedures, including at international level. There are also lessons on safety, and a particular emphasis has been placed on the skills of independent appeals for help from the children. We consider the protocol to be an integral part of the overall system of child protection. alongside of the hotline 111, our national mechanisms and legal remedies. There is an interministerial procedure for looking at communications, and this is in compliance with the UN bodies and their provisions. up to 2024, in our country we carried out training for the guardianship or custodianship bodies. And since 2026, in the context of the child policy framework, we have been carrying out parent meetings on a quarterly basis on matters of child safety. The question of using the provisions of the Optional Protocol are thus implemented. We have not actually received any communications through this protocol, but should any be submitted, they will of course be considered by the state in keeping with the obligations that our country took upon itself when ratifying it.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Prosecutor General's Office [22:57]:

The next question on international adoption, I'd like to give the floor to the Ministry of Education. Thank you.


Kazakhstan [23:05]:

I would like to respond to the question about international adoption. We would like to underscore that the existence of covert adoption in our legislation does not mean that the child is acquired in a covert way. Rather, the idea is to protect the child from disclosure of information to and by third parties and the potential of stigmatisation or interference in the family life and other negative consequences. information about the origin of the child themselves is not deleted or occulted in any way. Rather, it is registered in our civil registry services. So, we, in principle, protect the confidentiality of the adoption vis-a-vis third parties and, therefore, protect the right of the child to privacy, but also to know his or her own origin. There have been appeals from children who were adopted wishing to obtain information about their biological parents. Over the last three years, we have received 15 such requests from adults. In these cases, the children already knew that they had been adopted, so that information was disclosed to them by the families earlier on. Depending on the age, wish and psychological status of the child, and their best interests, and with the approval of the adoptive parents, the children were provided with information about their origin. In response to the question on support for children of parents who are in prison, I'd like to say that the children of parents who are incarcerated must not be forced to cut links with their parents. Therefore, we have three principles guiding our work: the protection of family ties, psychological support of the child, and not permitting the child stigmatization. The fact of the parents being being deprived of liberty does not automatically curtail the parental rights. If that is in the best interest of the child, then contact with the parents remains possible through visits, through telephone calls and other forms of contact foreseen by law. If one of the parents is in a place of deprivation of liberty, the child, as a rule, continues to live with their second parent or with relatives. If both parents are unable to care for the child, then the state bodies place the children in, first and foremost, a family environment through guardianship or custodianship. In 2025, there were 93 such children. Particular attention is given to the psychological state of these children. In Kazakhstan, we have centres for psychological support, and in schools, there are diagnoses that are provided and psychological support is provided. This makes it possible to detect any alarm or when a child is experiencing difficulty and to provide the child with support accordingly. The fact that a parent is deprived of their liberty should not per se be disclosed in the educational environment, and it cannot serve as a basis for any form of discrimination against the child. The work of psychologists in schools is done on a confidential basis, and the best interests of the child are always the top priority. Contact with the parents who have been convicted is permitted where such contact is safe for the child and in accordance with the child's will, in an age-appropriate fashion and in keeping with the child's maturity.

Regarding the SIM card, there was a question that I will respond to. regarding the child's SIM card.


CRC · Chair [27:04]:

May I ask to speak a little bit slowly for interpreters, it's an issue, and especially when you are pointing out the numbers. Yeah, so especially it's difficult, so please pronounce it a little bit slowly, and I would like to ask the members of the delegation the same. Thank you so much.


Kazakhstan · Minister of Education [27:30]:

Thank you for the comment. In 2023, the matter of the child SIM card was developed in Kazakhstan. The reason was that children start to use internet at a much earlier age than the age restrictions that are placed by social networks. And according to the Office of UNICEF in Kazakhstan, and along with the child's commissioners, we have a kids and the civic kids online, we found found that 60% of children aged 9 and 10 already have an account and 66% of children aged 11 to 12 have accounts. In 2025, in Almaty, with the support of the Office of the Prosecutor General, and network operators, we carried out the SIM Kids project. The card automatically restricts content, including any content related to suicide, drugs, gambling and 18+ content. Parents receive instruments for exercising control over the application, and they can constantly monitor the use by the child. It was considered to be a successful initiative, and after a pilot project, it was rolled out to users. Around 300,000 parents expressed interest in this project. Regarding age, the overall national education model is being formed, and so there is no formal legal age limit for this SIM card. Children aged over 7 are registered by the parents or their legal representatives. We are currently discussing age limits to access social networks for minors. In August this year, the President of our country ordered to scale up the mandatory children's SIM cards and, along with operators, the President's Office is currently developing the modalities for its roll-out at the national level. Our logic is to primarily control the digital environment surrounding children, but not the child themselves. Regarding the registration of births, I would like to give the floor to the Ministry of Justice.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Justice [30:04]:

Regarding the question asked by Susan Ahu, I'd like to say that in Kazakhstan, constant measures are undertaken to ensure universal registration of childbirths, regardless of their citizenship and the legal status of their parents. According to the Code on the Family and Marriage, birth is evidence of the child's birth, or there is a legal document that is provided through a court. In terms of the provision of state services in 2025, we complemented a rule whereby state registration of children who are born in medical establishments to mothers who are undocumented. Moreover, according to the law, we also have expanded the list of documents that can serve as a basis for registering a child's birth. The law of Kazakhstan up to 2025 was changed and this now foresees the possibility for undocumented mothers and parents to, within 50 hours of the birth, to apply for registration. The registration of children who are born outside of medical establishments to mothers without papers is also foreseen. We have a measure which means that the registration is done


CRC · Chair [31:24]:

Sorry to interrupt, but could you please slow down a little bit, says the chair.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Justice [31:30]:

Regarding child refugees and foreigners who are permanent or temporary residents in Kazakhstan, moreover, regarding the registration of children in villages and remote areas, we have a, the birth documentation is received by the akimat and this is then transferred to the central authorities and the birth certificate is issued. The decision is taken no later than three days, both in writing and also in digital format. In other words, for rural citizens, the possibility of registering the child's birth is possible through the Akimat, and it is not restricted to a purely digital format. They can also apply in writing.


Kazakhstan · Minister of Education [32:15]:

Thank you. Regarding the question about undocumented children attending school, I will respond myself, Minister of Education. In our country, this matter is regulated through legislation. There are two situations in particular. Firstly, if a child does not have documents about their earlier education, that is not an obstacle to them enrolling within an educational establishment. And the second example is when the child enrolls for the first time in school and the school determines the child's schooling level. If there is no document that is necessary for the identity of the child to be determined and the status to be determined, then according to our law, we look at, we give the migration status to the child. In other words, the parents are identified once the child is already enrolled in the school. Regarding the proactive investigation of cases of violence against children, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will respond.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Internal Affairs [33:20]:

Distinguished participants, yesterday, Madame Ferrante asked about proactive measures to detect cases of violence within the family. First of all, in Kazakhstan, we foresee the obligation of education staff and social services and medical workers to report any case brought to their attention of violence against a minor. Following their report, the state applies liability. And in all regions of our country, there are mobile groups to detect families in difficult life circumstances where domestic violence is relevant. And the group comprises social workers, pedagogues, doctors, and police officers. The main task of these mobile groups is the early detection of individuals and families who are in difficult situations in order to provide the necessary support to them. From the start of this year, 1,480 families have been identified as needing state support. They have 2,000 odd dependent children. Moreover, in order to ensure non possibility of violence against children, we broadly involve society as well. For this, NGOs on an annual basis and the government carry out actions on nonviolence within the family, 16 days of action against violence, attention for children, and others. Regarding the protection of children, we have organized more than 80,000 presentations through the media. It was more than 18,000 within the media this year alone. These measures make it possible to identify cases of violence against children, not relying only on the report from the minor themselves. This approach makes it possible to curtail in a timely way bad behaviour at an early stage and to reach out to the child before any more serious consequences come into play. As a result, the crimes against minors have fallen. Thank you. To the question about a mission to report violence against children by teachers and monitoring violence in the family, I would like to give the floor to the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Minister of Education [36:03]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I'd like to respond to Ms. Franti's question about the non-reporting by teachers. For us, this is a very significant issue. We proceed from the basis that the reputation of an educational establishment cannot be placed higher than the best interest of the child. Therefore, we are changing not only the liability, but the system of incentives itself since 2016 in the, uh, code of… of administrative offences, we have a new article foreseeing accountability for the head of an educational establishment for non-compliance with the procedure for reporting and responding to bullying or for failing to reply to, to respond to a report by a child. Also, we have an article which foresees liability for educational staff for failing to report children's rights violations. There are figures we can give you. In 2024, 348 individuals were held to account. In 2025, this was 247, and this year, there are 61. We understand that alone, this is not enough, which is why we are trying to eradicate the incentives that might lead to concealing these cases. And the article on bullying, for instance, We have removed the possibility for cases of bullying to lower the reputation or standing of the school. This helps encourage teachers to detect bullying at an early stage and to actually report it and protect the interests of the child. So our position is very clear on this matter. A detected case and a reported case does not undermine the school's reputation. The risk, rather, lies where schools fail to report cases. That is where the reputation would suffer. response to some other questions about deinstitutionalization, I'd like to say the following. The policy framework of children in Kazakhstan foresees a transformation of the system from 2026 to 2030. That is to say, over more or less five years, and we're in the midst of it. Our country is not only trying to close all institutions by that date. Our purpose is to ensure that Children are placed in residential facilities on an exceptional and temporary basis. The priority is to keep the child within the family environment, and this is done as soon as possible. In order to prevent institutionalisation, we have a centre for family support, which we told you about yesterday. If the child cannot remain within their biological family, then alternative mechanisms are professional foster families, for example. They have been in place since 1 July 2025. Moreover, family care does not necessarily mean that the services formerly provided in an institution are no longer provided. For a child placed in a professional foster family, we have maintained the necessary comprehensive psychological, medical and other forms of care. Moreover, the family themselves receive support too. Thus, we have changed the mindset behind the system. Earlier, a child had to enter an institution in order to receive a comprehensive set of services, but now the services follow the child to the family. Regarding monitoring of children within these families, yesterday we provided relatively detailed information, but I would like to complement that today. Children who are currently in alternative care and under guardianship are visited by the guardianship bodies no less than once every six months. Moreover, the Government directly foresees the right for the foster care family to be visited by the overarching care services without forewarning and experts who the family can talk directly to the child and get the child's view directly and identify any potential risks. All necessary standards and algorithms for these surveys are in place. For instance, in April and May 2026 alone, at our initiative, we looked at more than 15,000 children without any forenotice, and children who are at risk must necessarily see a decision for their case. There was a case of harsh treatment that was identified, and the foster care family was brought to accountability as a consequence.


CRC · Chair [40:58]:

Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [41:00]:

Regarding children with special educational needs, please, the Healthcare Ministry will answer.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Health [41:11]:

The main aspect in prevention is early detection, early diagnosis, prophylactic examination. And in all medical institutions in our country, in the 20 regions, we have dedicated units where the work of several cabinets is concentrated. Since 2024, we have a center for early detection and early intervention, the first in Kazakhstan. And this is a transformation of the Cabinet for Children's Development. We are stepping up monitoring work of coordinators on international standards, and we've had a visit from international expert from Turkey. Several thousand doctors were trained in early detection, and there are five types of screening for children to identify problems with development. There is also neonatal screening, screening for child development. We have a 60 to 90 percent coverage, and we intend to increase this to address any signs or symptoms appearing in children. The system is digitalized, and there is a register of women of reproductive age and pregnant women. We are integrating this with the children's register. All parents have the right to receive the electronic health passport for nursery and school. This is available without any bureaucratic red tape. So as to identify development problems in a timely fashion, we work from pregnancy, of course. About 90% of women receive outpatient care.

Before it was 85%.

Women are given prenatal screening free of charge, and this is widely available. This is for early identification of chromosome disorders. If anything is found, then if there are certain defects, this is referred to the section that will provide children with support. In each medical institution, There is a patient-oriented, family-based approach, and a group of specialists work with psychologists and social workers to ensure further support for children who might need it. In addition to this, to ensure observation of each child starting from pregnancy, there are two visits conducted, home visits, children up to the age of six. Each family receives home visits to identify any problems in the home so that corrective measures can be taken to address any problems in the family or problems the child faces. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [44:50]:

Yesterday, Ms. Al-Bawany asked us how children with special educational needs are able to study in normal schools. Now for this, allow me to give you detailed information. For Kazakhstan, development of inclusive education is part of the government reform to ensure equal opportunity and fairness for all children. This is fully in keeping with our country's international obligations, including under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which enshrines the rights of children with disabilities to have a fully fledged life and development, to be involved in employment and to have full social integration. Articles 28 and 29 view education not only as access to school, but also as the development of the personality and capabilities and talents of the child to the greatest extent possible. At the national level, we have a new constitution, the social code, the education code, the code on inclusive education, and in 2023, a law was adopted to enhance quality of life for persons with disabilities. Social and medical support is provided to children with disabilities, and there are also acts on inclusive education. In this way, international standards are built into our national education policy. We have more than 237,000 children with special education needs. This is 3.5% of pupils. About 90% of these are already served with specialized psychological and medical support. In secondary schools, about 138,000 children with special needs study. 121,000 of them study in normal schools with inclusive conditions, and a further 100,000 children study in specialized schools. Where necessary, the curriculum is adapted for the specific child. There are individualized curricula developed for children with intellectual disabilities.

We.

Have enhanced the infrastructure, allowing for more medical and psychological consultations with several consultation rooms, 99 specialized schools, 48 specialized daycare centers, several rehabilitation centers, and centers for autism disorders.

I would also like.

To note that this year, a new interagency comprehensive plan was drawn up for inclusive education for 2026 to 2030. The principle here is that we consider approaches and that we move to a single trajectory for the child. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and other government agencies come together from early detection and support to receiving of the education, to learning a profession, to independent life throughout the whole course. And all central government bodies are involved. For the curricula, for textbooks, we are stepping up government support. Thank you.


Speaker 30 [48:47]:

Regarding the questions from Mr. Keser, the Ministry of Health, please.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Health [48:57]:

as a regarding the questions on children's health on child mortality. As you know, we have seen a significant reduction in child and infant and mother mortality in keeping with the SDGs. And we stand out in our region. This is considered by the multi-cluster indicator survey, multi-indicator cluster survey, which allows us to see a reduction over recent years. According to the survey, the highest was in the north of Kazakhstan, the Zhezkazgan region. and the government is working in various areas to provide support to pregnant women and to modernize the infrastructure and to introduce modern technologies which have proven effect. We are also introducing several programs to improve quality of life, not just reduce child mortality for children with development disorders or with disabilities. Each region will need targeted support to reduce the rates, and especially in vulnerable regions and at the level of local settlements. Each region has its own health plan and reports to the government on its achievements. The Ministry also carries out constant monitoring visits and offers technical support in cooperation with UN agencies, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and also NGOs provide support as to charitable organizations.

We are the ninth biggest country in the world, and so we do have a varied climate.

Differences in economic status between urban and rural areas. To address the regional gap in mortality rates. Since the start of 2026. There have been various meetings with the public, with ministerial participation, including in the most vulnerable regions. including Karamganda region. And ultimately, all 20 regions are covered.

Where necessary, the specialists needed are brought in. There is monitoring.

And we monitor all the critical indicators for pregnant women and children. There can be telemedical consultations, remote consultations, and transport can be organized in severe situations. And there is free of charge assistance in perinatal centers and 15 children's hospitals.

Skill centers have been opened there.

Centers for maintaining hearing and sight and centers specialized in other areas. There is a regionalization program for perinatal centers and all high-risk groups of women are provided assistance from national level centers.

This is made available for remote areas as well.

Women in high-risk groups can visit outpatient centers. which also work with perinatal centers, and women can access these services free of charge. 4,000 women accessed such services last year. Regarding the next question on the share of pregnant women who are refugees or asylum seekers or stateless persons living permanently in Kazakhstan, Their rights are governed by legislation. They are guaranteed free of charge medical care on an equal footing with citizens. For temporary resident foreigners and migrants, the share of coverage by the state is determined by law. In accordance with the Code on Foreign Nationals and Persons Temporarily Resident, Asylum seekers are guaranteed free medical care for diseases which pose a threat to those around them.

The right to full coverage of preventive services, etc.

These depend on the residence permit. There is full access to the vaccine schedule for 21 infectious diseases. For 2025 to 2026, assistance was provided to 5,000 women of foreign nationality. This included obstetric and midwife care. But the data do not allow us to see the coverage differences between refugees and stateless persons.

We work to enhance midwife and gynecological care, and to do so on a free-of-charge basis.

Now, regarding vaccines, this is a priority. The national schedule has been drawn up according to international recommendations on immunization. These include 21 infectious diseases, and vaccination coverage has a budget of about $85 million, and around 3 million children are covered. We seek to increase the rates in target age groups in three regions of the country. there have been lower rates than desired.

And for these areas, Almaty, Pavlodar, and one other.

Specific decisions have been adopted, and a person has been appointed to oversee immunization. Vaccines are procured for children in accordance with the necessary quality standards. Each vaccine batch receives the necessary oversight according to law, and there is monitoring of side effects following vaccination. Work is under way to digitalise the vaccination system.

The vaccine schedule is widely available, including.

Online, allowing families to know the stages of vaccination, the potential side effects. And a great deal of work has been done to enhance the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of vaccines. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [57:15]:

Now the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [57:17]:

Answering the question on suicide.

In I would like to inform you that this is something we're working on in practice. In 2025, we unified psychological diagnosis and adopted 23 methodologies, and they've been reviewed.

There is a.

Single digital diagnosis system which allows all schools in the country to identify the risks of bullying and harassment. Currently, the Ministry of Education employs about 8,500 teachers, and social support services are widely provided. We draw a clear line between the competence of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. There's an inter-ministerial algorithm which identifies risks posed by children, and when they're extreme risks, then they are sent to a so-called green corridor without any delay. There was information on 180 children provided, and most of these children then saw an improvement in their situation.

We work closely with UNICEF.

And since the start of the new academic year.

There is a pilot project in the various, in five regions rather.

For early detection, social, emotional support, psychological corrective measures, and oversight by specialists.

The coverage is about 1.2 million pupils. And now some statistics, which you requested in 2025.

There were 195 cases, 190 children who lost their lives, 65 aged under 14. Broken down by sex, 136 were boys. Regarding suicide attempts, we see an opposite situation, more girls than boys. Most of the cases in the country occur in the southern regions, such as Turkistan, Zhambyl, the city of Almaty. The most vulnerable groups are boys in high school and girls in care. Mr. Ekesser, we do not consider this a resolved problem, and so we are moving our focus from responding to cases that have happened.

To early identification of risks, to constant assistance provided to children and in ensuring that everyone is held responsible in.

Government bodies.


Kazakhstan [1:00:26]:

Thank you. Regarding gambling and psychoactive substances, I'd like to give the floor to the Ministry of Culture and Information.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Culture and Information [1:00:32]:

Thank you. If I may, I'd like to begin with artificial intelligence. Yes, James Gladze asked a question. As you know, Kazakhstan is an absolute leader regarding digitalization, not just at the regional level, but indeed around in terms of the global level. Of 193 UN member states, we rank near the top in terms of digitalization. And therefore, I experience is exemplary and we're very grateful to the experts if you could actually mention us in that regard. What are we doing specifically? Well, we have two main laws that are relevant. The first one is about the dissemination of information that causes harm to the health and well-being of children. The second law is quite a new one and it's about artificial intelligence. It was adopted at the end of the year and it has this year has been declared by a president to be the year of artificial intelligence. The law contains three norms. First of all, the use of AI is prohibited for manipulation. This is article 17 and there's an article on the protection of the rights of the child in the use of AI. The second article which protects the use, the data of users, including children. And the third article, when using AI, the principle of the priority of the rights, safety and well-being of people has to be respected, and of course that includes children. Our legislation is such that we begin by creating a norm and then a year later there is liability that is incurred as well. So for the first year there are no prosecutions for violations, but our legislation does foresee a number of norms already in which we do take measures if there's bullying, cyber bullying for instance, or harassment, including with the use of artificial intelligence. So for instance, We have a fine of 10 monthly calculation indicators for the first use, and if there is a second offence, then the fine is increased threefold. And if the minor is harassed by another minor, then we involve the parents in liability. How does this work in practice? As the Ministry of Information, we carry out a monitoring of the information sphere. We have technical capabilities for that, and we detect deep fakes, we detect fake content. All of this is recorded, and we transmit it to the law enforcement bodies. At the same time, we get in touch with the administrators of the online platforms, and according to our law, all representatives online platforms must be registered in Kazakhstan, within our territory, and they remove that content, then we start legal proceedings in order to bring those responsible for these cases to account through the courts. Our next point is on gambling and the spread of drugs. Mr. Keser asked a question about this. Let me begin by saying that this is indeed one of our priorities. With regard to drugs, we have a standalone comprehensive plan which encompasses all the at-risk youth and child population. It covers all measures from prophylactics to the issues of liability and prosecution. The Kazakhstans experience here is very interesting as well. As you know, distinguished experts, The circulation of narcotics is something that happens a lot, for instance, through Telegram, the online platform, and that's a big problem. So what is Kazakhstan doing in that regard? Well, we have a decision which allows us to automatically detect narco shoppers on Telegram. The system is called Emergin, and we are carrying out alongside with the civil society stakeholders. So again, we are actively involving grassroots organizations in this. In 2025, we worked 12,000 units of content and blocked several thousand drug shoppers on the Telegram network alone. If you are interested, I can tell you more specifically how this works. With regard to our work in general on blocking or blocks, in 2026, we have blocked not just online platforms, but around 11,000 bits of content. So that is content which is deleted and cannot be returned. Regarding the mining industry, we also have measures in place here. There's an interesting decision. We have a system which is e-governance and members of families can block access to gambling for their children. That is done technically, so that, physically, the child cannot gamble online or in person, because the system will automatically recognise the child and reject them. What else are we doing? We are also trying to block that kind of content, along with our colleagues from law enforcement, from January to August 2026. We blocked around 6,000 websites, which were like online casinos, and we have blocked 23,877 links online, which are related to gambling and other such games. We only intend to step up our efforts in this field. Thank you.


Kazakhstan [1:06:34]:

Regarding child labour, now I'd like to give the floor to the Ministry of Labour.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Labour [1:06:40]:

I'd like to respond to the question posed by Mary Billoff about child labour and say that Kazakhstan is fighting forced child labour in cooperation with the International Labour Organization. We have ratified the main relevant conventions of the ILO, including that on the minimum legal working age and on the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour. At the national level, forced labour is prohibited by the labour code and our constitution. Our labour legislation also prohibits children from participating in hazardous or physically arduous work. If there are cases of children involved in such work, then criminal liability for the perpetrators ensues. We have a system of planned and unplanned visits and inspections, and there is also a complaint procedure in place. We work with 15 to 14-year-olds who can sometimes work with the agreement of their parents, as long as this does not inflict any harm to their health. The labour inspections, the police, the Office of the Prosecutor and the educational authorities are involved in monitoring this. We also ensure that we look very closely at the field of agriculture, their efforts to combat child exploitation in this field, and also we visit schools and take other monitoring measures. We covered a significant number of sites in 2025 and we have detected so far this year 1,500 cases of violations of children's rights in this field. A number of employers were brought to account and 500,000 dollars were issued as fines in total. There are penalties foreseen for lack of a labor contract, for non-payment of wages, for lack of occupational safety measures and others. awareness-raising measures about the rights of the child that are carried out in schools and about the legal minimum working age and access to work, and the same is done vis-a-vis employers. We have a single system for monitoring labour contracts, where employers have to report information about any conclusion of a labour contract with a minor. This makes it possible to verify the compliance of the contract with the age of the minor concerned and the content of the contract. Moreover, we are introducing digital monitoring, enabling us to monitor any cases of the presence of children in such workplaces. We are also monitoring the attendance at schools, so this can help us identify when children are not there and potentially identify the fact that they are working. The Ministry of Justice also has a coordinating council for detecting the worst forms of child labour, and employers, international organisations and non-governmental organisations are involved in this work. The council is not It is an independent body, but it also ensures proper coordination between the relevant stakeholders. Thank you very much.


Kazakhstan [1:09:52]:

Madam Chair, distinguished members of the committee, we have not been able to respond to all of your questions due to a lack of time, in particular on education, early marriage and, regarding the question on the rights of the child and the environment, to give the floor to the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [1:10:14]:

Yesterday, there was a question raised by Mr. Van Koesbuerck. We have an environmental and climate risks committee. It identifies the risks for children on their education and development. and life, and we have a code in the public health sphere and a social protection system in place to address this. We have the environmental code for a strategy for achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and a framework policy for shifting towards a green economy. This code foresees measures to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change. For schools, there are mandatory requirements for safety that are in place. There are also sanitary regulations, number 76 in particular, which sets out the requirements for water, heating, ventilation and sanitary conditions. Every child must have permanent access to safe drinking water. The use of dangerous buildings is not permitted, and there are also measures in place for children living in territories that are at high risk, including in the Aral Sea region and the area around the Semipalatinsk testing range. We also have social protection measures and compensation for harm to health in place. A separate work stream is protecting children in the event of natural disasters. This was also raised yesterday during the 2024 floods. More than 120,000 people were rescued and evacuated, including a large number of children. Following this, a list of settlements was established and a number of settlements, 122, were included. And we have carried out 765 anti-flood measures. We have operational units in place to ensure that they can be evacuation and medical and environmental help for the population, and it is very important to involve children themselves in these efforts. The law on the rights of the child provides for children to be allowed to participate in public life. In 2024-25, more than 4,000 clubs brought together a large number of children. In 2025, there was an environmental contest that involved the participation of 38,700 school pupils. We also have responsibility for corporate entities. That is enshrined in our environmental code. It is necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment of any project that might have an impact on the environment or people's health. There are no particular measures specific to children regarding the corporate responsibility, but the polluter pays principle applies, and polluters have an obligation to restore the environment and provide reparation for the harm inflicted. Our legislation thus foresees the risks and ensures that the child can have a clean environment protected during emergency situations and we protect them from and we provide reparation for any inflicted harm. Moreover, currently with UNICEF, we have the National Academy of the Ministry of Education, which is developing a standard for environmental education. By the end of this year, it will be adopted. Thank you very much.


CRC · Chair [1:13:51]:

Thank you very much for your very clear and structured answers. This is very much appreciated. Now, I would like to give the floor to the first maybe country task force for their follow-up questions. And the first speaker is Ms. Belov, I think, from the country task force.


CRC · Committee Expert · Mary Beloff [1:14:20]:

Good morning. Good morning to everybody. Good morning to the delegation in particular. I hope that you were able to not only work last night, but also rest. You have provided a huge number of responses and very detailed, and we're very much grateful for that. Yeah, there are some questions about the Protocol on the Participation of Children in Armed Conflict that have not yet been answered. Therefore, I would like to ask you whether you could clarify what specific provisions in your criminal code are currently truly applied to the recruitment of minors for participation in armed conflicts, in particular when these events are occurring abroad, not in Kazakhstan? We know that it is prohibited to recruit children in Kazakhstan, but what about the situation of children recruited abroad but who are of Kazakh citizenship? and, in particular, given that apparently there is no specific crime criminalising the recruitment of minors, do correct me if my information is inaccurate, but there was a question that was raised about age limits and the limits of, or rather the limits of extraterritorial jurisdiction. How can you guarantee that the recruitment of children resident abroad and the recruitment of children by Kazakh citizens of foreign children can be investigated and ultimately prosecuted? Finally, I would like to know how you determine which jurisdiction is competent in such cases. which are the authorities that can initiate an investigation when the facts occur abroad, and whether there are judicial co-operation mechanisms in place. I think that the Office of the Prosecutor provided some information, but that was more in relation to the other optional protocol. Finally, I would like to know whether you foresee adopting any measure regarding the gaps that may exist in your legislation so as to ensure that there are no legal impediments to the country complying with its obligations under this optional protocol. Thank you.


CRC · Chair [1:16:54]:

Thank you very much. Madam Tuwaiba Al-Barwani.


CRC · Committee Expert · Tuwaiba Al-Barwani [1:17:04]:

The delegation. Thank you very much again. I reiterate our gratitude for all the information that you have shared so far, and you have really informed us with a lot more than we expected, actually. I have three questions. One question is which I had not managed to ask you yesterday, and that is about children's rights in the business sector. And I wanted to know what the government is doing to ensure regular, transparent, detailed reporting on the impact of businesses on children's rights, including initiatives and partnerships aimed at promotion and protection of children's rights? And what are the measures that are taken to encourage further integration of family-friendly policies? I know you have, but further integration of these policies within their corporate strategies. So these are the questions that I should have asked yesterday. And I want a clarification on the question of appointment of regional commissioners. We asked you a question yesterday, but it's not clear to me who appoints these regional commissioners, the 20 who have been appointed from 2022. And then it's said in your reports and in your responses to your list of issues that these are done voluntary voluntarily and pro bono. Now, can you explain this to me? I mean, voluntarily, do they volunteer to do the job? And pro bono, do they don't get any kind of payment or compensation for the work they do? And how do you anticipate that these people will be actually committed to serve children in their regions? And how do you measure whether there is a real commitment when they cannot be paid and it's voluntary? That's the question that I I cannot understand. The third question that I wanted to is about inclusion. Sorry. I wanted to know the extent to which you measure the actual impact of your inclusive policies children with disability rather than just knowing I mean calculating the numbers that have been increased I want to know the impact and the extent to which children are learning better in in in schools where they are learning side by side with other children thank you very much thank you chair.


CRC · Chair [1:20:00]:

Thank you Mr. Alborvani next speaker is Mr. Benoit van Kierspeke.


CRC · Committee Expert · Benoit van Kierspeke [1:20:07]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the delegation. I have five questions. First, I would like to come back on the targeted social assistance, which is a this new policy which is in place quite recently, if I'm not mistaken, which really seems interesting and especially if we link it to your system to try to target, to identify the beneficiaries and that they don't have to ask for it, but they benefit from social benefits and protection. But still, we can see that several categories of person do not receive this targeted social assistance, or there are limitation or obstacles to benefit from it. And in particular, I would like to know about children with disabilities. It seems that you count the disability benefits that the family receive to calculate the benefits that the family could benefit from the system. Then, under-privileged persons, refugees and so on, they don't seem to be in the list of the beneficiaries of this. Single parents, pregnant women and so on, with this obligation to be employed, is it compatible to be employed and while you sometimes have the responsibility of a family? And then, how do you want to link this with the perspective of putting in place an integrated child sensitive and social protection model, which is broader. It's a big question, but an important one. Second one, adults and men may provide independent informed consent for medical intervention from the age of 16. And if I understand well, this was also a recommendation from the CEDAW, and you have lowered this age from 18 to 16. Still, what happened for children below the age of 16, in particular when it comes to questions related to sexual education or access to sexual services, including the right to abortion, which is legal in Kazakhstan, but for children under the age of 16, it may be difficult to ask for it in this case. Third, the introduction of voucher-based financing in the early education in Kazakhstan, it raises a lot of questions. It seems that very little number of people benefit from it. I have very little statistic, in particular for children with disabilities and some other children who have special needs. So that means that early education is not free in the country. free? Is there any plan to make it completely free for everyone? And do you know how much it would cost to guarantee early education for free for all in Kazakhstan? There is also a question concerning the Act on Religious Activities and Religious Association That is, how is it applicable for people under 18? How children under 18 can have their own choice when it comes to religious beliefs or choice of religion? And last one, it's a follow-up on corporate social responsibility. Do you have one example of a child who would have received compensation because of harm caused by a company? I thank you.


CRC · Chair [1:24:09]:

Thank you. Mr. Timothy Akesa.


CRC · Committee Expert · Timothy Akesa [1:24:13]:

Thank you very much, delegation. It seems you didn't sleep yesterday. Mine is just a follow-up of some of the questions I had asked. And we love the country for declaring this year the year of AI. I think you've done a lot on AI, blocked so many websites, links, and bad content. But I think our question yesterday was about what is driving the increase in the number of young people who are going online? What could be the driving force? We are looking more at prevention. How can we prevent that so that we don't have many young people going into deepfakes and other areas? Number two, I asked a question about minor parents. I did not get a response to the minor parents, especially who is the guardian of the 16-year-old or the child. I think I was expecting to get some response. And finally, on nutrition, I inquired about your new program of a free meal for children in school, which was supposed to commence in September. I don't know whether it is started or not yet. Just those three, Chair. Thank you.


CRC · Chair [1:25:28]:

Thank you very much. I have four more speakers on my list. Please be as brief as it is possible.

Ms. Ayub, please.


CRC · Committee Expert · Susan Ahu [1:25:44]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the delegation of Kazakhstan for all of your very clear answers.

I have two small follow-up questions.

You said.

That for access to education for children lacking identity documents, for instance, unaccompanied migrant children, you said that they need to wait on their migration status being granted before they can enter school. I was in contact with the State during the ratification process of OPIC, And you know that we concern a great deal of communications from migrant children. Now my question, the process for determining migration status, how much time does it take? Time is extremely important for a child because if this takes a lot of time, what is planned to.

Ensure the child's access to education.

My second question was on mental health. If I understood correctly, you take proactive measures, and you said that it's mainly girls and children in rural areas.

Who encounter the most mental health difficulties?

And so, of these proactive actions, do you plan to or have you already?

Looked into the reasons why there are so many mental health problems affecting girls and the rural environment. And thank you in advance.


CRC · Chair [1:27:30]:

Thank you very much. Mr. Philippe Joffe.


CRC · Committee Expert · Philippe Joffe [1:27:35]:

Thank you, Chair. Hello to the delegation. Two questions and a comment. You spoke about the medical coverage and you distinguish between residents and non-residents. in the provision of services. I'm not sure that respects Article 24 of the Convention, where health care should be the same for all children. If you could explain how many children are not receiving the full coverage and how much it would cost to cover for everyone. My second question has to do with telephone helplines. I see that you have indicated 111. If I'm well informed. There's also another phone line, 150. How do those and maybe others, how do they compete and complement each other? Thirdly, is the comment, thank you very much for the material. I found it was very bold to bring chocolate to Switzerland, but it is excellent. Thank you.


CRC · Chair [1:28:41]:

Thank you very much, and very important for children. Ms. Mariana Ionescu.


CRC · Committee Expert · Mariana Ionescu [1:28:51]:

I also want to thank very much the delegation for already provided information. I want to ask some clarification about children with disabilities. We know from provided statistics that you have around 115,000 children with disabilities. and it appears that the responsibility for services for those children is divided between different systems, education, social protection and health. Could you please clarify how many children with disabilities are currently living in residential institutions under each of these systems, and which authority has overall responsibility for protecting their rights? And in particular, how can children who have no personal phone, are not verbal, or have several intellectual or psychosocial disabilities make a complaint, a confidential complaint, and how many complaints from those children was already received, investigated, and what types of action you did based on this investigation? Thank you very much.


CRC · Chair [1:30:07]:

Thank you. And Ms. Mary Bilof again.


CRC · Committee Expert · Mary Beloff [1:30:12]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Two specific questions about juvenile justice. My first question is about the definition of children with deviant behavior in inverted commas. I'm not sure whether I missed something, but I have two related questions here. What is the definition, what do you mean by deviant behavior? And secondly, what are the criteria used for placing a child in an institution that implies deprivation of liberty? And this of course relates to children with deviant behavior. There's also a matter that's related to statistics and juvenile justice, still not fully clear about it. And it also relates to violence against children. What tends to happen in countries, Kazakhstan might be an exception, but it's that when legal definitions are improved, as Kazakhstan has done, when the definition of crimes is improved, generally reports tend to increase because there are more campaigns, there's better understanding of the offenses. But we see that in your country, the figures are very low for such reports or complaints. Do you have any explanation as to why that might be? Why, despite all these legal efforts, the number of reports remains very low? Thank you.


CRC · Chair [1:31:41]:

Thank you very much. And now we will have 15 minutes break. You can prepare yourself and come back. Dear colleagues, we continue. Please, Madam Minister, head of delegation.


Kazakhstan [1:46:56]:

Thank you. I thank the Chair of the Committee. We have prepared our responses, so I'd like to give the floor to our moderator, the Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [1:47:13]:

Regarding the question on children participating in armed conflicts, I will give the floor to the Office of the Prosecutor General.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Office of the Prosecutor General [1:47:27]:

I'd like to begin by saying that Kazakhstan does not participate in any armed conflicts, and we do not allow participation of children in them. Recruitment to armed groups, both terrorist and other groups that are parties to other conflicts abroad, and the involvement of minors is criminalised and is considered to be an aggravated crime, a very serious crime under our legislation, and it carries custodial sentences. Liability for such crimes is foreseen not only for the recruitment of children, but indeed for recruitment of Kazakh citizens full stop. And this is monitored by our law enforcement bodies. A case of a minor Kazakh child being involved in a conflict has not to date been registered. Moreover, we are working on preventing the indoctrination of our population in terrorist ideologies and extremism. and the recruitment of citizens abroad for participation in armed conflicts. Criminal prosecution of Kazakh citizens and foreign citizens for such crimes, if they are committed abroad or even in our country too, is carried out in accordance with the international treaties to which Kazakhstan is a party and which foresee legal or judicial assistance, which I mentioned, in particular on the basis of mutual legal assistance. We do not allow our citizens to take part in terrorist organizations abroad, but moreover, participation in armed conflicts in other countries in general is prohibited. Regarding the question of international recruitment, our legislation does not allow for dual liability. This is enshrined in our criminal code and in an article of our constitution. If a Kazakh citizen has committed a crime abroad, they can be held to account in Kazakhstan only if they have not been prosecuted in another country before. Moreover, they cannot be prosecuted under criminal legislation if the crime they committed abroad falls outside of criminal offenses in Kazakhstan? Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [1:49:52]:

In response to the question on the entrepreneurial sector, I'd like to respond myself. Following the previous recommendations made by the committee, we have significantly developed our legislative base regarding business responsibility. We have defined social responsibility for entrepreneurs, and this is directly enshrined in the entrepreneurial code. There is a chapter on the corporate social responsibility, especially as regards environmental protection, and it foresees the protection of the rights of workers and safe working conditions and the obligation of entrepreneurs to be environmentally friendly in their activities. We also have modern models in place, such as business and human rights models. We joined the guiding principles recently of the OECD for multinational corporations, and we have created a contact centre for businesses. It is an extrajudicial mechanism where legal persons and individuals can file complaints regarding companies who may not be complying with business responsibility obligations. According to NDP, we carried out our first survey on business and human rights, and we looked at the practices of 278 companies and 60 internet resources, and we have identified potential legal loopholes. We have also stepped up environmental regulation that is particularly significant for the mining sector. The new environmental code foresees mandatory environmental impact assessments for activities that could have a significant impact on the environment and on the health and living conditions of the population. The third point is a requirement for enhanced control and responsibility. In 2024 alone, the territorial department of the Ministry of the Environment carried out over 1,000 verification or inspections, to the tune of 2,400 administrative fines being handed out. this was 86 billion tenge that were issued in fines. We carried out 1,005 inspections in 2025 and there were 2,600 fines that were handed down. We also have measures in place to eradicate environmental damage and the obligation to carry out remedial work. If full restoration is not possible, then the consequences must be minimised and compensation must be provided. We also have legal and administrative measures and if there is a defence committed under criminal law then there must be legal remedies accessible for the parties who have suffered the damage. We also have sanitary protection zones in place for children where it is prohibited to establish residential buildings, children's establishments, pre-kindergarten and schools and things and we also have a risk assessment that must be carried out for any activities that could pose a threat to public health. There was a question about the ombudsperson. I'd like to underscore that the status of the principle of power is directly enshrined in the Child's Rights Act. All 20 regional commissioners are confirmed and agreed to by the children's rights commissioner themselves. They have regional competencies and they have their own office, the office leader as well as staff, and they carry out visits and work directly on the ground in the regions. However, the state guarantees, but there are no guaranteed state budgetary resources as of yet. This model is based on the national commissioner's system, the Child's Rights Commissioner. On inclusivity, I'd like to give the floor to the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [1:54:44]:

Thank you. Ms. Al-Bahwani asked about assessing the results of children in inclusive education and in mainstream education. Our legal basis is the Code on Education and the provisions for providing medical and other forms of care to children with disabilities and legislative changes that came into force in 2021 on the matter of inclusive education. Today in Kazakhstan, there are more than 237,000 children with special educational needs. Around 90% of these receive social and psychological support. The middle education system has 138,000 children with special medical needs currently enrolled, and out of them, 121,600 are in mainstream educational schools. They study on a par with other children, and There are 99 special schools where the other pupils study. There was also a question as to how we assess their school results. On a quarterly basis, we have a separate inclusive education centre which carries out methodology procedures for this process, and the National Academy of... There's a National Academy which also carries out an assessment of the results. In 2025, we have established a single standard for psychological and pedagogical support. And here, we'd like to underscore that what matters to us is not just the scope, but actually the results themselves. We want to make sure that we see results for every child and that we determine the necessary support on an individualized basis, and that there is a benchmarking that is done at the initial, mid-term, and final stages of their education. We also look at the emotional, behavioural and communication aspects. According to the assessment systems, we change the programmes or the tuition methods and the volume of support provided on a case-by-case basis. That is done by around 11,000 teachers. or specially trained teachers. We have also adopted an interministerial comprehensive plan for the development of inclusive education for 2026 to 2030. Here, we envisage developing early assistance and the preparational training of experts and support for the child up until they enter into a profession or find a job. This is very important to us. By 2030, the coverage of children in inclusive education should increase by 2030 from 35 to 60 percent and in terms of healthcare from 13 percent to 33 percent and on other indicators we intend to increase the score up to 70 percent so we intend to provide children with special needs on a par with other children. That is assessed not only by the number of children who are enrolled in mainstream schools, but mainly on the basis of how the children are learning and developing and whether they receive the necessary support. Can they then go on to enter a profession and live independently?


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [1:58:18]:

On the matter of targeted social support, I give the floor to the Minister for Labour and Social Protection.


Kazakhstan · Minister for Labour and Social Protection [1:58:27]:

Thank you. In response to what Mr. Van Keelsbick said, we are carrying out comprehensive work to enhance the social protection system aimed at increasing the principle of needs-based measures and helping families with children. Up to 2027, we intend to optimize 14 forms of social benefits that are linked to family well-being. We have a family road digital map, which helps us through system to comprehensively assess the economic and social status of the family, including income, property and other indicators. Following the assessment, families will be distributed into five categories. The new approach foresees for the exclusion of some social benefits to families that have a high income. The support for families in need, however, will be maintained. The digital family map will also make it possible to identify citizens in need of assistance and to begin the payment of social entitlements without them necessarily needing to apply for them. Targeted social support is already provided on the basis of needs of families, in particular for those families living below the poverty threshold. The assistance is provided today to 144,000 families, 140,000 of them involve children, that's 65%. Children with disabilities represent over 1,000 people. we have States disability benefits that are paid to children, but they are not taken into account when determining the overall economic status of a family for the other benefits. The right to targeted social protection is given to Kazakh citizens, but also migrants and stateless persons who are permanent residents in our country, as long as they meet the conditions set out in law. They need a document testifying to who their family members are. They receive, in addition to targeted social protection, children of preschool age receive 1.5 monthly calculation index benefits. We also, of course, have targeted support for employment. Support is provided to families who do not have a person who is able to work. We look at the family circumstances in which childcare or care for children with disabilities is a must, and we seek to provide the necessary conditions to enable families to increase their income and thereby get out of the difficult family circumstances they find themselves in. The targeted social protection system is not limited to the payment of entitlements. We have a family card, which allows for the determination of the needs of a family, and comprehensive support programmes, including support for employment, the provision of social services and rehabilitation support. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:01:38]:

In response to medical interference with children aged under 16, I'd like to give the floor to the Minister for Health.


Kazakhstan · Minister for Health [2:01:49]:

Regarding the consent of under-16s to medical procedures, our Government limits, does not limit access to reproductive health measures for under-16s. Our legislation forces for minors aged 11 to 18 access to confidential, comprehensive support on matters of reproductive and psychological health, including medical and psychosocial and legal services. To this end, our country has a 21 youth centres which offer medical services on a confidential and anonymous basis, as well as multidisciplinary teams of experts involving gynaecologists, urologists and social workers, amongst others. Access to these services is possible without them being referred by a healthcare specialist. This is foreseen by the relevant article in our relevant legal code on public health. ensure that children have the right to refuse any invasive medical procedure. And according to the code on minors, under-16s are allowed to give their informed consent. And this relates to prophylactic care and others. And there are surgical and abortion procedures require the consent of the parents. Moreover, article 116 of the Code contains a provision which means that medical professionals must seek the consent of the child and the parents for certain procedures. Reducing the age of independent information to 16 does not mean that we are lowering the age of independent consent for all measures to 16, in particular abortion. We retain special requirements for parents or the legal representatives to ensure that, in the event of early pregnancy, support is provided in a holistic way and on a confidential basis, and that consultations are offered confidentially. Pregnant minors have a right to free medical assistance pre-partum and post-partum, and this is done with the consent of the parents or their legal representative. Abortion is applicable when there is a danger to the mother's health, and 16 to 18-year-olds are entitled to provide their own independent consent to prophylactic assistance.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:04:33]:

Thank you for your assistance. Regarding nutrition and diets in schools and in extracurricular activities, I would like to give the floor to the Ministry of Education.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [2:04:45]:

Thank you. Today, there was a question from Mr. Timothy Akessa about free hot meals. In Kazakhstan, free hot meals are already provided to 1.6 million schools, out of which over 1 million in primary school and around 340,000 children are from vulnerable families in the higher grades. Free meals are provided to more than 99% of children from socially vulnerable categories. The procedure for organizing the meals is the competence of the Ministry of Education. Since 2018, there has been a decree in place and we have renewed through a decree from the 23rd of April 2025, these competencies. We have an updated standard on diet in school establishments, which was adopted through an order by the Ministry of Health with modifications for 2025 and 2026. The standard establishes requirements for the energy and nutritional contents of meals provided to children in an age-appropriate way. We have lowered sugar, salt and fat contents. We have increased the share of vegetables, fruits and other products that are vegetables. I would also like to talk about financing here in Kazakhstan. We have 12,000 preschool organisations with 1.2 million children. We have a comprehensive set of measures in place aimed at expanding access to preschool education and at raising the quality of this education. This is also free of charge. One of the main measures we have taken in order to expand the scope of our preschool system is the expansion of existing preschools and the creation of new places in kindergartens. We are also building new kindergartens and refurbishing existing ones and opening mini school centres. In urban areas, we have 5,000-odd kindergartens, and in rural areas, we have 6,400 preschool organisations with over 300,000 children enrolled there. Up to 2027, we intend to open thousand new places and we have introduced two thousand additional preschool organizations and opened two hundred thousand additional places which is 77 percent of the planned new places up to the end of 2027 we intend to open an additional 68 thousand new places regarding financing on the voucher-based model. Voucher financing is currently being carried out in a pilot project. This involves 20 cities and 23 districts, and it encompasses 6,000 preschools. The pilot will continue to the end of 2026. If it proves to be effective, we will then roll it out across the country. I'd also like to note that since the 1st of January 2027, there will be mandatory licensing of kindergartens in order to ensure harmonized requirements in terms of quality and safety. I thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:08:23]:

Regarding the law on religious activities, the Ministry of Culture and Information will answer, please.


Speaker 69 [2:08:33]:

Thank you. Regarding the law on religious activities, I would like to respond to a very important argument. As you know, under Article 11, paragraph 3 of our law, religious activity is separate from the state. And we have enshrined in law that everyone has the right to freedom of conscience and freedom of choice of religion. This, of course, extends to children. And so there are no restrictions on a child's choice of any faith or religion. From a legal perspective, there is no such restriction.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:09:23]:

Thank you. Mr. Van Kilsbeek, you had a question about whether there's been compensation to children in cases of violation of corporate social responsibility. Unfortunately, we do not have that information right now. or cases that were referred to the Committee on the Protection of Children. And so when we study this issue and if we identify such cases, we will provide this to you in writing, if that.

Would suit you.

Now, the next question on artificial intelligence, the Ministry of Culture and Information will answer. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Culture and Information [2:10:11]:

Mr. Ikessa raised a question about the use of AI and prevention. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that in Kazakhstan, we are transitioning from mere digital literacy for children to establishing a genuine digital culture for children. In her opening statement, our minister mentioned school subjects, and we have a new subject on digital literacy for artificial intelligence. for grades 1 to 4, and also IT classes for older children, where digital literacy is emphasized. This is very important work in our view, very important work that we are undertaking. In our observations, what we have seen, for children from 6 to 15, we saw that in 2020, the digital literacy rate among children was around 67%, but in 2025, it was about 87%. So we see that digital hygiene, digital literacy, rules of use of these technologies, including AI, that this is all bearing fruit. When we discussed yesterday restrictions on access by children to social networks, limiting it to the age of 16, our goal here is prevention. This is not a ban just for the sake of it. This is a preventive action to protect children. And so as to fully address the issue about our motives, I would like to quote the words of our president when he discussed these matters. And this is similar to what was said by the Director General in Geneva. Digital technologies, AI, and aggressive marketing have a deep impact on children's worldview. Psychological well-being and emotional stability and moral upbringing of the future generation, these have all become important factors in our security and sustainable development in our country. This is why there will be a ban on something rather we need to consider in Parliament is a ban on access to social media registration under the age of 16. So the aim is very much prevention and preventing children from accessing harmful content.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [2:12:53]:

Regarding guardianship of minors. Thank you, Mr. Kesa, for your question. Here what we need to understand when we're talking about minor parents, that there is a mechanism to protect both children, the parent who's a minor and the child born to them. The birth of a child is not a reason to stop education for the minor that is a parent. This parent continues to have the right to study in school or college. Where necessary, the educational process can be adapted, including through an individualized curriculum or under a flexible format provided for by law. At the same time, minor parents have access to information on reproductive and psychological health. We have youth health centers operational in our country and centers that provide psychological support. These issues are also included in the school curriculum, and the youth centres can provide medical, psychological, psychosocial and legal assistance. A question that you raised was on guardianship. According to our legislation, the Code on Marriage and Family, minor parents have the right to live with their child and to participate in bringing them up. At the age of 16, they can exercise parental rights independently. If the minor parent has not yet reached 16, then guardianship shifts and it is exercised by a person from their milieu. It might be an aunt, a grandmother, or an older brother or sister. They have guardianship of the child jointly with the minor parent. Being a minor parent itself is not a reason for separation from the child born to them. There have not been any cases recorded of this in our country. In the case of a family crisis, the guardianship authorities act immediately, as do family support centers. doing their utmost to keep the child in the family environment and for them to have a fully fledged, dignified life. The success of our approach is demonstrated as we focus on the right to continue in education and allowing them to fully exercise their parental responsibilities. Regarding the question on migration status, The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. I will answer first. Children's access to education is enshrined in national legislation. This is quite unequivocal. There are two cases. If there are no education documents, this is not a rejection of the child. The child is accepted into school and their level will be determined by a commission by the local authority. Following a decision on that, the school head teacher must accept them. And so the decision is made by a commission. And in the second case, if there is no registration, no registration documents, then a document confirming legitimate and legal status of residents also provided for under our legislation. This is issued under the migration legislation, and then the school is obliged to take on the child. The status of the parents or guardians and the child is determined as well. And so the child is protected and the right to education is ensured. Now, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, please, if you would continue.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection [2:17:19]:

On migration status, in accordance with the legislation of Kazakhstan, migration status is determined by the resident status of the migrant in our country. For refugee status, there is an application over three months. This status can be extended, but no longer than a year. It was noted that a child should not have to wait for final determination of migration status for education. They are given a temporary refugee certificate, which allows them to access education. All children, refugees and asylum seekers have the right to free of charge primary and secondary education. And so access to education is ensured at the same time as their migration status is being considered. Children with such a status who have not reached 18, number 93 of these, 28 are refugees, rather asylum seekers and 64 refugees. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:18:45]:

The Ministry of Health will answer a question. And then there was another question on medical assistance for residents and non-residents.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Health [2:18:58]:

In response to Mr. Kessy's question on psychological support for children, We are also concerned in Kazakhstan about issues relating to disability, including psychological disorders. We take measures for early detection. We provide medical assistance at several facilities. 90% of these are in rural areas.

We are actively implementing measures.

To set up early intervention centers and centers for child development screening, including to identify psychological disorders. Psychological assistance to children includes early detection and diagnosis and monitoring, medical and social rehabilitation, and the priority remains early detection. We have a Republican Center for Psychological Health, which provides medical and social assistance throughout the country. There are primary care centers, which are closer to the population, providing assistance locally. These centers treated about 10,000 children in a year. and some with psychiatric disorders. There was also treatment provided to 1,500 children. There are 93 pediatric psychologists, and work is underway to improve accessibility. There is remote and telemedicine provided. In the regions, there are medical departments that provide psychological and pedagogical support. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:21:15]:

Regarding the 111 centre, Ministry of Education, please.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Education [2:21:21]:

Thank you, Mr. Jaffa. Regarding your question on the 111 centre, I would like to explain that a few years ago in our country, we had a variety of hotlines. There was a national helpline and also regional ones, and it was very difficult for us to keep track of whether it was indeed children turning to the helpline and making sure that they were accessing qualified psychological help. And so in 2024, we took a decision to create a single state contact centre, the 111 centre. This is the only contact centre in the country, with its status enshrined in legislation. The employees of this centre are trained especially in telephone consultations, in providing psychological and legal support, and, what is most important, to us as a state is that in this center, we are able to track whether the child that contacted the center did indeed receive assistance. The employees of the 111 center also follow on, follow the child's further life a week later, two weeks later, they call the child, they call the legal guardians. They verify whether further problems have emerged and whether the child received the coordinated help. And so all schools, closed institutions, and parents and children, we have reoriented them towards just one number, 111. And civil society had their own helplines and the local authorities, we've asked them to refer all calls to the government contact center, and this is already a functional system. Thank you.


Kazakhstan · Chair of the Committee on the Protection of the Children [2:23:25]:

Regarding medical and social institutions, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection will answer.


Kazakhstan · Representative, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection [2:23:33]:

In response to Ms. Yanukovich on children resident in these institutions, I would like to tell you that in Kazakhstan, There are around 120,000 children with disabilities. We have 21 centers to provide specialized social services where children with disabilities are resident and they have nervous system disorders and motor disorders and others. Children are admitted to these organizations where they have orphan status or where they are left without parental care. However, to support the family and to ensure socialisation of children with disabilities, the legislation provides for the opportunity of temporary placement of a child in an organisation at the initiative of the parent or legal guardian. Before a child reaches the age of 18, under our legislation, the legal representative is the parent who protects their rights and legitimate interests and takes decisions in the best interests of the child. We are steadily developing our system to support the family and providing services to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to remain in the family environment and receive assistance in their home. They receive assistance not only in healthcare institutions, but they are also provided with the opportunity for home study. Now, on social protection of children living in these institutions. To protect the interests of children with disabilities, we have a comprehensive, multi-level approach. The national preventive mechanism is especially important. Its representatives carry out independent monitoring of closed institutions, including ones that are home to children with disabilities.

The main purpose of these.

Visits is to assess the living conditions of the children and to identify any cases of cruel treatment, torture, or any other violations. In 2025, the NPM visited 71 organizations providing medical support, including three children's ones. What is important is the opportunity for a child to report freely on any violation of their rights. We are ensuring monitoring of this. The local social protection authorities also provide specialised services. There were more than 500 verification visits in a year, and response measures were taken. It was found that more than 100 children's rights had been violated. There is also oversight of compliance with the law and with children's interests in boarding-style institutions. The Ministry of Education and Labour are involved here. We seek to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to stay in the family, and this approach is in keeping with our obligations under the CRC, ensuring equal access by children to rehabilitation services and other services.


Speaker 80 [2:27:13]:

In terms of the two questions relating to special needs schools and other issues, I'd like to refer to the Ministry of Education.

Thank you very much for Ms. Marabel's questions. Mary Bellof, that is. We would like to say that we need to distinguish three main aspects. First of all, the understanding of deviant behaviour itself. Under our new policy, we... have de facto moved from a stigmatising approach, where the child received the overall status of deviant behaviour. As of 2026, we have a new law on the prevention of offences, and we have introduced a completely different approach, which is pedagogical support for the minor who requires extra attention. pedagogical support is designed as a comprehensive, individualised form of support with social and psychological aspects in order to ensure early detection and timely support for the child. Particularly important to us is the fact that we have expanded not the category of children to whom restrictive measures may be applied, but rather the possibilities for identifying them at an early stage and supporting them through their early stages of development is optimised so as to try and get them back onto the right track. There are also measures in place to address homelessness and neglect among children and for children who have been victims of violence or harsh treatment or bullying and also children who have witnessed violence. It's very important to understand here that this is not a punishment, it's not placing children in the category of offenders and it's not a basis for depriving children of their liberty. Another important aspect is the placement of children in special organisations. Under our new act on the prevention of offences, we have five organisations in our country. They used to be called special organisations for children with defiant behaviour. They have now been renamed, and they are just special educational organisations. There are four of them and one special organization with a secure regime. Special organizations may receive children aged 11 to 18 who have committed administrative offenses on a regular basis, who of their own will leave their family on a repeated basis, who refuse to attend school, or who are showing other antisocial behavior and here it's very important to draw attention to the fact that the purpose of these organizations is not to punish they're not to be perceived as penitentiary establishments or anything these are really organizations that are under the education system and our task is to ensure education and resocialization rehabilitation of children through these organizations in our country we also have one organization which has a special regime, and this one is still under the Ministry of Education, that here the regime is linked to the fact that children have manifested a tendency to criminal offences. but have not yet reached the age of criminal liability, or there are individual cases of deprivation of liberty by a court, or criminal liability, or penalties for offences that have been imposed on the child. But that does not mean that the child is automatically institutionalised. There are two main tracks here, different mechanisms. And the third question you asked is to the legislation, and why is the number of reported offences relatively low, or complaints. The low number of reported offences cannot automatically be interpreted as a low level of violence. We therefore look not only at the criminal statistics, but indeed at the entire detection system that we have put in place in our country. We, over the last two days, have spoken a lot about the 111 contact centres and we've mentioned the fact that over 120,000 complaints or requests were received through the line and many of them were seeking information or consultations. So it's important to distinguish when there is a call for help from a child or where there's a risk that is detected as to there being a potential criminal or administrative offence. These are different indicators. And the fact that there's a call or an appeal does not necessarily mean that there is an offence. We are not trying to artificially lower the number of registered cases, but lowering the latency of violence and ensuring early detection of risks of violence. At a certain stage, we always look at the potential indicators which suggest that our children are becoming more, they're trusting the state more, they're turning to law enforcement bodies and they're actually reporting their problems much more than before. Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me for the remaining time to respond to the questions from Susan Ahu. that she asked yesterday about equal policy in education and the impact on children belonging to ethnic minorities. In Kazakhstan, the right to receive education in the mother tongue is enshrined in law. In practice, the possibility for tuition in ethnic minority languages is also provided. We have a national database And according to that, 71,000 children are studying in Uzbek, 14,000 in Uyghur, and in Tajik, around 3,000 pupils are studying. Tuition in Uzbek is organized by 108 schools, 62 for Uyghur, and 12 for Tajik language. Moreover, this is about schools as a whole, but also classes that offer tuition in several languages. For children, it is important to study the mother tongue and literature, and this is foreseen by educational curricula. There are textbooks that are provided and other educational material. Linguistic specificities are taken into account when looking at the results, and there are classes with Uzbek, Uyghur, or Tajik students. The students have to sit an exam on their mother language. when they take these courses and the results are harmonised for all children regardless of the language of tuition. So our language policy addresses two challenges in one go, preserving the opportunity for pupils to receive education and to study their mother tongue, ensuring the study of the state language as well and equal access to education. We believe that the language of tuition should not be the factor that determines the educational opportunities for children. It should not be a limiting factor in any way. It is important that children can discover their own culture and language, but also speak the state language and have equal opportunities to receive quality education and to continue language tuition regardless of their ethnic belonging.

We still have some time. Regarding small schools or ungraded schools, I'd like to give the floor to the Ministry of Education.

Thank you very much. Yesterday, there was a question about ungraded schools and how many children are there and to what degree is the quality of education monitored and what are the certificates. And there were also questions about AI in this regard. In Kazakhstan, there are 2,666 small ungraded schools and there are 185,000 pupils enrolled there and more than 49,000 teachers work there. When there's a lack of teachers, well, we looked at, we'd carried out an analysis and there were 4,500 teachers who are lacking, so to speak, for our small ungraded schools. Now, how are we addressing this dearth of teachers? Well, this year we are launching a project for introducing artificial intelligence in secondary education in Kazakhstan, and we are currently creating a specific platform for small ungraded schools where there are not enough teachers, and so students can receive education through these platforms. I'd also like to note that this year, we have carried out a lot of work to bring internet to these small schools. 2,600 schools are 100% covered by internet access now. Over 1,000 schools were provided internet through Starlink. this year we changed the uh content of the subject on informatics and we have in introduced 43 new themes on AI into that subject matter I'd also like to note that Preparing for exams in small schools is done through the platform and is complementary educational support. We have district schools that are. a sense, support schools for these ungraded schools so they can they provide lessons which cover the pupils who are at ungraded schools and we are currently working out how many pupils study subjects online through these platforms. We are in the process of preparing an assessment on a quarterly basis and we are also looking at the skills which are being developed through AI platforms. Moreover, we are preparing a policy framework as to how children should use artificial intelligence so as to use it in a way that is not harmful either to their health or to their education and the school environment we are working on a policy on the use of AI in education so this of course is a very complex issue and the start of this introduction we're finding that issues are cropping up and we're gradually resolving them as we go along thank you

we still have five minutes on early marriage a question was asked yesterday in Kazakhstan The general minimum age for marriage for men and women is 18. That is the law. There are exceptions that remain for certain cases. The age of marriage may be reduced by no more than two years and only in two cases. One is pregnancy or the birth of a shared child, with the consent of the minors themselves and their parents and guardians. There are no other grounds for early marriage that are foreseen by law. Historically, this norm came in as a protective mechanism so that early pregnancy or parenthood was not an issue for the health of the mother or the newborn, and also it was to ensure the protection of the right of the newborn to live and grow up in a family. This norm was therefore designed not as a general permission for early marriage, but as a protective mechanism when pregnancy or a shared child are already on the scene. Registering marriages in this case is allowed and is accompanied by additional support. There are mutual obligations that the spouses have to undertake in terms of their property and other family guarantees when entering into marriage. The woman, for instance, or the girl, has the right to keep the child. There is also a standard in place to protect not the marriage but the children involved, so the parents and the newborn, to live in a family environment. We are aware of the standard of 18 years of age without exception for the minimum legal age of marriage, and we are very much in favour of bringing our legislation into line with the convention. So, we are open to looking at whether we could provide the protections that are currently provided for through this exception without actually having that exception. We are looking at other ways to ensure that we can protect children aged under 18 from entering into marriage.


CRC · Chair [2:41:12]:

Thank you so much for all the answers. Once again, very clear answers have been provided. Now, according to our practice, we have to give the floor to the coordinator of the country task force. However, Mr. Benoit Van Kersplek has asked for one minute, something very important is missing. So just very briefly, please.


CRC · Committee Expert · Benoit van Kierspeke [2:41:42]:

Thank you. Very briefly, I noticed that we -- one specific theme that we have not yet addressed, and I understand that you will not have the time to answer now, but maybe in written. For children who identify themselves as being gay or lesbian, I recall that this is not an illness or a personal choice, but it's part of the nature and identity of one person. Conversion therapies are still practiced in the country. The committee considered it as a harmful practice. Are there plans to ban these practices of such therapies? For intersex, early medically unnecessary surgeries remain apparently prevalent. Are there plans to ban such intervention? And finally, under which conditions can someone who identify himself or herself as belonging to the other gender, can they change their legal gender? Thank you.


CRC · Chair [2:42:45]:

Now I would like to give the floor to Madam Tawwab Al-Barwani, please.


CRC · Country Task Force Coordinator · Tuwaiba Al-Barwani [2:42:55]:

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank you and your delegation for the information you generously, really generously shared, and the very positive attitude that you brought with you to this dialogue. We are encouraged by your dedication, commitment and enthusiasm to improve the well-being of all the children in your country. All the child-friendly laws, that you have enacted, frameworks and action plans that you have implemented since 2022 are indicative of the political will and commitment of your government. You did not shy away from the challenges that you confront, so we are certain that these challenges can be and will be addressed. As you know, the journey is long and we are reassured that you will reach your desired destination. Surely there's a lot to learn, a lot to reflect upon, and a lot more to be done as you move forward. New challenges always come. It is our hope that you will pay serious attention to our concluding observations and continue efforts to improve the well-being of children in your country. It is also our hope that you will pay special attention to aligning your enacted laws with the CRC, coordination at all levels and between sectors serving children, the elimination of violence in all settings, inclusion of children with disabilities, and care for children in difficult life situations. I thank you.


CRC · Chair [2:44:41]:

Thank you very much, Madame Tuwaiba. Now I would like to give the floor to the head of delegation, Her Excellency, Madame Minister.


Kazakhstan · Minister / Head of Delegation [2:44:52]:

Madam Chair, distinguished committee members, distinguished ambassador, representatives of NGOs, on behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to present Kazakhstan's achievements in the sphere of protection of the child. The President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Tokayev, pursues a systemic reform to enhance children's capital and.

Well-being, we affirm our.

Dedication to the purposes and principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its additional protocols. We intend to continue consistently strengthening the system for the protection of the rights and interests of children in our country. In this regard, the recommendations of the Committee made during the dialogue will be taken into account when enhancing our legislation and in law enforcement practice. For instance, we plan to continue to enhance the national Kazakhstan children's strategy. What is important to us is genuine change in life conditions for children. We express our thanks to the Committee members for the comprehensive and constructive dialogue and also the valuable and practical recommendations and suggestions. We view these not only as an important tool for further enhancing our policy to protect the rights of the child, but also as an opportunity to assess objectively the results we have achieved, to identify remaining challenges and priority areas for further work. In conclusion, allow me to express our gratitude to all international partners and organizations for their work to protect the rights of the child in Kazakhstan. We stand ready to engage in further constructive cooperation with the Committee, with international partners and civil society, and also to adopt the necessary measures to enhance our national system to protect the rights of the child. I thank you.


CRC · Chair [2:46:56]:

Thank you very much, Madam Minister, Your Excellency, Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador, distinguished members of the delegation. It was really a pleasure to have this two days conversation with you. I must say, and join my colleagues, that your answers were very clear and once again, very well structured, which gave us much more deeper understanding about your reforms, but also about the challenges. So, in this regard, I think it's very important that you see these challenges and see that more can be done and should be done for children in order to ensure that all the children in Kazakhstan are well protected and all their rights are realized. We fully understand that it is not an easy task. The realization of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is very difficult, especially on the ground for those who are working on the ground for children. But the aim is to realize the Convention 100% for all the States. And we hope very much that after our concluding observations, which we think will be suited to the interests, best interests of the, for the children of Kazakhstan. They will be fulfilled for the next time when the delegation of Kazakhstan will come again to the CRC and you will be able to show a lot of progress. I'm personally very much impressed, especially how you deal with digitalization and artificial intelligence. I'm working on this issue in a very detailed manner and I see a lot of things what I have not seen for other countries. So I'd like to commend you for this work especially, but also to say that it needs a lot of safeguards for children. So you try to use opportunities, but also there are huge risks which needs to be taken into account very seriously. Once again, thank you very much. You will have 48 hours to reply also in written form for those questions you could not provide answers on. And please convey our warmest regard to all children of Kazakhstan and have a safe trip back. Thank you very much.