President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is convinced that local authorities and community activists do not pay enough attention to domestic violence prevention. He also added that the situation is worsened by religious radicals. The president made this statement during the National Kurultai, a large gathering of public figures and officials aimed at discussing social and economic initiatives in Kazakhstan. This time, the Kurultai was held in Burabay, North Kazakhstan, while the three previous gatherings took place in Ulytau, Turkestan and Atyrau, respectively.
«Unfortunately, local authorities and social activists remain idle when it comes to preventing domestic violence. Even though this area is regulated by various documents, coordination remains insufficient. Therefore, I believe we should unify these efforts under the ‘Children of Kazakhstan’ program. To raise a progressive generation, child education and upbringing should always go hand in hand,» President Tokayev stated.
He also pointed out that Kazakhstan’s education system used to be focused primarily on schooling, while the topic of upbringing was pushed to the sidelines.
«This year, a comprehensive plan for child protection and the prevention of teenage suicide has been introduced. We have adopted measures to safeguard the rights of women and children. Psychological support centers for children were established in all regions last year. Important amendments have also been made to the national legislation,» the president said.
President Tokayev added that the situation has significantly improved since the adoption of a law on combating domestic violence.
«However, shameful incidents are still occurring in remote areas. The situation is worsened by citizens influenced by non-traditional religious movements,» he said.
Last April, the president signed the highly anticipated law on protecting women’s rights and children’s safety. Notably, after the brutal murder of Saltanat Nukenova and the ensuing public outcry, Kazakhstanis demanded that authorities criminalize domestic violence in the country.
