UN expert urges Kazakhstan to step up fight against slavery
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 27 March 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN expert urges Kazakhstan to step up fight against slavery, 27 March 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/534d30bd1b.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 27, 2014
By RFE/RL
Gulnara Shahinian welcomed changes to the legislation simplifying the process of issuance of work permits for migrants.
The United Nations special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has called on the Kazakh government to intensify its fight against all forms of slavery.
Gulnara Shahinian was speaking on March 27 at the end of an official visit to Kazakhstan to assess the initiatives taken by the government since 2012.
The independent expert was designated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report, and advise on slavery.
Shahinian urged the authorities "to urgently put in place enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to fully implement the new laws and policies" toward eliminating slavery in the country.
She welcomed changes to the legislation simplifying the process of issuance of work permits for migrants.
She also said children of migrant workers employed in accordance with migration laws are now allowed to attend school, with the same rights as all other children.
But Shahinian reiterated concerns on children's access to medical care.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
