30th Июнь 2025

Kazakhstan — Information for Consideration by Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its Pre-Sessional Working Group, July 2025

Submissions End sexual violence Europe and Central Asia

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Equality Now collaborated with the Public Foundation SVET, the Regional CSO Network to End Gender-based Violence and Harmful Practices  Ray of Light, and the Shyrak Association of Women with Disabilities to highlight detailed concerns regarding laws related to sexual violence and child and forced marriage, as well as procedures and practices that effectively deny access to justice for women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence and child and forced marriage in Kazakhstan.

What’s included in the submission?

  • The legislation in Kazakhstan lacks a consent-based definition of rape contrary to CEDAW standards. Marital rape is neither explicitly criminalized nor treated as an aggravating factor, leading to a lack of reporting and accountability. Moreover, the law does not treat all forms of rape as rape, reinforcing the myth that rape necessarily involves physical force.
  • Kazakhstan lacks a gender-sensitive and survivor-centred approach to investigating sexual violence, with significant barriers embedded in both law and practice. The justice system imposes burdensome evidentiary requirements, relying heavily on physical injuries and biological evidence, which are often absent in rape cases. Systemic shortcomings, combined with entrenched gender stereotypes and a lack of training among officials, contribute to widespread re-victimisation and impunity for perpetrators. These barriers are further exacerbated when the victim has a disability.
  • While Kazakhstan formally sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 for both girls and boys, exceptions in the law allow marriage from age 16 in cases of pregnancy or childbirth, effectively legalising child marriage under certain circumstances. This reinforces harmful gender norms and may legitimise coercive relationships. Additionally, forced marriage and abductions for forced marriage (“bride kidnapping’’) is not specifically criminalised. Existing legislation does not fully capture these practices and includes loopholes that enable impunity.
  • Kazakhstan lacks adequate support services for women and girls who survive sexual violence. There is an urgent need for comprehensive, accessible services across the country, including 24/7 hotlines, shelters, free legal aid, medical care, psychosocial counselling, and economic support. Existing crisis centres cover only 15% of the level recommended by international standards.

Who’s it for?

  • UN  Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
  • Law and policymakers
  • Legal professionals
  • Government institutions
  • NGOs
  • Media

Key recommendations

In view of the upcoming review of Kazakhstan’s sixth periodic report, and considering the persistent legislative and practical barriers to the realization of women’s and girls’ rights, particularly with regard to access to justice in cases of sexual violence and child and forced marriage, we respectfully request the Committee to include the following questions in its List of Issues to the State party regarding: 

  • Legislative framework on sexual violence
  • Access to justice and removing discriminatory barriers
  • Access to justice for women and girls with disabilities
  • Child and forced marriage
  • Training and capacity-building for justice and medical professionals

About

30 июня 2025

14 pages

Languages

EN

Classification

Submissions
End sexual violence
Europe and Central Asia
Kazakhstan

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