Kazakhstan, Astana, July 12 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
The UN has welcomed Kazakhstan's human rights initiatives, UNHCR head Navi Pillay said at a meeting with the Attorney General of the Republic Askhat Daulbaev today.
"We were very impressed by the steps taken by Kazakhstan in the field of human rights," Pillay said. "We are very encouraged by the idea of developing a national preventive mechanism against torture. We are ready to support other progressive initiatives aimed at protecting fundamental constitutional rights of citizens."
During the meeting, Kazakh Attorney General spoke about the specific steps taken in strengthening human rights protection guarantees.
Special attention during the meeting was paid to investigate the events in Zhanaozen, as well as to combat tortures.
Daulbaev informed the guest about the results of the investigation. He emphasized openness and transparency of the prosecution bodies while investigating the incident.
"The proceedings were opened," he said. "They were held in the presence of relatives of the defendants, advocates, international observers and representatives of public organizations and the media. A courtroom was equipped with surveillance cameras, microphones and
sound system. There were a screen and projector to view video data."
Touching upon the fight against torture, the Attorney General spoke about of the legislative and practical measures to combat torture. The interlocutors agreed that the investigative bodies and trial should not take into account the evidence and statements obtained as a result
of tortures. The detention conditions must meet international standards.
Navi Pillay expressed satisfaction with the dialogue and stressed that the main purpose of her visit is to establish closer cooperation in the field of human rights.