Information about rights and freedoms, as well as changes in legislation, does not always reach Kazakhstani citizens in an easily understandable format. Typically, it is published by experts using legal terms and phrases that are difficult for ordinary citizens to interpret. Therefore, there is a need for individuals who can process this information and create accessible content to raise citizens’ awareness of their rights and freedoms.
In this regard, a workshop was held in Almaty on March 14-15, 2024, to develop joint plans for information campaigns on digital rights and freedom of expression. The event was attended by 18 representatives of civil society and media from different regions of Kazakhstan. They divided into five thematic groups and developed joint plans for information campaigns, which may potentially be funded.
The event was organized by IWPR and the PF “Wings of Liberty” as part of the “Kazakhstan Uncensored” project, with financial support from the European Union.
Participants of the workshop had previously undergone training during seminars conducted as part of the “Kazakhstan Uncensored” project in the fall of 2023. The training program covered human rights in the context of freedom of expression, digital rights, physical and cyber security, censorship, and self-censorship.
As the next step in enhancing the capacity of civil society and media representatives, the first day of the workshop was dedicated to existing types of public campaigns and content creation. Furthermore, problems and key issues
in the field of digital rights and freedom of expression in Kazakhstan were identified.
On the second day, all participants were divided into groups where civil society representatives worked together with media representatives to create important and digestible content. The entire second day was devoted to group work, during which goals and objectives for information campaigns were set, target audiences identified, and budgets planned. At the end of the day, each group presented a prototype of their information campaigns, which they will later submit to IWPR for funding under the “Kazakhstan Uncensored” project.
Participants also emphasized the importance of collaborative work and digital rights protection in their feedback.
“Working in a team is very important, especially when it involves representatives from various sectors. Such collaboration helps strengthen media projects,” said Anna Purlis, an activist from Astana.
“Protection of personal data is currently of high priority. If people are not informed, the problem will not solve itself,” noted Meruert Utegenova from the NGO “Society of Disabled People ‘Markhabat.KZ'” in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
“The workshop achieved its goal, as participants were able to take several practical steps in preparing their applications and understanding future information campaigns,” said Maral Aitmagambetova, an independent expert and media trainer from Pavlodar.
