To assess the current situation of freedom of expression and digital rights in Kazakhstan, IWPR, along with the partner organization PF “Wings of Liberty” is conducting research on existing legislation, international standards, censorship, and information accessibility.
The preliminary research results were presented on July 18, 2023, in Astana during a roundtable. The event was attended by journalists, activists, experts, and human rights defenders, as well as representatives from government bodies and international organizations.
The moderator of the event was Elena Shvetsova, the executive director of PF “Wings of Liberty”.
Representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation, and Gulnara Dussupova, program manager, extended their greetings. “Freedom of expression underpins and guarantees other human rights, such as the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion” – Johannes Baur emphasized in his speech. “We believe that strengthened collaboration between civil society organizations and government authorities contribute to increased transparency in decision-making to the benefit of people in Kazakhstan” – he added.
The project coordinator of IWPR in Kazakhstan, Aziza Mukhametova, presented the project’s main goal, which is to promote and protect freedom of expression in Kazakhstan and provide the population with access to more reliable and high-quality information about their rights and digital security. The project aims to complete the research within the next eighteen months and disseminate its results in Kazakh, Russian, and English languages for broader coverage. Additionally, the project includes plans for conducting a series of training and workshops for journalists and civil society representatives, roundtable discussions, Open Space events, and informational campaigns.
Roman Reimer, co-founder of PF “Wings of Liberty” presented the preliminary research results. He talked about the research methodology, which included:
- An analytical review of the current national legislation concerning digital rights and freedom of expression, including a comparative analysis of international standards.
- An online survey among media representatives, bloggers, and other interested parties affected by media laws – 196 responders.
- Expert interviews with human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists, including chief editors of media outlets, bloggers, and civil activists – 19 interviews.
- Closed group consultations through dialogue platforms, including a previously held press lunch in Almaty, and the current roundtable discussion.
During the presentation, the sociological part of the research results was presented, including diagrams showing aspects such as respondents’ awareness of the legislation and international standards concerning freedom of expression and digital rights, evaluation of the situation regarding freedom of expression, censorship, self-censorship, trust in various sources of information, representation of women in media personnel, and other issues. Expert opinions on these topics obtained during the interviews were also included.
“I think Kazakhstani journalism is feminine in general. It is believed that this profession is for women. Because it is not a secret that it is not well-paid.” – quote from the research presentation mentioned a lawyer and human rights defender.
A significant part of the presentation focused on legislative initiatives that are currently actively discussed and concern all media representatives and civil activists. These include Kazakhstan’s information Doctrine and the draft laws “On Mass Media” and “On Online Platforms and Online Advertising”.
“It is crucial for us that the laws that are being adopted are relevant, do not allow censorship, and do not restrict the activities of the media. We have to live with these laws, and that’s what concerns us!”- emphasized Elena Shvetsova.
During the roundtable discussion, participants expressed their opinions about the research presentation, and the project itself, and provided recommendations. Representatives of government bodies also answered questions from the participants of the roundtable and provided their recommendations regarding the research.
Concerns were raised about the following:
- The draft law “On Mass Media,” which has already seen amendments, but still contains aspects that worry citizens and could lead to censorship and information access restrictions.
- The presence of Russian propaganda on many TV channels and social media platforms. Participants suggested not banning Russian news as it would also be considered censorship, but instead, they proposed providing independent media with more opportunities to develop and present alternative perspectives.
- The lack of proper internet access or its absence in rural areas.
Participants also highlighted the lack of knowledge among people about digital rights, making the project highly relevant at the moment.
This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IWPR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.