IWPR and the PF «Wings of Liberty» concluded the “Kazakhstan Uncensored” project and summarized the results of two years of work.
The meeting was moderated by Roman Reimer, Program Administrator at the Public Foundation “Wings of Liberty.” The opening remarks were delivered by Maciej Madalinski, the Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan.He emphasized that one of the most significant achievements of the project was the establishment of a platform for collaboration between civil activists and journalists, as well as the implementation of information campaigns aimed at enhancing digital skills and creating a safer online environment.
«It is important to highlight that without your active participation, the democratic processes become weaker, and citizens’ rights and freedoms can remain at risk. Civil society is the one on the front line of these changes. Your efforts are already bearing fruit, and the project helped you expand your capabilities, deepen your knowledge, and form new connections that will strengthen your impact», he emphasized in his speech.
IWPR Project Manager Aziza Mukhametova presented the results of the project. According to her, the project included research on access to information and freedom of expression (published in three languages), the organization of six public engagement events in Astana and Almaty with a total of 133 participants, and the publication of 26 articles, four of which were featured in Forbes’ weekly review. To engage the audience, three comic series, an interactive game, a cybersecurity checklist, and a board game titled “Self-Censorship” were developed. The most active training participants took part in workshops, where they collaboratively designed seven information campaigns, four of which received funding and were successfully implemented.
During the panel discussion, participants addressed issues related to freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, the state of freedom of assembly, legislative barriers, and the findings of the conducted research. The panelists included Mikhail Komissarov, Director of the RSE “Center for Analysis and Information” under the Information Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Marzhan Baltabay, Project Manager of the “Wings of Liberty” Public Foundation; and Alina Levchenko-Sovemimo, representative of the “Legal Media Center.”
Mikhail Komissarov spoke about the activities of the structure he leads. Marzhan Baltabay shared the findings of a human rights report published last year, as well as the national report within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review. Alina Levchenko-Sovemimo highlighted the work of the “Legal Media Center” and discussed the state of freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, citing notable court cases involving journalists and editorial offices. To engage the audience, a Kahoot quiz was held, with winners receiving memorable prizes, and all participants were given branded water bottles.
The final stage of the event featured a unique self-censorship game developed as part of the project in collaboration with psychologist Irina Yusupova. Despite its shortened format, participants noted that the game helped them feel more confident and inspired them with new ideas.
The event served as a significant conclusion to the project, bringing together activists, journalists, and civil society representatives committed to continuing efforts to strengthen freedom of speech and digital rights in Kazakhstan.
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.