A specialized workshop on strengthening victim protection safeguards and ensuring the effective implementation of restraining orders in cases of domestic violence was held today in Kosshy. The event was organized within the framework of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with technical support by the Academy of Law Enforcement Bodies under the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
© EU Del Astana
The workshop brought together law enforcement officials, legal practitioners, representatives of survivor support organizations, and international experts to examine challenges and share practical strategies for improving protection measures for victims of domestic violence in Kazakhstan.
Participants discussed legal and procedural mechanisms for issuing and enforcing restraining orders, the role of police and judicial actors in safeguarding victims, and best practices from EU member states on survivor-centered approaches to protection. Emphasis was placed on the need for coordinated, timely, and gender-sensitive interventions that prioritize the safety and dignity of those affected by domestic violence.
This workshop also reflects the Ministry’s prioritization of combating domestic violence, aligning with its ongoing “Kazakhstan without Violence” campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting behavioral change.
The event also highlighted the importance of monitoring compliance with restraining orders and ensuring that violations are met with effective legal consequences, in line with international human rights standards.
This initiative forms part of a broader EU-Kazakhstan cooperation agenda aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, improving access to justice, and promoting a safer, more equitable society
About EPCA:
The event was organized within the framework of the EU-funded project aiming to support the implementation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). The EPCA between the European Union and Kazakhstan serves as a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral ties across political, economic, and social sectors. It aims to support Kazakhstan's reform agenda by promoting good governance, human rights, and the rule of law, while also enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, education, and sustainable development. As the most advanced agreement the EU has with a Central Asian country, the EPCA reflects a shared commitment to stability, modernization, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.