“Now is the time to make use of the reported openness and accommodating attitude of Kazakhstan to address concrete human rights violations,” – says Engesland.
The OSCE Summit on 1 and 2 December is the result of intensive negotiations by the Kazakhstani chairmanship.
Lack of substance
A summit has not taken place since the OSCE Summit in Istanbul in 1999, and the reasons for that are many. A summit gathers busy state leaders and requires a significant amount of resources in order to ensure substance and smooth running of operations. The efforts should result in a meaningful, well-prepared discussion and an outcome document that is of importance.
The substance of the 2010 Summit seem to be missing as it still not clear what the main purpose of the Summit is. However, there is no doubt that the Summit will be yet another lavish event the Kazakh chairmanship can tick off their list.
The lack of substance and responsibility is symptomatic not only for the preparations to the Summit, but also for the Kazakhstani Chairmanship as a whole.
Reduced space for civil society
Throughout the
year, the situation inside the country has become tougher regarding fundamental human rights. The playing field for civil society has been significantly reduced, not the least due to a large number of state-sponsored NGOs attending OSCE/ODIHR events with comments prepared by the state. Finally, statements by the Chairmanship clearly contradict the situation on the ground and create new challenges for civil society.
According to Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC), Norway must take the opportunity to address some of these contradictions as one of the participating states at the Summit. In particular, NHC urge Norway to:
– address the issues that are taking place on the ground rather than what is presented by the state while looking past Kazakhstan’s polished, well-articulated façade;
– raise concern that Kazakhstan as OSCE chair is allowing Turkmenistan to interfere with civil society participation;
– make use of the reported openness and accommodating attitude of the Chairmanship to address concrete human rights violations;
– reaffirm the respect for genuine NGOs and civil society that operate despite efforts by the government to control them by financial and coercive means;
– lead an initiative for a future evaluation of how the current Chairmanship implemented its commitments.
Parallel OSCE Civil Society Conference
Other important event took place in Astana on 28 and 29 November. It was the Parallel OSCE Civil Society Conference – an initiative by civil society activists from all over the OSCE region.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee was together with 20 other NGOs involved in organizing this event, which is a reaction to the weakening role of the civil society in cooperation with the OSCE. Approximately 100 activists from the OSCE region met in Astana to discuss the following issues:
– Strengthening implementation of the OSCE’s human dimension;
– Strengthening the OSCE’s ability to respond effectively to political and humanitarian crises, based on lessons learned;
– Strengthening OSCE institutions, mechanisms and relationship with civil society; and
– Preparing for civil society’s future engagement with the OSCE – for 2011
and beyond.
The event has taken place despite considerable efforts by the Kazakhstani government to hamper the planning process, and unfortunately several activists from Turkmenistan could not participate due to problems with obtaining a visa and threats of arrest upon arrival.
Read more on the Conference here.
HRH Oslo, based on Norwegian Helsinki Committee press release.
Related links:
Kazakhstan’s OSCE chairmanship: Kazakhstan must implement its Human Rights obligations
OSCE chair Kazakhstan ignores OSCE commitments
Human rights challenges in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani HR defender receives the 2010 Sakharov Award
Kazakhstan: Protests against court decision on Evgeniy Zhovtis
