AKIPRESS.COM - The United States and Kazakhstan convened the 3rd High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms in Astana on May 20, the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan reports.

The U.S. delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya. The Kazakh delegation was led by Assistant to the President for External Affairs, Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan.

The parties underscored their commitment to advancing human rights at the meeting. The delegations discussed a range of key issues, including rule of law, protection of freedom of expression and religious beliefs, protection of members of vulnerable populations, disability rights and multilateral cooperation, including with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and C5+1 Platform.

The U.S. reaffirmed its support for the implementation of President Tokayev's reforms and commended Kazakhstan for progress made in the advancement of human rights including the passage of the April 2024 law recriminalizing domestic violence.

The U.S. delegation emphasized its view that Kazakhstan's reform efforts should be advanced with the participation of civil society partners for transparency and accountability, the Embassy notes.