Saltanat Tursynbekova, a representative of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan, took part in the IV Samarkand Human Rights Forum on behalf of the Ombudsman. This year, it was dedicated to the theme "Environmental Challenges: The Future of Human Rights in a Changing World, Search for Sustainable Solutions".

The main objective of the Samarkand Forum is to discuss issues related to the impact of climate change on human rights. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from the best practices of the international community.

Delivering a speech at the session "Global Strategies and Cooperation for the Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change", Saltanat Tursynbekova drew the participants' attention to the fact that the destructive activities of mankind and inaction of states in the sphere of environmental protection lead to violations of human rights.

The representative of the Office HRC shared Kazakhstan's legislative and practical experience in this area. In particular, she noted the adoption of the Concept for the transition to a "green economy" and the Strategy for achieving carbon neutrality of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2060, the establishment of relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, as well as the introduction of ESG principles.

"All measures taken by the state are aimed at protecting the environment, but a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach is required, with the co-operation of all states in the region to overcome environmental problems," said Saltanat Tursynbekova.

The representative of the Office HRC voiced a number of proposals to improve the situation in the field of environmental protection. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen regional co-operation of all Central Asian countries, to direct investments in water-saving technologies, to take measures on transition to new, effective ways of economic management.

It is suggested to consider the introduction of regenerative agriculture in the regions and to provide for the issuance of state grants to promote this type of farming.

Governments of Central Asian countries need to develop effective interstate cooperation in the harmonisation of migration policy.

In addition, there is a need to monitor strategic documents through a human rights lens on a regular basis.