AKIPRESS.COM - Remarking that the humanitarian initiative taken by Kazakhstan “safeguards the rights of vulnerable children and their mothers”, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, called on other States in the region to follow suit, UN News reports.

Highlighting the pivotal role of Kazakhstan, the UN rights expert said in the statement that the country “has illustrated that it is practical and realistic to bring out women and children, and that the remaining responsibility to do so lies with multiple States”.

The UN rights expert added that this step “shows much needed leadership on the critical global issue” but raised concerns regarding Kazakhstan’s national law covering terrorism and extremism which often targets civil society groups, and “called on the Government to allow them to carry out activities as protected by international law”.

She also underlined her deep concerns that “religious minorities were subject to persistent and harsh application of domestic terrorism law”.

“The use of extremism laws against political groups and critical voices is a worrisome practice and detracts from the genuine and much-needed work globally of addressing distinct and certain terrorism challenges as defined by international law,” Ms. Ní Aoláin added, after concluding an eight-day visit to the country.