Almaty hosted human rights trainings for CSOs and local government offices

During 8-9 June 2015, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) conducted thematic human rights trainings within the framework of the project “Empowering South Kazakhstan CSOs to promote human rights reforms” supported by the European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan.

The trainings aimed to increase professionalism and enhance the potential of a local CSO network and government representatives in protection and promotion of South Kazakhstan vulnerable citizens’ rights. Training targeted four groups: people with disabilities, women and children, children and youth deprived of parental care and youth concerning employment and reproductive health.

Trainings covered the following topics: legislation related to target groups and general human rights legislation, case studies of human rights violations and protection mechanisms, simulations aimed at developing practical legal assistance skills, team-learning.

Training participants included 46 CSO members (directors and program coordinators) and 16 government officials representing four regions in South Kazakhstan (Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda and South Kazakhstan).

The trainings were conducted by NGOs “Sana Sezim,” “Taldykorgan Human Rights Center,” Association for Women with Disabilities “Shyrak,” and “Women’s League of Creative Initiative.” Each training organization developed a practical “Legal Assistance Manual” regarding each target group, and included a summary of legislation based on ‘real-life’ examples and step-by-step advice for rendering effective legal assistance.

Human Rights Trainings are expected to improve CSO network expertise on targeted human rights issues, allowing them to better meet community needs and improve the quality and relevance of services offered to members of vulnerable groups.