Legal Protection of Children in Kazakhstan: Problems and Challenges

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/lslr.v8i1.1220

Keywords:

Children's Rights, Legal Protection of Children, Legislation on Child Protection, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Law Enforcement

Abstract

Since Kazakhstan's independence in 1991, the nation's child protection legal framework has evolved through three distinct phases: inception, establishment, and initial development. This evolutionary journey has yielded significant progress in multiple facets of child protection, including the refinement of legislative aims; principles; and the conceptual and substantive aspects of child welfare. Notably, this progression encompasses enhanced measures in criminal, civil, and administrative justice for child protection, as well as improved mechanisms for the monitoring and execution of these laws. Central to this advancement is the embodiment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child's guiding principles: prioritizing the child's best interests, ensuring non-discrimination, respecting the child's opinions, and safeguarding rights fundamental to the child's survival and growth. These principles are now integral to Kazakhstan's pertinent legal instruments. Despite these strides, challenges persist in the realm of child legal protection in Kazakhstan.

Author Biographies

  • Gakku Rakhimova, Faculty of Law, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University

    Dr. Gakku Rakhimova, a Senior Lecturer at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, completed her doctoral program in 2021. In 2024, she defended her PhD dissertation in Jurisprudence at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Her research interests include analyzing international norms and standards in legal regulation of the educational system and children's rights protection, as well as developing legislative proposals related to the legal protection of childhood.

  • Zhanna Khamzina, Faculty of Law, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University

    Professor Zhanna Khamzina, a Doctor of Juridical Science, has published more than 250 scientific works, including nine monographs, five textbooks, and two study guides. She has a Scopus H-index of 18. In 2018, she received the 1st Scopus Award Ceremony prize for "Best Researcher in Social Sciences" and has been ranked among the top 50 university teachers in Kazakhstan annually from 2020 to 2024, according to the "National Ranking." She was honored with the "Best University Teacher – 2019" award and received a national science scholarship in 2022 for her outstanding contributions to the development of science and technology. She possesses over 27 years of experience in constitutional law, public administration law, and criminal law.

  • Nessibeli Kalkayeva, Faculty of Law, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University

    Associate Professor Nessibeli Kalkayeva, a Candidate of Juridical Science, defended her dissertation in 2008. She was named "Best University Teacher – 2022" and has a proven track record in conducting research in family and children's social rights, child protection, and promoting equal opportunities in the educational process.

  • Yermek Buribayev, Faculty of Law, Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, Taldy-Kurgan

    Professor Yermek Buribayev, a Doctor of Juridical Science, with more than 28 years of research experience, has a Scopus H-index of 18. He has published over 350 scientific works, including fourteen monographs and three study guides. He was recognized twice, in 2018 and 2019, by the international company Elsevier-Scopus as the best researcher in social sciences in Kazakhstan. In 2020, he received a national science scholarship for his significant contributions to science and was awarded the "Best University Teacher" by the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan in 2018. He has consistently been included in the top 50 university teachers in Kazakhstan from 2020 to 2024 by the "National Ranking of Kazakhstan."

  • Zhanel Sailibayeva, Faculty of Law, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University

    Associate Professor Zhanel Sailibayeva, a Candidate of Juridical Science, defended her dissertation in 2007. She serves as the Head of the Jurisprudence Department at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University and leads several research projects. Her research focuses on public administration of Kazakhstan's social sector, legislative processes, and the implementation of international commitments in the field of human social rights.

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Article ID

1220

Published

2024-09-28

How to Cite

Legal Protection of Children in Kazakhstan: Problems and Challenges. (2024). Lex Scientia Law Review, 8(1), 489-516. https://doi.org/10.15294/lslr.v8i1.1220