Statement of the Soros Foundation Kazakhstan with regard to the passed Law «On the protection of children from information harmful to their health and development»

In our view, the most recent amendments to this Law include norms which limit freedom of speech and expression as well as discriminate and discredit citizens on the basis of their sexual orientation.

The Republic of Kazakhstan has declared itself a democratic and constitutional state, which respects and guarantees human rights and freedoms and prohibits discrimination of its citizens on all grounds, including their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Soros Foundation Kazakhstan appeals to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as a guarantor of the Constitution and of human and civil rights and freedoms, with the request to reject this law and return it to the Parliament for further consultations with civil society organizations and revision.