From 30 January to 1 February, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana conducted a three-day workshop on digital rights and dialogue facilitation between State officials and civil society organizations. The event was carried out in co-operation with European Union Delegation in Kazakhstan, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' (OHCHR) Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA), and local NGOs "Erkindik Qanaty", "Human Rights Consulting Group", and "Civil Expertise".
It provided a platform for both relevant State bodies and civil society organizations to present and elucidate policies concerning the regulation of digital rights. Participants representing the Supreme Court, Ministry of Culture and Information, Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, digital rights experts and civil society organizations discussed topics related to personal data as property rights, utilization of civic technologies by vulnerable groups, Internet and media freedom, as well as gender aspects in personal data protection. The sides paid attention to the search for an added-value balance between increasing digitalization and international human rights standards. This unique platform created an opportunity for the exchange of diverse perspectives, fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders with different backgrounds and interests.
Increased digitalization underscores the paramount importance of enhancing resilience of society through safeguarding digital rights, foster innovation, and uphold democratic principles in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Throughout the event, interested civil society organizations, academia, business, media representatives, and digital rights experts, including lawyers, also had the opportunity to analyze challenges and exchange insights into the regulation of digital rights in Kazakhstan and other countries. Further, participants formulated recommendations as to privacy and personal data protection; Civic Tech and decision-making; media and Internet freedom for the interaction and co-operation between State bodies and civil society in this sphere.
The OSCE Programme Office in Astana remains committed to continue its efforts to foster dialogue between the State and civil society, and conduct capacity building in relevant spheres for government bodies and civil society in Kazakhstan.
