The UN Special Rapporteur Kazakhstan 2026 visit highlighted serious human rights concerns, including discrimination, shrinking civic space, and pressure on LGBTQIA+ people.
The team of the Human Rights LGBTQIA+ Initiative REQUEST met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Mr. Surya Deva. The meeting took place during his official visit to Kazakhstan from 5 to 15 May 2026.
The team of the Human Rights LGBTQIA+ Initiative REQUEST met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Mr. Surya Deva, during his official visit to Kazakhstan from 5 to 15 May 2026.
UN Special Rapporteur Kazakhstan 2026 visit
UN Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They examine human rights issues and provide recommendations to States.
During his visit, Mr. Surya Deva met with state institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. He also collected information about barriers to equality, participation, and access to justice.
REQUEST used this opportunity to raise concerns about the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in Kazakhstan. We also shared information on civic space, discrimination, access to protection, and recent legal restrictions.
REQUEST’s input to the UN expert
REQUEST presented information based on our monitoring, legal analysis, and community-based work.
We focused on the lack of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in Kazakhstan. We also raised concerns about restrictions on public discussion of LGBTQIA+ issues and pressure on civil society.
In addition, REQUEST shared information about the impact of the law prohibiting so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation”. This law affects access to information, public education, and legal visibility for LGBTQIA+ people.
Key preliminary observations
After the visit, the Special Rapporteur presented his preliminary observations and recommendations.
He emphasized the need for Kazakhstan to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. He also expressed concern about the situation of LGBTQIA+ people.
The Special Rapporteur also noted other serious issues. These include shrinking civic space, restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, and pressure on journalists and NGOs.
Importantly, he addressed the law prohibiting “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation and paedophilia”. He noted that this law has intensified the persecution of LGBTQIA+ people. He also stated that combining these concepts in one law is problematic.
Why these findings matter for LGBTQIA+ rights
The UN Special Rapporteur Kazakhstan 2026 visit is important for REQUEST and for civil society.
First, it shows that LGBTQIA+ rights are part of the broader human rights agenda. They are not a separate or secondary issue.
Second, the preliminary observations confirm the need for stronger legal protection from discrimination.
Third, the findings show that vague and stigmatizing laws can harm access to information, safety, and civic participation.
Next steps after the UN visit
REQUEST thanks the Special Rapporteur for his attention to the human rights situation in Kazakhstan.
We also appreciate the opportunity to share the position of civil society during the official UN visit.
REQUEST remains in contact with the Special Rapporteur. We will continue to share information for his detailed report on the visit to Kazakhstan. The report will be presented at the 66th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September 2027.
Read the full preliminary observations by the UN Human Rights Office.
You can also learn more about REQUEST’s work on LGBTQIA+ human rights in Kazakhstan, read our reports, and follow our blog for further updates.