DRL Support for Freedom of Association in Kazakhstan

In his first State of the Nation address on September 2, 2019, President Tokayev introduced his goal to create a “listening state” more responsive to its citizens. Since that speech, the government of Kazakhstan has taken steps to allow greater opportunities for Kazakhstan’s civil society to engage the government and society. According to Freedom House’s 2020 ‘Nations in Transit’ report, Kazakhstan’s democracy score improved to 5.36 percent vis-à-vis the previous year (4.76 percent), particularly in the category of ‘Civil Society.’ Given these reform steps laid out by President Tokayev, DRL solicits proposals for projects to strengthen advocacy and networking capacity for civil society organizations advocating specifically on fundamental freedoms. DRL’s goal is to promote respect for, and strengthen the protection of, freedom of association in Kazakhstan and to ensure Kazakhstani citizens’ role in Tokayev’s “listening state” is well-represented by a strong, diverse, and sustainable coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) that are able to advocate effectively on their behalf to Kazakhstani government officials and to the wider society. DRL seeks to support efforts that (1) strengthen the ability of Kazakhstani civil society to advocate to the Government of Kazakhstan for increased protections of fundamental freedoms, and to explain to the wider society the importance of these freedoms, including the freedom of association; and (2) align the networks, connections, and talents of established and registered organizations with the interests, practices, and skills of nascent organizations share best practices on advocating for freedom of association to the government and wider population. DRL’s objective is to provide organizations with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to advocate effectively for citizens’ right to freely associate.