Kazakhstan Uncensored

The research is focused on specific elements of current legislation and provisions related to digital rights and freedom of expression that impact the media and civil society in the context of censorship and self-censorship. Under the guidance of PF «Wings of Liberty», the research included:

1. Analytical review
2. Online surveys for media workers
3. In-depth interviews with experts on the specified topics
4. Closed group consultations following data analysis and report drafting through dialogue platforms.

The final report will be distributed in both Kazakh and Russian languages to ensure maximum engagement with the findings.

These activities are carried out with the aim of discussing and disseminating research results, as well as encouraging public participation and interaction in debates on freedom of expression and digital rights.

• On March 27, 2023, in Almaty, a press lunch was held to mark the project’s launch and to discuss the commencement of the research.
• On April 14, 2023, in Almaty, a workshop titled “Finding Ways for Strengthening Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights in Kazakhstan” took place.
• On July 18, 2023, a roundtable discussion was organized in Astana to discuss the preliminary research results.
• In 2024, there are plans to hold an Open Space Event in Almaty and Closing event in Astana.

For more detailed information about past events, you can find it in the “Events” tab. For details about upcoming events, please contact the project coordinator.

The first training took place in an online format on October 4 and 5, 2023, marking the first in a series of training sessions for the “Kazakhstan Uncensored” project.

The next stage involves offline training in two cities, Almaty (November 8-9, 2023), and Astana (November 17-18, 2023). Financial expenses for participants from other regions of Kazakhstan to cover their travel and accommodation during the training period are provided.

The training is intended for activists, journalists, bloggers, representatives of civil society, and media representatives from Kazakhstan. During the training, participants will learn about human rights in the context of freedom of expression and digital rights, censorship, and self-censorship. They will also be introduced to methods and behavioral models to ensure physical and technical security.

Among the participants of the training series, representatives who have demonstrated significant potential and skills for implementing programs related to freedom of expression and digital rights will be selected. During the 2-day workshop, participants will identify key priority issues where digital rights and freedom of expression pose a specific challenge in their communities or areas of work. The workshop will contribute to establishing long-term relationships among participants and focus on practical exercises that will enable participants to develop information campaign plans, identify key common ideas, and coordinate methods for future work.

Based on the plans developed during the workshop, selected CSOs will receive financial and technical support from IWPR to conduct campaigns aimed at raising public awareness about digital rights and freedom of expression. It is anticipated that up to 4 CSOs will receive support, and they will work in partnership with trained journalists, media professionals, and bloggers.

Materials and articles on the subject of digital rights, freedom of expression, and digital security.