Kazakhstan: UN appeals to exercise restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue

Mr. Dujarric confirmed several contacts between the UN and the authorities in Kazakhstan, including a call on Thursday morning between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia, Ms. Natalia Gherman, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin.

During these exchanges, appeals to exercise restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue to address the situation, were reiterated by the Special Representative, on behalf of the Secretary-General.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, also urged everyone, including security forces, protesters and others, to refrain from violence and to seek a peaceful resolution.

She called on the authorities to ensure Internet services, which are vital for emergency health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be “immediately and completely restored.”

Ms. Bachelet said it was now time to “take all steps” to make sure this dialogue happens and to respect and protect human rights during the state of emergency and beyond.